Frequently Asked Questions

Find comprehensive answers to frequently asked questions about our industrial automation products including soft starters, installation procedures, technical specifications, applications, maintenance, and warranty information.

Last updated: August 27, 2025

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A soft starter is an electronic device used to control the acceleration of an electric motor during start-up. It reduces the inrush current that occurs when a motor starts directly across the line, which helps to protect mechanical systems from shock and reduces electrical stress on the motor and power supply. Soft starters typically use solid-state devices like thyristors to gradually increase voltage to the motor, providing a smooth ramp-up to full speed.

Soft starters offer several key advantages over direct-on-line starters: reduced mechanical wear on motors and connected equipment, lower electrical stress on power systems, elimination of high starting currents that can cause voltage dips, and controlled acceleration/deceleration profiles. They also provide additional features like overload protection, phase imbalance detection, and stall protection that aren't typically available with direct starters.

When selecting a soft starter, consider the motor power rating, voltage and current specifications, starting torque requirements of your application, duty cycle, ambient temperature conditions, enclosure type (NEMA rating), available control signals, and any special features required such as bypass contactors, communication protocols, or integrated motor protection.

Proper installation involves: ensuring the soft starter is adequately sized for the motor, following the manufacturer's wiring diagrams for power and control circuits, providing proper grounding, ensuring appropriate wire sizing and protection devices, maintaining proper clearance for cooling, and following all safety procedures including lockout/tagout during installation. Always refer to the specific installation manual for your soft starter model.

Current limit starting restricts the maximum current drawn by the motor during acceleration, which can be useful for applications with weak power supplies or where mechanical stress must be minimized. Voltage ramp starting gradually increases the voltage supplied to the motor over a set time period, providing a more linear acceleration profile. Some soft starters offer both methods or allow you to combine features of each.

While some soft starters include built-in reversing contactors, most standard soft starters are designed for use with a single direction of rotation. For reversing applications, an external reversing contactor setup is typically required, with the soft starter controlling acceleration and deceleration in both directions. Always consult the manufacturer's documentation to confirm compatibility with reversing applications.

The lifespan of a soft starter depends on several factors including operating conditions, duty cycle, ambient temperature, and proper maintenance. Under normal operating conditions and with proper ventilation, a soft starter can last 10-15 years or more. The thyristors, which are the main power components, typically have a very long operational life if not subjected to excessive thermal cycling or voltage transients.

Recommended maintenance includes: periodic inspection for dust accumulation (which should be cleaned if necessary), checking cooling fans (if equipped), verifying tightness of electrical connections, testing control and protection functions, and monitoring temperature rise during operation. Always follow the manufacturer's specific maintenance guidelines for your model.

Our standard warranty coverage for soft starters is 24 months from the date of installation or 30 months from the date of shipment, whichever comes first. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions. Extended warranty options are available for certain applications and industries.

To obtain warranty service, contact our customer support team with your product model number, serial number, and a description of the issue. We may provide troubleshooting assistance over the phone, or in some cases, arrange for repair or replacement of the unit. Proof of purchase and installation date may be required to verify warranty coverage.