Product Overview

The Schneider ATS01N125FT Soft Starter for Asynchronous Motor is a compact motor control device designed to provide smoother starting for asynchronous motors. It is intended for applications where a conventional direct-on-line start may create excessive starting current, sudden torque, or unnecessary mechanical stress.

During a direct motor start, the motor can draw a high current from the electrical supply while producing a rapid increase in torque. For equipment such as pumps, fans, conveyors, and belt-driven machinery, this sudden response can place additional stress on the motor and connected mechanical components.

The ATS01N125FT addresses this issue by controlling the voltage applied to the motor during startup. Instead of applying the full supply voltage immediately, the soft starter allows the motor to accelerate progressively toward normal operating speed.

The unit belongs to the Schneider Altistart 01 soft starter family and is intended for straightforward motor starting applications where controlled acceleration is required without the continuous speed regulation provided by a variable frequency drive.

With dimensions of 124 × 45 × 131 mm and a stated weight of 0.35 kg, the ATS01N125FT has a compact footprint that can be useful in control cabinets where available installation space is limited.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

The Schneider ATS01N125FT is designed for motor applications where controlled acceleration can improve the starting behavior of the machine.

Key features include:

• Soft starting for asynchronous motors
• Controlled motor acceleration
• Reduced mechanical shock during startup
• Compact 45 mm wide design
• Suitable for industrial control cabinets
• Helps reduce sudden torque transmission
• Suitable for pumps, fans, conveyors, and general machinery
• Simple integration into conventional motor control systems
• Compact and lightweight construction
• Suitable for applications that do not require continuous speed control

The soft starter focuses on the starting process rather than continuously changing motor speed during normal operation. This makes it a practical choice for applications where the motor normally runs at its standard operating speed after startup.

Working Principle

The ATS01N125FT controls the voltage supplied to the asynchronous motor during acceleration.

At the beginning of the starting sequence, the soft starter applies a controlled voltage to the motor. The voltage is then increased progressively, allowing the motor to build up speed in a smoother manner.

The basic operating process includes:

• Receiving a motor start command
• Applying a controlled initial voltage
• Gradually increasing the motor supply
• Allowing the motor to accelerate progressively
• Reducing the sudden torque response of the drive system
• Transitioning the motor to normal operating conditions

This approach can be particularly beneficial for machines with belts, couplings, pumps, fans, or other mechanical loads that are sensitive to sudden acceleration.

Role in Industrial Motor Control Systems

The ATS01N125FT serves as the controlled starting element in a conventional motor control arrangement.

The soft starter does not replace the complete motor protection system. Circuit protection, overload protection, switching, and isolation components may still be required depending on the installation.

Industrial Applications

The ATS01N125FT can be used in many applications where a smoother motor startup is desirable.

For pump and fan applications, controlled acceleration can help reduce abrupt mechanical loading. In conveyor systems, smoother starting can also reduce sudden tension in belts and connected mechanical components.

Installation and System Integration

The ATS01N125FT should be installed as part of a properly coordinated motor control system.

Recommended installation steps include:

• Confirm the exact soft starter model before installation.
• Check the motor and supply requirements.
• Verify the electrical characteristics of the complete system.
• Mount the soft starter inside a suitable control enclosure.
• Install appropriate upstream circuit protection.
• Connect the motor according to the system wiring arrangement.
• Provide suitable overload protection.
• Connect the control circuit.
• Configure the starting parameters for the connected load.
• Inspect all terminals before energizing the system.
• Perform a controlled startup test.

Starting parameters should be selected according to the motor and driven load. A lightly loaded fan, high-inertia conveyor, and pump may respond differently during acceleration and should not necessarily use identical settings.

Compatible System Components

The ATS01N125FT is normally installed together with other motor control components.

The final arrangement should be selected according to the motor rating, load characteristics, electrical installation, and required protection strategy.

Recommended Alternative Models

When selecting an alternative, the motor rated current, supply voltage, motor power, load type, starting time, installation conditions, and protection arrangement should all be considered. Physical dimensions alone are not sufficient for determining electrical compatibility.

Key Advantages

• Provides controlled starting for asynchronous motors
• Helps reduce mechanical shock during acceleration
• Helps make motor startup smoother
• Suitable for conventional motor control systems
• Compact 124 × 45 × 131 mm design
• Lightweight 0.35 kg construction
• Suitable for space-limited control cabinets
• Useful for pumps, fans, conveyors, and production machinery
• Does not require the complexity of a variable frequency drive for basic starting applications
• Supports practical industrial motor control architectures

Technical FAQs

What type of motor is the ATS01N125FT designed to start?

The ATS01N125FT is intended for asynchronous motor starting applications. Before installation, the motor’s electrical characteristics and the soft starter’s application requirements should be checked to ensure the complete motor control arrangement is properly matched.

How does a soft starter change the motor starting behavior?

Instead of applying the full supply voltage immediately, the soft starter controls the voltage during acceleration. This allows the motor to build up speed progressively and can reduce sudden torque and mechanical shock in the connected equipment.

Is a soft starter suitable for a conveyor with a high mechanical load?

It can be suitable when the main requirement is smoother acceleration rather than continuous speed adjustment. The conveyor’s motor rating, load inertia, belt characteristics, required acceleration time, and starting conditions should be evaluated when selecting and configuring the soft starter.

What should be considered when replacing an ATS01N125FT with another soft starter?

The replacement should be checked for motor compatibility, rated current, supply conditions, starting characteristics, control method, installation requirements, protection coordination, and physical dimensions. A soft starter with a similar appearance or mounting size may still have different electrical characteristics.