Product Overview

The Schneider ATS01N209QN Soft Starter for Asynchronous Motor is a compact motor starting device from the Schneider Altistart 01 family. It is designed for three-phase asynchronous motor applications where a controlled starting sequence is preferred over a direct-on-line connection.

When an asynchronous motor starts directly from the power supply, the initial current can be considerably higher than the normal running current. The motor can also produce a sudden torque response, which may be transferred directly to belts, couplings, gearboxes, pumps, fans, and other mechanical components.

The ATS01N209QN provides a more gradual starting process by controlling the voltage applied to the motor during acceleration. This helps the motor build up speed progressively and can reduce the mechanical shock associated with an abrupt start.

The unit is intended for applications where the motor normally operates at a fixed speed. It is therefore different from a variable frequency drive, which is designed to provide continuous speed and frequency control during normal motor operation.

With dimensions of 124 × 45 × 131 mm and a stated weight of 0.42 kg, the ATS01N209QN has a compact form that is well suited to control cabinets where installation space is limited.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

The ATS01N209QN is intended to improve the starting behavior of motor-driven equipment without introducing the additional functionality normally associated with a variable speed drive.

Key features include:

• Controlled starting of asynchronous motors
• Progressive motor acceleration
• Soft stopping capability for suitable applications
• Helps reduce sudden mechanical torque
• Helps moderate the electrical response during startup
• Compact 45 mm wide construction
• Suitable for space-limited control cabinets
• Suitable for fixed-speed motor applications
• Compatible with conventional motor control architectures
• Suitable for pumps, fans, conveyors, and general industrial machinery

Its relatively simple operating concept makes it suitable for machines where the motor only needs to reach its normal operating speed rather than continuously operate at different speeds.

Working Principle

The ATS01N209QN controls the voltage supplied to the asynchronous motor during the starting sequence.

Instead of switching the motor directly to its full operating voltage at the beginning of the start command, the soft starter progressively increases the applied voltage. The motor responds by accelerating more gradually.

The starting sequence generally involves:

• Receiving a start command from the control circuit
• Establishing the initial motor voltage
• Increasing the voltage progressively
• Allowing the motor to accelerate toward operating speed
• Reducing the sudden torque response
• Transitioning the motor into normal operation

For applications that benefit from controlled stopping, the unit can also provide a gradual reduction in motor voltage during the stopping sequence.

The result is a motor starting process that is generally less abrupt than direct-on-line starting.

Role in Industrial Motor Control Systems

The ATS01N209QN is used as part of the motor starting and control section of an industrial electrical system.

The soft starter does not replace circuit protection, overload protection, or electrical isolation equipment. These functions are normally handled by other components in the motor control system.

Industrial Applications

The ATS01N209QN can be applied to many industrial machines where smoother motor acceleration is beneficial.

For conveyors, gradual acceleration can help prevent sudden belt tension. For pumps and fans, it can make the transition from standstill to normal operation smoother.

Installation and System Integration

The ATS01N209QN should be integrated into the motor control system with attention to the motor characteristics, electrical supply, driven load, and protective devices.

Recommended installation steps include:

• Verify the exact ATS01N209QN model.
• Confirm the motor type and electrical characteristics.
• Check the supply voltage before connection.
• Select appropriate upstream short-circuit protection.
• Mount the soft starter securely inside the control cabinet.
• Connect the incoming supply and motor wiring correctly.
• Install suitable motor overload protection.
• Connect the control circuit.
• Configure the starting and stopping characteristics.
• Check all terminals and wiring before energizing.
• Perform a controlled test run with the connected machine.

The mechanical load should be considered when configuring the starting process. A high-inertia conveyor, pump, or fan may require different starting characteristics from a lightly loaded machine.

Compatible System Components

The ATS01N209QN normally works alongside several other components to form a complete motor control system.

Correct coordination between the soft starter and these supporting components is important for reliable operation.

Recommended Alternative Models

When choosing an alternative, the motor rated current, supply voltage, motor power, starting duty, load characteristics, control requirements, and protection coordination should be checked. Physical dimensions alone are not sufficient to establish compatibility.

Key Advantages

• Provides controlled starting for asynchronous motors
• Helps reduce sudden torque during startup
• Supports smoother motor acceleration
• Suitable for fixed-speed motor applications
• Can be used with pumps, fans, conveyors, and industrial machinery
• Compact 124 × 45 × 131 mm form factor
• Lightweight 0.42 kg construction
• Suitable for space-conscious control cabinets
• Integrates into conventional motor control systems
• Simpler solution than a variable frequency drive for basic soft-start requirements

Technical FAQs

What type of application is the ATS01N209QN best suited for?

The ATS01N209QN is suited to motor-driven equipment where the motor normally operates at a fixed speed and the main requirement is smoother acceleration or stopping. Typical applications include pumps, fans, conveyors, and general industrial machinery.

How can controlled starting benefit a conveyor system?

A gradual acceleration profile can reduce the sudden transfer of torque into the conveyor’s belts, couplings, shafts, and gear components. This can result in a smoother startup and reduce mechanical shock compared with direct-on-line starting.

What is the difference between the ATS01N209QN and a variable frequency drive?

The ATS01N209QN is primarily a soft starting and stopping device. A variable frequency drive provides broader motor control by changing output frequency and voltage, allowing continuous speed adjustment during normal operation. For a fixed-speed machine that mainly needs a smoother startup, a soft starter can be a simpler solution.

What factors should be checked before replacing an ATS01N209QN?

The motor’s rated current and voltage, supply configuration, motor power, load inertia, starting frequency, control circuit, protection arrangement, installation space, and required starting performance should all be verified. A replacement should be selected according to the complete application rather than the model dimensions alone.