Product Overview

The Schneider ATS130N2D73LT Altivar Soft Starter is a motor-control device for three-phase asynchronous motors, with its main job centered on controlled starting and stopping. It is suited to machines that normally operate at a fixed speed but benefit from a more gradual transition when the motor starts.

In an industrial motor cabinet, the soft starter sits in the power path between the incoming supply and the motor. A conveyor, for example, may have considerable belt and gearbox inertia. Starting the motor directly can produce a sharp torque increase through the drive train. The soft starter manages the electrical starting sequence so the motor can accelerate in a more controlled manner.

The same consideration applies to pumps, fans, compressors, and other rotating equipment. The objective is not continuous speed adjustment, but rather better control over the starting event and the interaction between the motor and its mechanical load.

The ATS130N2D73LT is part of the Altivar ATS130 soft starter family. Its selection should be based on the motor’s actual current, supply conditions, starting duty, mechanical load, and protection arrangement rather than on motor power alone.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

The ATS130N2D73LT is aimed at fixed-speed motor applications where the starting process needs to be managed without introducing continuous variable-speed control.

Key characteristics include:

• 73 A rated operational current
• 200–480 V AC supply range
• 24 V DC control supply
• Three-phase asynchronous motor applications
• AC-53A utilization category
• In-line connection
• Integrated bypass
• Suitable for fixed-speed motor systems
• Applicable to pumps, fans, conveyors, and compressors
• Compact control-panel installation
• Dimensions of 166 × 55 × 165 mm
• Stated weight of 1.3 kg

The 73 A current class makes the model suitable for motor applications requiring more current capacity than the lower-rated ATS130 models. The actual motor nameplate current and starting conditions should still be checked before selecting the starter.

Working Principle

The ATS130N2D73LT is installed in the motor feeder:

Three-Phase Supply → Motor Protection → ATS130N2D73LT → Motor → Mechanical Load

When the controller issues a start command, the soft starter manages the motor’s acceleration instead of treating startup as an instantaneous full-voltage event.

This is particularly relevant to machinery with substantial inertia. A conveyor must accelerate its belt and associated mechanical components; a fan has to overcome the inertia of its rotating assembly; and a pump may need to bring its rotating equipment up to operating speed against the connected process load.

By controlling the starting sequence, the soft starter changes how torque is introduced into the mechanical system. The exact result depends on the motor, load, starting settings, and mechanical transmission.

Once the motor reaches normal operating conditions, the application remains a fixed-speed motor system. The ATS130N2D73LT therefore serves a different purpose from a variable frequency drive, which is intended for continuous motor-speed control.

Industrial Applications

The ATS130N2D73LT is suitable for fixed-speed industrial machinery where controlled starting and stopping are required.

The application should be evaluated according to both electrical and mechanical requirements. Starting a lightly loaded motor is very different from accelerating a heavily loaded conveyor or high-inertia fan, even when the motors have similar electrical ratings.

Compatible System Components

The ATS130N2D73LT normally works as part of a complete motor-control assembly.

The protection system should be coordinated with the starter and motor. During replacement or commissioning, checking the complete motor feeder can help identify problems that would otherwise be incorrectly attributed to the soft starter.

Installation and Maintenance

The ATS130N2D73LT should be installed inside a suitable electrical enclosure with adequate ventilation and sufficient room for power and control wiring.

Before commissioning, verify the motor nameplate against the starter selection. Motor current, incoming supply, control voltage, starting frequency, mechanical load, and upstream protection should all be reviewed.

Recommended checks include:

• Confirm the complete ATS130N2D73LT part number.
• Check the motor nameplate current.
• Verify the incoming three-phase supply.
• Confirm the 24 V DC control supply.
• Check upstream motor protection.
• Inspect motor power connections.
• Verify start/stop control wiring.
• Check terminal tightness.
• Inspect cabinet ventilation.
• Review the expected starting frequency.
• Consider the inertia and load characteristics of the machine.
• Check the starter’s diagnostic status after installation.
• Perform a controlled motor test before normal operation.

If the motor struggles to accelerate or trips during startup, inspect the entire system before replacing the starter. Incorrect motor wiring, excessive mechanical load, insufficient supply conditions, protection settings, and unsuitable starting parameters can all produce similar behavior.

Recommended Related Models

For the ATS130N2D73LT, related models should be compared according to current capacity and application requirements.

The ATS130N2D65LT is a close comparison when the motor current requirement is slightly lower, while the ATS130N2D45LT is appropriate to consider for lower-current applications. The ATS130N2C11LT provides a higher current class within the same general ATS130 family.

For applications requiring additional motor-management functions, the ATS480 family can be evaluated as a separate option.

A replacement should be selected using the motor’s actual rated current, supply voltage, starting duty, protection arrangement, control architecture, and physical installation requirements.

Key Advantages

• 73 A rated operational current
• 200–480 V AC supply range
• 24 V DC control supply
• Three-phase asynchronous motor applications
• AC-53A utilization category
• Integrated bypass
• In-line connection
• Suitable for fixed-speed motor systems
• Suitable for pumps, fans, conveyors, and compressors
• Dimensions of 166 × 55 × 165 mm
• Stated weight of 1.3 kg

Technical FAQs

Is the ATS130N2D73LT suitable for a motor that runs continuously at a fixed speed?

Yes, a fixed-speed motor application is one of the typical use cases for a soft starter. The starter is primarily concerned with controlling the motor’s starting and stopping behavior rather than adjusting its speed during normal operation.

What makes the 73 A rating important when selecting this model?

The 73 A rating needs to be compared with the motor’s actual nameplate current and the expected operating and starting duty. Load inertia and starting frequency should also be considered because the electrical current requirement is not the only factor affecting soft-starter selection.

Why might a heavily loaded pump or conveyor require different starting considerations?

The motor has to accelerate both itself and the connected mechanical load. High inertia, load torque, gearbox characteristics, or process conditions can increase the demands placed on the starting system, so the application should be evaluated as a complete motor-and-load combination.

What checks are useful when an ATS130N2D73LT trips during startup?

Check the incoming supply, motor wiring, motor current, protection settings, mechanical load, starting conditions, and control signals. The starter’s diagnostic information should also be reviewed before deciding whether the soft starter itself is faulty.