Product Overview

The Schneider ATS22C14Q Soft Starter is an Altistart 22 soft starter for three-phase asynchronous motors. It is used when a motor needs a more controlled starting and stopping process while continuing to operate at a fixed speed during normal running conditions.

In practical industrial equipment, the starter is installed between the motor protection equipment and the motor. Instead of treating startup as an immediate full-voltage switching event, it manages the motor’s acceleration. This is useful when a sudden application of torque could place unnecessary stress on the mechanical drive system.

A conveyor is a good example. The motor may have to accelerate the belt, gearbox, rollers, coupling, and product load at the same time. A pump or fan can have similar requirements because of the inertia of the rotating assembly. The ATS22C14Q can be used to make these transitions more controlled.

The model belongs to the Altistart 22 family and is intended for fixed-speed motor applications. It should be distinguished from a variable frequency drive, which changes motor speed continuously during normal operation.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

The ATS22C14Q is intended for applications where the motor’s acceleration and stopping behavior needs to be managed without introducing continuous speed control.

Key characteristics include:

• 14 A rated operational current
• 230–440 V AC supply range
• 230 V AC control supply
• Three-phase asynchronous motor operation
• 50–60 Hz operating frequency
• In-line or inside-the-delta connection
• AC-53A utilization category
• Controlled motor acceleration
• Controlled motor deceleration
• Suitable for fixed-speed motor systems
• Applicable to pumps, fans, conveyors, and compressors
• Suitable for industrial motor-control cabinets
• Dimensions of 356 × 150 × 229.5 mm
• Stated weight of 18 kg

The 14 A current class makes this model suitable for motor applications requiring more current capacity than the 11 A ATS22 variants. Final selection should be based on the motor’s actual nameplate current and application duty rather than simply comparing motor power ratings.

Working Principle

The ATS22C14Q is installed within the motor feeder:

Three-Phase Supply → Motor Protection → ATS22C14Q → Asynchronous Motor → Mechanical Load

When the motor receives a start command, the soft starter controls the acceleration process. The objective is to avoid an abrupt transition from standstill to normal operation and to give the mechanical load time to accelerate with the motor.

For a conveyor, this means the belt and driven components can be brought up to speed without the same sudden torque event associated with direct-on-line starting. For a pump or fan, the motor and rotating assembly can accelerate progressively rather than receiving the entire starting demand immediately.

The starter can also be used for controlled stopping. This is useful when the driven equipment behaves poorly with an immediate removal of motor power or when the process benefits from a more gradual deceleration.

The ATS22C14Q does not continuously regulate motor speed during normal operation. Once the motor reaches its operating condition, the machine remains a fixed-speed system.

Industrial Applications

The ATS22C14Q can be used across a range of industrial machines with three-phase asynchronous motors.

The starting characteristics of the machine should be considered alongside the motor current. A motor driving a lightly loaded pump will behave differently from one driving a loaded conveyor or high-inertia fan.

Compatible System Components

The ATS22C14Q normally operates as part of a complete motor-control arrangement.

The starter, motor protection, motor, and control system should be considered as one electrical system. During replacement or troubleshooting, checking only the soft starter can overlook wiring, protection, or mechanical problems elsewhere in the installation.

Installation and Maintenance

The ATS22C14Q should be installed inside an appropriate control enclosure with adequate ventilation and sufficient space for power connections and maintenance.

Before commissioning, compare the motor nameplate data with the starter ratings. Motor current, supply voltage, control voltage, connection method, and starting duty should all be verified.

Recommended checks include:

• Confirm the complete ATS22C14Q part number.
• Verify the motor nameplate current.
• Check the incoming three-phase supply.
• Confirm the control supply voltage.
• Verify the selected in-line or inside-the-delta connection.
• Check upstream motor protection.
• Inspect motor power connections.
• Check control wiring.
• Verify start/stop signals.
• Inspect terminals for looseness or overheating.
• Confirm adequate cabinet ventilation.
• Review the expected starting frequency.
• Consider the mechanical inertia of the driven equipment.
• Check diagnostic information after commissioning.
• Perform a controlled startup test before normal operation.

If the motor trips during acceleration, investigate the motor and driven equipment as well as the starter. Excessive mechanical load, incorrect wiring, insufficient supply conditions, protection settings, and unsuitable starting parameters can all result in startup problems.

Recommended Related Models

For the ATS22C14Q, the most useful comparisons are other Altistart 22 models with different current ratings and newer Schneider soft starter families.

The ATS22C11Q is a close lower-current comparison within the same family. If the motor requires a higher current rating than the 14 A class, a larger ATS22 model should be selected according to the motor’s actual operating and starting requirements.

The ATS130 family can be considered for suitable newer simple motor-starting applications, while the ATS480 family is more appropriate where additional motor-management functions are required.

For replacement purposes, the motor current, supply voltage, control supply, connection method, starting duty, and cabinet arrangement should all be checked before selecting another model.

Key Advantages

• 14 A rated operational current
• 230–440 V AC supply range
• 230 V AC control supply
• Three-phase asynchronous motor operation
• In-line or inside-the-delta connection
• AC-53A utilization category
• Controlled acceleration
• Controlled deceleration
• Suitable for fixed-speed industrial machinery
• Suitable for pumps, fans, conveyors, and compressors
• Dimensions of 356 × 150 × 229.5 mm
• Stated weight of 18 kg

Technical FAQs

How does the 14 A rating affect selection of the ATS22C14Q?

The 14 A rating needs to be compared with the motor’s actual rated current under the intended operating conditions. The motor’s starting duty, load inertia, starting frequency, and application conditions should also be evaluated before selecting the starter.

Can the ATS22C14Q be used with an inside-the-delta motor connection?

The Altistart 22 family supports compatible inside-the-delta configurations in addition to in-line arrangements. The motor winding configuration and terminal connections must be verified carefully before using this connection method.

What happens if a motor is too heavily loaded during startup?

The motor may take longer to accelerate, draw elevated current for an extended period, or cause a starter protection or overload condition. If this occurs, the mechanical load, motor sizing, starting parameters, and complete motor feeder should be checked rather than assuming the starter has failed.

Why choose a soft starter instead of a contactor for a fixed-speed motor?

A contactor can switch the motor on and off, but it does not provide the same controlled acceleration and deceleration functions. A soft starter is useful when the mechanical system is sensitive to abrupt torque changes or when the starting event needs to be managed more carefully.