Product Overview

The Schneider ATS22C59Q Soft Starter for Asynchronous Motor belongs to the Altistart 22 family and is used to control the starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous motors in fixed-speed industrial equipment.

A conventional direct-on-line starter applies the motor supply without actively managing the acceleration process. For larger machines, this can result in a sharp increase in current and a sudden torque response through the mechanical transmission. The ATS22C59Q addresses this part of the motor-control problem by managing the motor’s transition from standstill toward normal operation.

It is particularly relevant to applications such as pumps, fans, conveyors, compressors, blowers, and process machinery where controlled acceleration can reduce stress on the motor and driven equipment.

The ATS22C59Q is a soft starter rather than a variable frequency drive. It is therefore best suited to machinery that normally operates at a fixed speed and primarily needs a controlled starting or stopping sequence.

Technical Specifications

The supplied mechanical specifications are 455 × 304 × 339.7 mm with a stated weight of 50 kg. Electrical compatibility should be verified from the motor nameplate and the complete application requirements before installation.

Product Features

The ATS22C59Q focuses on controlling the motor-starting process while allowing the motor to operate as a conventional fixed-speed machine after acceleration.

Key characteristics include:

• Schneider Electric Altistart 22 soft starter
• Three-phase asynchronous motor application
• Controlled acceleration during startup
• Controlled deceleration where required
• Fixed-speed motor operation
• Suitable for industrial motor feeders
• Helps reduce mechanical shock during starting
• Helps manage the motor’s starting conditions
• Suitable for PLC-controlled motor systems
• Can be integrated with conventional motor protection
• Applicable to pumps, fans, conveyors, compressors, and blowers
• Dimensions of 455 × 304 × 339.7 mm
• Stated weight of 50 kg

The starter should be evaluated according to the actual motor current and duty rather than physical dimensions alone. Starting frequency, acceleration time, load inertia, and ambient conditions can significantly affect the selection.

Working Principle

The ATS22C59Q is installed in the motor power path and controls the transition between motor standstill and normal operation.

A simplified arrangement is:

Three-Phase AC Supply → Circuit Protection → ATS22C59Q → Asynchronous Motor → Mechanical Load

When a start command is received, the soft starter manages the electrical input to the motor so that acceleration occurs in a controlled manner.

This is particularly useful for machinery with high starting inertia. A conveyor, for example, may have a loaded belt, gearbox, and several rollers that must all begin moving together. A large fan has to accelerate a substantial rotating assembly, while compressors and pumps can also impose considerable starting requirements.

With controlled acceleration, the torque transition through shafts, couplings, belts, and gearboxes can be less abrupt than with direct-on-line starting.

The stopping sequence can also be managed when the application benefits from a more gradual reduction in motor operation.

Once the motor has reached its normal operating condition, the system remains fundamentally a fixed-speed motor application. Continuous speed regulation is outside the primary purpose of a soft starter.

Role in a Motor Starting System

The ATS22C59Q serves as the controlled-starting element within a conventional industrial motor feeder.

A typical system can be arranged as:

Incoming Supply → Protection → Switching / Isolation → ATS22C59Q → Motor → Driven Machine

The controller, protection devices, switching equipment, soft starter, motor, and mechanical load each have separate functions.

A PLC or automation controller can issue the operating command. The protection equipment handles the required feeder protection, while the ATS22C59Q manages the motor’s acceleration and stopping characteristics.

This makes the soft starter particularly useful where the machine does not need variable-speed operation but direct-on-line starting creates excessive mechanical or electrical stress.

Industrial Applications

The ATS22C59Q can be used in industrial machinery driven by three-phase asynchronous motors.

Application conditions should be reviewed individually. The starting requirements of a loaded conveyor can be considerably different from those of a lightly loaded pump, even when the motor ratings are similar.

Installation and Maintenance

The ATS22C59Q should be installed in a properly engineered motor-control cabinet with sufficient space for power connections, ventilation, cable routing, and service access.

Because the unit forms part of the motor power circuit, its installation should be coordinated with the upstream protection, switching devices, motor, and driven equipment.

Recommended checks include:

• Confirm the complete ATS22C59Q part number.
• Check the motor nameplate current.
• Verify the incoming three-phase supply.
• Confirm the motor connection.
• Check upstream circuit protection.
• Verify power-cable sizing.
• Inspect power terminals for secure connections.
• Confirm control wiring and command signals.
• Check cabinet ventilation.
• Evaluate the cabinet’s total heat load.
• Review the number of expected motor starts.
• Consider motor and machine inertia.
• Monitor motor current during commissioning.
• Perform a controlled startup test.
• Check stopping performance.
• Inspect terminals periodically for overheating or looseness.

If the motor fails to accelerate normally, investigate the motor, supply, starter settings, and mechanical load together. A blocked pump, overloaded conveyor, excessive fan inertia, incorrect motor connection, or unstable supply can create symptoms that initially resemble a starter fault.

Related Components

The ATS22C59Q normally forms part of a larger motor-control system.

The complete feeder should be reviewed during commissioning and maintenance rather than evaluating the soft starter in isolation.

Recommended Related Models

Related Schneider products should be selected according to the motor’s electrical ratings, starting duty, application requirements, and control architecture.

The ATS22C48Q can be used as a comparison when a lower current class is appropriate. The ATS22C48S6U represents another Altistart 22 configuration, but its electrical characteristics should be checked carefully before considering it as a substitute.

For newer installations requiring more advanced motor-management functions, the ATS480 family may be worth evaluating. For simpler applications, an ATS130 model can be considered when its electrical ratings and functional requirements match the motor system.

Key Advantages

• Schneider Electric Altistart 22 soft starter.
• Designed for three-phase asynchronous motors.
• Controls motor acceleration during startup.
• Supports controlled stopping.
• Helps reduce mechanical shock.
• Suitable for fixed-speed motor applications.
• Can be integrated into PLC-based control architectures.
• Works with conventional motor protection and switching equipment.
• Suitable for pumps, fans, conveyors, compressors, and blowers.
• Useful where direct-on-line starting is too aggressive for the machine.
• Dimensions of 455 × 304 × 339.7 mm.
• Stated weight of 50 kg.

Technical FAQs

How does the driven machine affect the ATS22C59Q starting cycle?

The driven machine determines how much torque is required to accelerate the motor. A high-inertia fan, loaded conveyor, or compressor can require a longer and more demanding acceleration period than a lightly loaded pump. The machine’s inertia and load characteristics should therefore be considered alongside the motor’s electrical rating.

Why should the complete ATS22C59Q part number be retained during replacement?

Altistart 22 variants can differ in electrical configuration even when their physical construction appears similar. Replacing a unit based only on current class or cabinet dimensions can result in an incorrect supply or control arrangement. The complete model designation should be matched before procurement.

What is the purpose of monitoring motor current during commissioning?

Motor current provides useful information about the relationship between the starter, motor, and mechanical load. Abnormally high current during acceleration may indicate excessive load, incorrect motor connection, unsuitable starting conditions, or another system issue. Comparing measured behavior with the motor’s rated data helps narrow down the cause.

When is a soft starter a better choice than a variable frequency drive?

A soft starter is generally more appropriate when the motor operates at one normal speed and the main requirement is to improve starting and stopping behavior. A variable frequency drive becomes more suitable when the process requires continuous speed adjustment, speed-dependent torque control, or multiple operating speeds.