Product Overview

The Schneider ATS22D32S6U is an Altistart 22 soft starter designed for controlled starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous motors. It is part of Schneider Electric’s Altistart 22 family and is intended for industrial motor applications where controlled acceleration, reduced starting stress, and reliable motor operation are required.

When a conventional three-phase motor is started directly across the line, the motor can draw a high inrush current and produce a sudden increase in mechanical torque. Depending on the connected load, this can create stress on couplings, shafts, gearboxes, belts, pumps, fans, and other mechanical components.

The ATS22D32S6U provides an electronically controlled starting method. It gradually manages the motor acceleration process, helping reduce the sudden electrical and mechanical impact associated with direct-on-line starting.

The unit is designed for compatible three-phase squirrel-cage asynchronous motors and can be used in fixed-speed industrial machinery. Typical applications include pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, ventilation systems, and material-handling equipment.

The ATS22D32S6U belongs to the 32 A class of the Altistart 22 family. The physical dimensions supplied for this model are approximately 265 × 130 × 169 mm, and the supplied product weight is approximately 7 kg.

For existing installations, the complete model number is important when sourcing a replacement. The ATS22D32S6U should not be treated as automatically interchangeable with every other ATS22 32 A model because supply voltage, control voltage, motor configuration, and regional product versions can differ.

Technical Specifications

What Is the Schneider ATS22D32S6U?

The Schneider ATS22D32S6U is an electronic soft starter used to manage the acceleration and deceleration of compatible three-phase asynchronous motors.

Unlike a conventional contactor that simply connects the motor directly to the electrical supply, a soft starter controls the motor’s starting process. This allows the motor to accelerate progressively instead of immediately receiving the full starting impact.

The ATS22D32S6U is therefore particularly useful in applications where a sudden motor start can create excessive electrical current or mechanical shock.

For example, a conveyor may experience belt tension when the motor starts abruptly. A pump may experience undesirable hydraulic effects. A large fan can have considerable rotational inertia, while a compressor may require controlled acceleration because of its mechanical load.

In these applications, the soft starter provides a controlled starting profile without requiring continuous variable-speed control.

The ATS22D32S6U should therefore be regarded as a motor starting and stopping device rather than a variable frequency drive. If an application requires continuous speed adjustment, frequency control, or energy optimization through variable-speed operation, a VFD may be more appropriate.

Function and Working Principle

The typical electrical arrangement can be represented as:

Three-Phase Power Supply → Protection Device → ATS22D32S6U → Motor → Mechanical Load

When the control system issues a start command, the ATS22D32S6U initiates its programmed starting sequence.

The soft starter uses electronic power control to regulate the motor starting process. Instead of allowing a direct connection to produce the maximum starting impact immediately, it progressively increases the motor’s operating conditions.

The ATS22D32S6U uses torque-controlled starting and current limitation. Under appropriate settings, the starting current can be limited to approximately 3.5 times the configured motor current.

This controlled starting process can help reduce mechanical shock and electrical disturbance. The actual starting performance depends on the motor, load characteristics, acceleration settings, motor current, and application duty.

After the motor reaches normal operating conditions, the integrated bypass function can reduce the losses associated with the semiconductor starting stage.

The ATS22D32S6U can also support controlled stopping. This can be useful when a machine should not stop abruptly because of mechanical or process requirements.

Role in Industrial Control Systems

The ATS22D32S6U normally operates as part of a complete industrial motor-control system rather than as an isolated device.

A typical system may include:

• PLC controller
• HMI operator interface
• ATS22D32S6U soft starter
• Three-phase asynchronous motor
• Incoming circuit breaker
• Motor protection equipment
• Isolation or switching contactor
• Emergency stop circuit
• Pressure sensors
• Flow sensors
• Temperature sensors
• Modbus RS485 communication network
• 230 V AC control power

The PLC can manage machine sequences and process logic, while the ATS22D32S6U controls the motor’s starting and stopping behavior.

For example, in a pumping system, the PLC may monitor pressure and tank level. When the process requires the pump to start, the PLC sends a command to the soft starter. The ATS22D32S6U then controls motor acceleration before the motor reaches normal operating conditions.

The soft starter can also provide status and diagnostic information through its control interfaces and communication system, allowing the automation controller to monitor motor operation.

Industrial Applications

Pumps

Pump applications are a common use for soft starters. Controlled motor acceleration can reduce sudden mechanical stress and electrical inrush.

The ATS22D32S6U can be considered for compatible water pumps, circulation pumps, cooling pumps, process pumps, and industrial utility pumps.

Fans and Blowers

Fans and blowers can have high rotational inertia. Direct starting can place a sudden torque demand on the motor and connected mechanical components.

The ATS22D32S6U provides controlled acceleration for compatible fixed-speed fan and blower systems.

Compressors

Compressors may require substantial starting torque depending on the compressor design and process conditions.

A correctly selected soft starter can help control the electrical starting process. The motor current and compressor starting duty must remain within the capabilities of the selected starter.

Conveyors

Conveyor systems often contain belts, rollers, couplings, gearboxes, and mechanical loads. Abrupt motor starting can create sudden mechanical forces throughout the drive system.

The ATS22D32S6U can provide a smoother acceleration profile for compatible conveyor applications.

Material Handling Systems

Material-handling machines can benefit from progressive acceleration because sudden torque can affect belts, gears, couplings, and transported products.

The ATS22D32S6U is suitable for consideration in fixed-speed applications where the motor and load match the starter’s electrical specifications.

Industrial Machinery

Other applications can include ventilation systems, mixers, utility machinery, process equipment, and other fixed-speed industrial machines using compatible three-phase asynchronous motors.

Installation and System Integration

Correct installation is essential for reliable ATS22D32S6U operation. Before installation, the motor nameplate, power supply, control circuit, protection system, cabinet environment, and mechanical load should be checked.

Motor Verification

Check the motor nameplate for rated voltage, current, frequency, power, connection configuration, and operating duty.

Starter selection should be based primarily on the motor’s actual current and application conditions rather than motor kW alone.

Supply Voltage Verification

The ATS22D32S6U belongs to the 230…600 V AC supply class. The actual site voltage must be verified before energizing the unit.

The motor connection must also be appropriate for the selected supply voltage.

Control Circuit Verification

The ATS22D32S6U uses a 230 V AC class control circuit. The control power should be verified before commissioning.

This is particularly important when replacing an existing soft starter because similar ATS22 models can have different control-voltage variants.

Protection and Isolation

The complete installation should include appropriate short-circuit protection, isolation, grounding, and motor protection.

The selected protection devices should be coordinated with the motor, soft starter, cables, installation conditions, and applicable electrical requirements.

Mechanical Installation

The ATS22D32S6U has supplied dimensions of approximately 265 × 130 × 169 mm and a weight of approximately 7 kg.

The mounting structure must be capable of supporting the unit securely. Adequate clearance should be provided for power cables, control wiring, ventilation, inspection, and maintenance.

Thermal Management

The ATS22D32S6U uses forced-convection cooling. Proper cabinet ventilation is therefore important.

Heat generated by other electrical components inside the same cabinet should also be considered during cabinet thermal design.

Power Connections

Power cables should be selected according to motor current, cable length, installation method, ambient temperature, and applicable electrical requirements.

Before energization, check phase connections, grounding, cable termination, insulation condition, and terminal tightness.

Control Connections

The soft starter provides three logic inputs and two relay outputs. These can be connected to external control equipment for start commands, status monitoring, and alarm handling.

Control cables should be routed appropriately and separated from high-current motor cables where necessary.

Modbus Integration

The ATS22D32S6U supports Modbus communication through an RS485 multidrop interface using an RJ45 connection.

When integrating the starter into a PLC or supervisory control network, communication address, transmission rate, and network wiring should be configured consistently.

Commissioning

Commissioning should include inspection of incoming power, control power, motor wiring, grounding, motor rotation, acceleration behavior, current, stopping behavior, alarm status, and communication.

The first startup should be performed under controlled conditions. If acceleration is abnormal, check the motor current setting, starting parameters, mechanical load, motor connection, and protection configuration before attempting repeated starts.

Compatible System Components

Recommended Alternative Models

When replacing an ATS22D32S6U, the complete model number and electrical configuration should be checked carefully. A replacement should not be selected based only on the nominal 32 A rating.

Important selection factors include motor current, supply voltage, control voltage, motor power, starting duty, load type, number of starts per hour, cabinet dimensions, cooling requirements, communication requirements, and protection coordination.

For existing Altistart 22 installations, another ATS22 model with the correct electrical configuration may be considered when available. For modernization or new equipment, the newer Schneider soft starter platform should also be evaluated.

Key Advantages

• 32 A Altistart 22 soft starter class
• Designed for three-phase asynchronous motors
• 230…600 V AC supply class
• 230 V AC control circuit class
• Torque-controlled starting
• Current limitation capability
• Approximately 3.5 × In starting current limitation
• Integrated bypass function
• Modbus communication capability
• RS485 multidrop communication interface
• RJ45 communication connection
• Three logic inputs
• Two relay outputs
• PTC motor protection input
• IP20 protection rating
• Forced-convection cooling
• Suitable for PLC-based control systems
• Suitable for pump applications
• Suitable for fans and blowers
• Suitable for compressors
• Suitable for conveyor systems
• Suitable for material-handling equipment
• Compact cabinet installation
• Dimensions of approximately 265 × 130 × 169 mm
• Weight of approximately 7 kg

Technical FAQs

What is the Schneider ATS22D32S6U?

The Schneider ATS22D32S6U is an Altistart 22 electronic soft starter designed to control the starting and stopping of compatible three-phase asynchronous motors.

What is the main function of the ATS22D32S6U?

Its primary function is to provide controlled motor acceleration and stopping, helping reduce electrical inrush and mechanical shock compared with direct-on-line starting.

What is the current class of the ATS22D32S6U?

The ATS22D32S6U belongs to the 32 A starter class.

What type of motor can the ATS22D32S6U control?

It is designed for compatible three-phase squirrel-cage asynchronous motors used in fixed-speed industrial applications.

What supply voltage is associated with the ATS22D32S6U?

The ATS22D32S6U belongs to the 230…600 V AC supply class.

What control voltage does the ATS22D32S6U use?

The ATS22D32S6U uses a 230 V AC class control circuit.

Does the ATS22D32S6U support Modbus?

Yes. The Altistart 22 architecture supports Modbus communication through an RS485 multidrop interface.

Can the ATS22D32S6U be integrated with a PLC?

Yes. It can be integrated into PLC-based automation systems through its logic inputs, relay outputs, and Modbus communication interface.

Does the ATS22D32S6U have an internal bypass?

Yes. The Altistart 22 design incorporates an internal bypass function for normal motor operation.

What are the typical applications?

Typical applications include pumps, fans, blowers, compressors, conveyors, material-handling machines, ventilation equipment, and other fixed-speed industrial machinery.

Is the ATS22D32S6U a variable frequency drive?

No. It is a soft starter. Its primary purpose is controlled starting and stopping rather than continuous variable-speed operation.

What are the dimensions of the ATS22D32S6U?

The supplied dimensions are approximately 265 × 130 × 169 mm.

How much does the ATS22D32S6U weigh?

The supplied product weight is approximately 7 kg.

What should be checked before replacing an ATS22D32S6U?

Motor current, motor voltage, supply voltage, control voltage, starting duty, protection coordination, cabinet dimensions, cooling requirements, communication configuration, and wiring should all be checked before selecting a replacement.

What is a suitable modern alternative to the ATS22D32S6U?

The ATS430D32S6 is an important current-generation Schneider soft starter to evaluate for modernization projects. It has a 32 A rating and a 208…600 V AC supply range. A complete engineering compatibility check should be performed before replacement.

Conclusion

The Schneider ATS22D32S6U Soft Starter is a 32 A class Altistart 22 motor-control device designed to provide controlled starting and stopping for compatible three-phase asynchronous motors.

Its main advantage is the ability to reduce the electrical and mechanical impact associated with direct-on-line motor starting. Through torque-controlled starting and current limitation, the ATS22D32S6U can provide a smoother acceleration process for pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, and other industrial machinery.

The unit is designed around a 230…600 V AC supply class and a 230 V AC control circuit class. It also provides logic inputs, relay outputs, PTC motor protection capability, and Modbus communication for integration into industrial control systems.

The supplied dimensions of approximately 265 × 130 × 169 mm and weight of approximately 7 kg make physical cabinet planning an important part of installation and replacement work.

For maintenance engineers and system integrators working with existing Altistart 22 equipment, the exact ATS22D32S6U model number should be verified before replacement because similar-looking ATS22 models can have different electrical configurations.

For modernization projects and new industrial installations, the newer ATS430D32S6 should also be evaluated as a current-generation alternative. Electrical ratings, control voltage, motor characteristics, communication requirements, cabinet dimensions, and application duty should always be checked before selecting the replacement device.