
Product Overview
The Schneider ATS22D47S6U Soft Starter is an industrial motor starting device from the Altistart 22 (ATS22) series, designed to provide smooth acceleration and deceleration for three-phase asynchronous motors. By controlling the motor voltage during startup and stopping, the soft starter significantly reduces mechanical stress on driven equipment while minimizing electrical inrush current.
Unlike conventional direct-on-line (DOL) motor starting, which applies full voltage instantly, the ATS22D47S6U gradually increases the voltage supplied to the motor. This controlled starting process protects motors, gearboxes, pumps, conveyors, and other mechanical systems from excessive shock loads, resulting in longer equipment life and improved operational reliability.
The ATS22D47S6U is suitable for a wide range of industrial automation applications, including pumping systems, HVAC equipment, compressors, conveyors, fans, crushers, and material handling machinery. It integrates easily into motor control centers (MCCs) and industrial control cabinets, making it a practical solution for OEM machine builders and system integrators.
With overall dimensions of 265 × 130 × 169 mm and a weight of approximately 7 kg, the unit combines compact construction with industrial-grade durability, making it appropriate for continuous operation in demanding environments.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Schneider Electric |
| Product Series |
Altistart 22 (ATS22) |
| Model |
ATS22D47S6U |
| Product Type |
Soft Starter |
| Motor Control Method |
Solid-state voltage control |
| Primary Function |
Controlled motor starting and stopping |
| Supported Motor Type |
Three-phase AC induction motor |
| Starting Method |
Soft Start |
| Stopping Method |
Soft Stop |
| Control Technology |
Thyristor-based phase-angle control |
| Protection Features |
Motor starting protection and system protection |
| Installation |
Control cabinet / Motor Control Center (MCC) |
| Cooling Method |
Natural / Forced air depending on installation |
| Dimensions |
265 × 130 × 169 mm |
| Weight |
7 kg |
| Operating Environment |
Industrial applications |
| Mounting Method |
Panel mounting |
| Application |
Industrial motor control |
Function and Working Principle
The Schneider ATS22D47S6U controls motor acceleration by regulating the voltage applied to the motor windings during startup.
Instead of immediately supplying full line voltage, the soft starter gradually increases the output voltage according to predefined acceleration parameters.
The operating sequence can be summarized as:
Power Supply
↓
ATS22D47S6U Soft Starter
↓
Three-Phase Motor
↓
Driven Equipment
During startup, internal power semiconductors continuously adjust the voltage delivered to the motor, allowing torque to increase smoothly.
Once the motor reaches rated speed, the soft starter allows normal operation according to the configured system design.
During stopping, the controller gradually reduces motor voltage to provide controlled deceleration where required.
This operating principle helps reduce:
- Mechanical shock
- Belt slippage
- Hydraulic pressure surges
- Gearbox stress
- Shaft torsion
- Excessive starting current
Motor Starting Process
A traditional direct-on-line starter produces:
- Instant full voltage
- High inrush current
- Sudden torque
- Mechanical shock
The ATS22D47S6U provides:
- Progressive voltage ramp
- Controlled motor acceleration
- Reduced starting current
- Smooth torque increase
- Stable equipment startup
This controlled process improves both electrical and mechanical system performance.
Role in Industrial Motor Control Systems
Within an industrial automation system, the ATS22D47S6U serves as the motor starting controller positioned between the electrical supply and the motor.
Typical architecture:
Power Distribution
↓
Circuit Breaker
↓
ATS22D47S6U Soft Starter
↓
Three-Phase Motor
↓
Industrial Machine
The PLC or control system determines when the motor should start or stop, while the soft starter manages the acceleration and deceleration process.
This separation allows the PLC to execute process logic while the soft starter protects the motor and mechanical equipment.
Industrial Applications
The Schneider ATS22D47S6U is suitable for many industrial applications, including:
- Water treatment plants
- Water supply systems
- Wastewater facilities
- HVAC systems
- Industrial ventilation
- Centrifugal pumps
- Positive displacement pumps
- Compressors
- Conveyor systems
- Material handling equipment
- Crushers
- Mixers
- Fans
- Blowers
- Food processing equipment
- Mining equipment
- Cement production
- Chemical processing
- Pulp and paper plants
- General manufacturing
Its soft starting capability is particularly valuable for equipment with significant mechanical inertia or frequent starting cycles.
Advantages of Soft Starting
Compared with direct-on-line motor starting, the ATS22D47S6U offers several operational advantages.
These include:
- Lower starting current
- Reduced voltage disturbances
- Improved motor protection
- Longer bearing life
- Reduced gearbox wear
- Reduced coupling stress
- Less belt slippage
- Smoother pump operation
- Reduced hydraulic hammer
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Increased equipment reliability
These benefits contribute to improved production efficiency and reduced maintenance costs.
Installation and System Integration
Correct installation is essential for reliable motor control.
Mechanical Installation
Before installation, verify:
- Correct model number
- Appropriate mounting position
- Adequate ventilation
- Cabinet clearance
- Environmental suitability
- Secure mounting
The unit dimensions are 265 × 130 × 169 mm, so sufficient space should be reserved for cooling and wiring.
Electrical Connections
Typical electrical connections include:
- Incoming three-phase power
- Motor output terminals
- Ground connection
- Control terminals
- PLC interface
- Protection devices
Power wiring and control wiring should be routed separately whenever practical to minimize electrical interference.
Commissioning Procedure
A recommended startup procedure includes:
- Install the ATS22D47S6U.
- Verify all power connections.
- Check motor wiring.
- Confirm grounding.
- Configure startup parameters.
- Verify control signals.
- Energize the system.
- Perform a no-load test.
- Monitor motor acceleration.
- Verify operating current.
- Perform a loaded test.
- Confirm stable operation.
Compatible System Components
The ATS22D47S6U commonly operates with the following equipment.
| Component |
Function |
| PLC Controller |
Motor sequence control |
| Human Machine Interface (HMI) |
Operator control and monitoring |
| Motor Circuit Breaker |
Short-circuit protection |
| Contactor |
Motor isolation |
| Thermal Overload Relay |
Motor overload protection |
| Three-Phase Induction Motor |
Driven equipment |
| Variable Frequency Drive (where applicable) |
Alternative motor control solution |
| Power Supply Module |
Control power |
| Industrial Sensors |
Process feedback |
| Encoder |
Speed feedback (application dependent) |
| Industrial Ethernet Module |
Network communication |
| Control Cabinet |
System installation |
Together, these components form a complete motor control solution for industrial automation.
Typical Application Example – Pump Control
A pumping system often experiences water hammer when started abruptly.
Using the ATS22D47S6U:
PLC Start Command
↓
Soft Starter
↓
Motor Acceleration
↓
Pump Rotation
↓
Stable Water Flow
The gradual increase in motor speed minimizes hydraulic shock and helps protect pipelines, valves and pump assemblies.
Typical Application Example – Conveyor System
Conveyor systems benefit from controlled motor acceleration.
Without soft starting:
- Product shifting
- Belt slippage
- Gearbox shock
- Increased bearing wear
With the ATS22D47S6U:
- Smooth belt acceleration
- Stable product transport
- Reduced mechanical stress
- Improved equipment life
This makes the soft starter suitable for logistics, warehousing and manufacturing conveyor systems.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Routine inspection should include:
- Verify terminal tightness.
- Inspect ventilation openings.
- Remove dust buildup.
- Check cooling conditions.
- Review operating parameters.
- Inspect cable insulation.
- Verify motor condition.
- Confirm control signal integrity.
Preventive maintenance improves system reliability and minimizes unexpected downtime.
Common Fault Conditions
| Symptom |
Possible Cause |
| Motor does not start |
Power supply, control signal or wiring issue |
| Motor starts abruptly |
Incorrect parameter configuration |
| Motor fails to accelerate |
Load condition or motor issue |
| Frequent protection trips |
Electrical overload or incorrect settings |
| Excessive heating |
Poor ventilation or overload |
| Communication problem |
Control wiring or interface configuration |
| Unexpected stopping |
Protection circuit or external control signal |
| High starting current |
Incorrect startup parameter configuration |
A systematic inspection of power supply, motor condition, control wiring and configuration should be completed before replacing the soft starter.
Recommended Alternative Models
Depending on motor capacity and application requirements, the following Schneider Electric soft starters may also be considered.
| Model |
Product Type |
Key Feature |
Typical Application |
| ATS22D32S6U |
Soft Starter |
Compact motor starting |
Pumps and fans |
| ATS22D62S6U |
Soft Starter |
Higher motor capacity |
Industrial conveyors |
| ATS22D75S6U |
Soft Starter |
Heavy-duty motor control |
Compressors |
| ATS22C11Q |
Soft Starter |
Large motor applications |
Process industries |
| ATS22C17Q |
Soft Starter |
High-power soft starting |
Heavy industrial equipment |
| ATS48C14Q |
Soft Starter |
Advanced motor protection |
Mining and cement |
| ATS48C17Q |
Soft Starter |
High-performance control |
Large industrial motors |
| Altivar Process ATV630 |
Variable Speed Drive |
Variable speed control |
Pump and fan systems |
| Altivar Process ATV650 |
Variable Speed Drive |
Energy-efficient motor control |
Process automation |
Selection should always be based on motor ratings, load characteristics and overall system requirements rather than physical dimensions alone.
Key Advantages
- Designed for Schneider Electric Altistart 22 motor control systems
- Provides smooth motor acceleration and deceleration
- Reduces motor starting current
- Minimizes mechanical stress
- Protects pumps, conveyors and gearboxes
- Improves motor service life
- Suitable for continuous industrial operation
- Supports reliable motor starting
- Compact industrial design
- Easy integration into PLC-based control systems
- Suitable for OEM machinery and process automation
- Dimensions: 265 × 130 × 169 mm
- Weight: 7 kg
Technical FAQs
What is the Schneider ATS22D47S6U?
The ATS22D47S6U is an industrial soft starter from Schneider Electric’s Altistart 22 series designed to provide controlled starting and stopping of three-phase AC induction motors.
What is the main function of a soft starter?
Its primary function is to reduce motor inrush current and mechanical stress by gradually increasing and decreasing the motor voltage during startup and stopping.
What are the dimensions of the ATS22D47S6U?
The unit measures 265 × 130 × 169 mm.
How much does it weigh?
The specified weight is approximately 7 kg.
Is it a variable frequency drive (VFD)?
No. A soft starter controls motor voltage during startup and stopping, while a VFD controls both voltage and frequency to provide continuous speed regulation.
What types of motors can it control?
It is designed for three-phase AC induction motors used in industrial applications.
Where is it commonly installed?
It is typically installed inside industrial control cabinets or motor control centers (MCCs).
Can it be used for pump applications?
Yes. It is well suited for centrifugal pumps and other pumping systems where reducing hydraulic shock and starting current is important.
Can it be used on conveyor systems?
Yes. Smooth acceleration helps reduce belt slippage, mechanical shock and wear on conveyor components.
What should be checked before replacing the unit?
Verify the motor specifications, system voltage, control wiring, protection devices, application requirements and parameter settings before replacement.
Conclusion
The Schneider ATS22D47S6U Soft Starter is a reliable motor control solution for industrial automation systems requiring smooth motor acceleration and controlled stopping. As part of the Schneider Electric Altistart 22 series, it helps reduce electrical inrush current and mechanical stress, extending the service life of motors and driven equipment.
With compact dimensions of 265 × 130 × 169 mm and a weight of approximately 7 kg, the ATS22D47S6U integrates easily into industrial control cabinets and motor control centers. It is widely used in pump stations, conveyor systems, compressors, fans, HVAC installations and many other motor-driven applications.
When combined with PLC controllers, protection devices, contactors and industrial communication systems, the Schneider ATS22D47S6U forms an efficient and dependable motor starting solution that enhances operational reliability, minimizes maintenance requirements and supports long-term industrial productivity.