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Product Overview

The Schneider ATS490C17Y Soft Starter is a high-current industrial soft starter in the Altivar Soft Starter ATS490 family. It is designed for controlled starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous AC motors used in process equipment, infrastructure systems, material handling, pumps, fans, compressors, mixers, crushers, and other demanding industrial machinery.

The ATS490C17Y has a 170 A normal-duty operational current rating and supports motor supply voltages from 208 to 690 V AC. Schneider identifies the device as a torque-controlled soft starter for asynchronous motors, with integrated bypass functionality and a wide range of application-oriented monitoring and control functions.

The supplied physical specifications for this model are 356 × 160 × 235 mm, with a listed weight of 10 kg. Schneider’s product data confirms the same 356 mm height, 160 mm width, 235 mm depth, and 10 kg net weight.

For normal-duty operation, the ATS490C17Y is rated at 170 A at 40°C. The device can also be used in heavy-duty applications with an operational current rating of 140 A at 40°C, subject to the applicable application and derating requirements.

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Product Identification

Parameter	Specification
Manufacturer	Schneider Electric
Model	ATS490C17Y
Product Family	Altivar Soft Starter ATS490
Product Type	Soft Starter
Rated Operational Current	170 A Normal Duty
Heavy-Duty Current	140 A at 40°C
Motor Supply Voltage	208–690 V AC
Number of Phases	3 Phase
Motor Type	Asynchronous AC Motor
Starting Method	Torque Control
Internal Bypass	Yes
Dimensions	356 × 160 × 235 mm
Weight	10 kg
Installation Position	Vertical ±10°
Typical Application	Processes and Infrastructure
Communication	Modbus Serial, Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP
Physical Interface	RS-485, Industrial Ethernet
Installation	Electrical Control Cabinet

The current, voltage, phase, motor type, torque-control, bypass, dimensional, and communication specifications are consistent with Schneider’s product information and ATS490 technical documentation.

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Technical Specifications

Technical Item	ATS490C17Y
Brand	Schneider Electric
Model Number	ATS490C17Y
Series	ATS490
Rated Current, Normal Duty	170 A
Rated Current, Heavy Duty	140 A
Supply Voltage	208–690 V AC
Supply Frequency	50/60 Hz
Phase	Three-Phase
Motor Type	Asynchronous Motor
Starting Control	Torque Control
Internal Bypass	Integrated
Dimensions	356 × 160 × 235 mm
Net Weight	10 kg
Operating Position	Vertical ±10°
Protection Degree	IP00
Communication	Modbus Serial / Modbus TCP / EtherNet/IP
Serial Interface	2-Wire RS-485
Ethernet Interface	100BASE-TX
Display	Available
Installation	Panel / Cabinet
Main Applications	Process and Infrastructure

The ATS490C17Y reference is specifically identified by Schneider as the 170 A version of the ATS490 range for 208–690 V AC supplies.

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What Is the Schneider ATS490C17Y?

The ATS490C17Y is a soft starter positioned between the incoming electrical supply and an AC motor.

Its primary purpose is to control the motor’s acceleration and deceleration rather than allowing the motor to start abruptly at full electrical stress.

A typical arrangement is:

Three-Phase AC Supply

↓

Circuit Breaker / Protection

↓

ATS490C17Y

↓

Three-Phase AC Motor

↓

Mechanical Load

The starter can also communicate with a PLC or supervisory control system:

PLC / HMI / SCADA

↓

Modbus / Ethernet Communication

↓

ATS490C17Y

↓

Motor

This allows motor control and operating information to become part of a larger industrial automation system.

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ATS490C17Y Current Rating

The ATS490C17Y is a 170 A normal-duty model. The ATS490 product reference itself indicates the current rating: 17 × 10 = 170 A.

For heavy-duty operation, the published rating is 140 A at 40°C. Therefore, the correct operating category must be determined from the actual application rather than assuming that every motor can be operated at 170 A continuously.

When selecting the ATS490C17Y, engineers should evaluate:

• Motor rated current
• Motor supply voltage
• Motor power
• Starting duty
• Starting frequency
• Mechanical inertia
• Load type
• Ambient temperature
• Installation altitude
• Normal-duty or heavy-duty operation

The motor’s actual nominal current should be checked against the applicable operational current rating.

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Motor Power Range

The ATS490C17Y can be used with motors across a broad power range depending on supply voltage and duty.

Published selection information identifies normal-duty motor power values extending from approximately 45 kW at 230 V to 160 kW at 690 V, while heavy-duty ratings are lower.

This means motor power should never be determined from the model number alone. The correct selection depends on:

Motor Voltage + Motor Current + Duty + Application + Ambient Conditions

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How the ATS490C17Y Works

A soft starter controls the motor’s starting process so that acceleration occurs in a controlled manner.

The basic operating sequence is:

Start Command

↓

Controlled Motor Torque

↓

Motor Acceleration

↓

Normal Operating Speed

↓

Internal Bypass / Normal Running

The ATS490 platform uses torque control for starting. This allows the starting behavior to be adjusted according to the characteristics of the motor and mechanical load.

The integrated bypass function is another important feature. Once the motor reaches the appropriate operating condition, the bypass path can reduce losses associated with continuously operating through the soft-starting semiconductor stage.

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Main Functions

Controlled Acceleration

The ATS490C17Y provides controlled acceleration for AC motors.

This can reduce the mechanical shock that can occur when a high-inertia machine is started directly.

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Torque Control

Torque control is particularly useful where the relationship between motor acceleration and mechanical load is important.

Potential benefits include:

• Smoother acceleration
• Reduced mechanical shock
• Better load response
• Improved starting behavior
• More predictable machine operation

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Controlled Deceleration

The ATS490 platform provides controlled deceleration functions that can be configured for suitable applications.

This can be useful when sudden stopping would create mechanical or process disturbances.

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Integrated Bypass

The ATS490C17Y includes an internal bypass.

This helps optimize operation after the motor has completed its starting process.

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Motor Monitoring

The ATS490 platform provides monitoring capabilities covering:

• Motor conditions
• Application conditions
• Power
• Energy
• Operating status
• Diagnostic information

This can help maintenance personnel identify abnormal operating behavior before it develops into a larger system problem.

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Communication

The ATS490C17Y supports:

• Modbus Serial
• Modbus TCP
• EtherNet/IP

The published communication interface includes RS-485 for Modbus serial and 100BASE-TX Ethernet for industrial communication.

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Industrial Applications

Pump Applications

The ATS490C17Y is well suited to appropriately sized industrial pump systems.

Potential applications include:

• Process pumps
• Water pumps
• Cooling pumps
• Circulation systems
• Industrial water treatment
• Infrastructure pumping

Controlled acceleration can help reduce sudden mechanical and hydraulic disturbances.

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Conveyor Systems

Large conveyors can have significant inertia, especially when transporting heavy materials.

The ATS490C17Y can provide controlled acceleration for:

• Belt conveyors
• Material-handling systems
• Production conveyors
• Bulk-material systems
• Industrial transport equipment

Smooth acceleration can help reduce stress on belts, couplings, shafts, and gearboxes.

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Fans and Blowers

Large fans and blowers may require substantial torque during startup because of the inertia of the rotating assembly.

A controlled starting profile can help reduce the mechanical impact of acceleration.

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Compressors

The ATS490C17Y can be applied to suitable compressor motor systems where soft starting is appropriate.

The compressor’s starting requirements must be considered when selecting the operating configuration.

---

Mixers

Industrial mixers can present significant starting inertia.

A controlled start can help reduce sudden loading on:

• Gearboxes
• Shafts
• Couplings
• Mixing assemblies

---

Crushers and Grinders

Heavy machinery such as crushers and grinders may have demanding starting characteristics.

The ATS490 family includes functions intended for demanding process and infrastructure applications.

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Installation Guide

1. Confirm the Model

Before installation, verify:

Schneider ATS490C17Y

Confirm that the starter is appropriate for the application.

Important selection information includes:

• 170 A normal-duty rating
• 140 A heavy-duty rating
• 208–690 V AC supply
• Motor current
• Motor voltage
• Load characteristics

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2. Inspect the Starter

Inspect the ATS490C17Y before mounting.

Look for:

• Cracks
• Damaged terminals
• Bent components
• Loose parts
• Corrosion
• Contamination
• Signs of impact
• Signs of overheating

Physical specifications:

356 × 160 × 235 mm

10 kg

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3. Prepare the Cabinet

The control cabinet should provide sufficient room for:

• Starter installation
• Power cables
• Control cables
• Communication cables
• Ventilation
• Heat dissipation
• Maintenance access

The ATS490C17Y is specified for vertical installation ±10°.

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4. Check Cabinet Thermal Conditions

Before installation, evaluate:

• Ambient temperature
• Heat generated by neighboring equipment
• Cabinet ventilation
• Cooling equipment
• Starting frequency
• Motor load

The ATS490 documentation states that current derating is required above 40°C and at increased altitude. The published selection guidance specifies a 1% per °C derating above 40°C up to 60°C and 1% per 100 m above the specified altitude range up to 4,800 m.

This is particularly important for high-current installations.

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5. Isolate Electrical Power

Before wiring:

1. Disconnect incoming power.
2. Isolate control power.
3. Apply lockout/tagout procedures.
4. Verify absence of hazardous voltage.
5. Prevent accidental motor startup.

Only qualified electrical personnel should perform the installation.

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6. Install the ATS490C17Y

Secure the starter firmly to the cabinet mounting structure.

Check:

• Vertical orientation
• Mounting hardware
• Mechanical stability
• Cable clearance
• Ventilation
• Maintenance access

The listed 10 kg weight should be considered when designing or verifying cabinet support.

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7. Connect Incoming Power

Connect the three-phase supply according to the approved electrical schematic.

Verify:

• Phase conductors
• Protection devices
• Cable sizing
• Terminal tightening
• Grounding
• Insulation
• Supply voltage

Do not energize the system until the complete power circuit has been inspected.

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8. Connect the Motor

Connect the motor according to the approved motor-control schematic.

Check:

• Motor terminals
• Motor cable
• Motor connection
• Ground conductor
• Phase sequence
• Insulation

The motor should be checked before applying the first start command.

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9. Connect Control Wiring

Control connections may include:

• Start
• Stop
• Fault
• Ready
• External interlocks
• PLC commands
• Safety circuits
• Analog signals

The actual terminal assignment should be verified against the documentation applicable to the installed unit.

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10. Connect Industrial Communication

For networked installations, configure the applicable communication system.

The ATS490C17Y supports:

Modbus Serial

Modbus TCP

EtherNet/IP

The published communication specifications include a two-wire RS-485 interface and 100BASE-TX Ethernet.

Check:

• Network address
• IP address
• PLC configuration
• Communication protocol
• Device mapping
• Control words
• Status words
• Fault registers

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11. Configure Motor Parameters

Before commissioning, verify the motor information and application parameters.

Important settings can include:

• Motor rated current
• Motor voltage
• Starting characteristics
• Acceleration
• Deceleration
• Protection
• Thermal settings
• Application mode

The configuration should reflect the actual motor rather than being copied blindly from another machine.

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12. Perform Initial Commissioning

Start the motor under controlled conditions.

Observe:

• Start response
• Motor current
• Acceleration
• Rotation direction
• Vibration
• Noise
• Starter temperature
• Fault indications

If abnormal conditions occur, stop the test and investigate.

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13. Perform Full-Load Testing

After successful initial testing:

1. Apply the normal load.
2. Start the motor.
3. Monitor current.
4. Observe acceleration.
5. Monitor temperature.
6. Check mechanical behavior.
7. Verify PLC communication.
8. Confirm fault reporting.
9. Record operating values.

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Commissioning Checklist

Item	Verification
ATS490C17Y Identified	Confirmed
170 A Normal-Duty Rating Checked	Confirmed
Heavy-Duty Requirement Checked	Confirmed
Motor Voltage Verified	Confirmed
Motor Current Verified	Confirmed
Motor Connection Verified	Confirmed
Load Characteristics Verified	Confirmed
Cabinet Clearance Verified	Confirmed
Vertical Mounting Verified	Confirmed
Ventilation Verified	Confirmed
Power Wiring Checked	Confirmed
Motor Wiring Checked	Confirmed
Grounding Checked	Confirmed
Control Wiring Checked	Confirmed
Communication Tested	Confirmed
Motor Parameters Configured	Confirmed
Initial Start Completed	Confirmed
Rotation Verified	Confirmed
Full-Load Test Completed	Confirmed
Diagnostics Checked	Confirmed

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Troubleshooting Guide

Motor Does Not Start

Check the complete starting chain.

Inspect:

• Incoming power
• Control supply
• Start command
• Stop command
• External interlocks
• Motor wiring
• Starter status
• Protection devices
• Active fault information

If the PLC is sending a start command but the motor does not respond, first determine whether the ATS490C17Y is receiving the command correctly.

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ATS490C17Y Shows a Fault

When a fault appears:

1. Record the fault information.
2. Note when it occurred.
3. Check incoming power.
4. Check motor wiring.
5. Inspect the motor.
6. Review configuration.
7. Check thermal conditions.
8. Inspect the mechanical load.
9. Correct the underlying cause.

Avoid repeatedly resetting the starter without identifying the cause.

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Motor Trips During Startup

Possible causes include:

• Excessive load
• Insufficient starting torque
• Incorrect motor current setting
• Motor fault
• Supply problem
• Phase loss
• Incorrect configuration
• Protection activation

Measure current during the acceleration period.

---

Motor Accelerates Too Slowly

Check:

• Starting configuration
• Acceleration time
• Mechanical inertia
• Load resistance
• Motor condition
• Starting torque requirements

A heavily loaded conveyor or crusher may require considerably more starting torque than an unloaded machine.

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Motor Accelerates Too Quickly

If the machine experiences excessive mechanical impact, inspect:

• Torque-control settings
• Acceleration configuration
• Motor characteristics
• Mechanical load

The objective is to achieve appropriate acceleration, not simply maximum acceleration.

---

Motor Does Not Reach Normal Speed

Investigate:

• Mechanical load
• Motor current
• Supply voltage
• Motor connection
• Mechanical obstruction
• Motor condition
• Starter configuration

If the motor stalls or remains at an unusually low speed, inspect both the electrical and mechanical systems.

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Starter Overheats

Potential causes include:

• Excessive starting frequency
• High ambient temperature
• Poor ventilation
• Blocked airflow
• Excessive motor current
• Incorrect application sizing
• Loose connections
• Excessive mechanical load

Check cabinet thermal conditions as well as the starter itself.

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Motor Overheats

Possible causes include:

• Excessive load
• Excessive starting frequency
• Long acceleration
• Poor motor cooling
• Voltage imbalance
• Motor fault
• Incorrect configuration

Measure operating current and inspect the motor’s mechanical load.

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Excessive Starting Current

Investigate:

• Motor parameters
• Starting configuration
• Mechanical load
• Motor condition
• Supply voltage
• Application sizing

A soft starter controls the starting process but cannot remove the current required to generate the torque necessary to accelerate the load.

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Motor Vibrates During Startup

Inspect:

• Motor alignment
• Coupling
• Bearings
• Shaft
• Gearbox
• Mechanical imbalance
• Load
• Starting configuration

A vibration problem can originate from either the electrical or mechanical system.

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Motor Stops Unexpectedly

Check:

• Stop command
• Starter fault
• Protection function
• Motor current
• Supply voltage
• Thermal condition
• PLC logic
• External interlocks
• Communication status

Determine which component actually initiated the stop.

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Communication Failure

The ATS490C17Y supports Modbus Serial, Modbus TCP, and EtherNet/IP.

If communication is lost, inspect:

• Ethernet cable
• RS-485 wiring
• Network address
• IP configuration
• PLC configuration
• Communication protocol
• Device mapping
• Network switch
• Control logic

If local operation remains normal while PLC control fails, focus first on the communication and control layers.

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Unexpected Reset

Possible causes include:

• Unstable control supply
• Incoming power disturbance
• Loose wiring
• Grounding problem
• Excessive temperature
• Control-system issue
• Communication-related command logic

Record the exact operating condition when the reset occurs.

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Preventive Maintenance

Monthly Inspection

Check:

• Starter status
• Motor current
• Cabinet temperature
• Cooling
• Cable condition
• Visible contamination
• Abnormal vibration
• Abnormal noise

---

Quarterly Inspection

Inspect:

• Power terminals
• Control terminals
• Grounding
• Cooling paths
• Motor connections
• Communication cables
• Cabinet ventilation

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Annual Inspection

Perform:

• Detailed electrical inspection
• Thermal inspection
• Motor-current verification
• Parameter backup
• Terminal inspection
• Cabinet cleaning
• Motor inspection
• Mechanical-system inspection
• Communication verification

Maintenance intervals should be adjusted according to operating hours, environmental conditions, starting frequency, and equipment criticality.

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Thermal and Environmental Considerations

Because the ATS490C17Y is a 170 A normal-duty device, thermal management is particularly important.

The published ATS490 selection information defines normal-duty ratings at 40°C and specifies current derating when operating above that temperature or at increased altitude.

Important factors include:

• Ambient temperature
• Cabinet temperature
• Motor load
• Starting frequency
• Installation altitude
• Ventilation
• Heat from adjacent equipment

The supplied physical dimensions are:

356 × 160 × 235 mm

The listed weight is:

10 kg

The product data specifies vertical operation within approximately ±10°.

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Motor Starting Optimization

A suitable configuration should balance starting current, torque, acceleration time, and mechanical stress.

Parameter	Objective
Motor Current	Maintain correct thermal loading
Starting Torque	Provide sufficient acceleration
Acceleration Time	Match machine requirements
Starting Frequency	Control thermal stress
Motor Temperature	Prevent overheating
Mechanical Stress	Protect machine components
Process Response	Maintain stable production
Ambient Temperature	Maintain operating margin

For example, a pump may benefit from smooth acceleration to minimize hydraulic disturbances, while a crusher may require greater starting torque because of its mechanical load.

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Communication and Automation Integration

The ATS490C17Y can be incorporated into an industrial automation architecture using its communication interfaces.

Supported protocols include:

• Modbus Serial
• Modbus TCP
• EtherNet/IP

The Ethernet interface uses 100BASE-TX, while the serial communication interface uses two-wire RS-485.

A typical architecture is:

PLC

↓

Industrial Ethernet

↓

ATS490C17Y

↓

AC Motor

The PLC can use the communication system for functions such as:

• Start/stop control
• Status monitoring
• Fault monitoring
• Operating-data collection
• Diagnostic information
• Motor-management functions

This makes the ATS490C17Y suitable for centralized industrial motor management.

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Compatible System Components

Component	Function
Three-Phase Power Supply	Supplies Motor Power
Circuit Breaker	Electrical Protection
ATS490C17Y	Motor Starting and Stopping
AC Motor	Mechanical Power Generation
Motor Cable	Power Transmission
PLC	Control Logic
HMI	Operator Interface
Industrial Ethernet	Network Communication
Modbus Network	Serial Communication
Control Relays	Interlocking
Safety Circuit	Machine Safety
Sensors	Process Feedback
Mechanical Load	Driven Equipment

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Recommended Alternative ATS490 Models

When selecting an alternative, the motor current, duty, supply voltage, physical dimensions, control requirements, and application must be verified.

Model	Nominal Current Class	Typical Position in Range	Application Consideration
ATS490C11Y	110 A	Lower Current	Smaller motor applications
ATS490C14Y	140 A	Intermediate	Medium/high-current applications
ATS490C17Y	170 A	Higher Current	Higher-current normal-duty applications
ATS490C17Y Heavy Duty	140 A	Same Hardware	Heavy-duty operating conditions

The ATS490C17Y is the 170 A reference, while the same product reference has a published 140 A heavy-duty rating at 40°C. Application selection should therefore be based on actual duty rather than simply comparing model numbers.

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Key Advantages

170 A Normal-Duty Rating

The ATS490C17Y provides a 170 A normal-duty operational current rating, making it suitable for larger industrial motors within its applicable voltage and duty range.

Wide Voltage Range

The unit supports 208–690 V AC, providing flexibility for different industrial motor supply systems.

Torque-Controlled Starting

Torque control allows the motor-starting process to be matched more closely to the mechanical load.

Integrated Bypass

The internal bypass provides an efficient operating arrangement once the starting process has completed.

Industrial Communication

Modbus Serial, Modbus TCP, and EtherNet/IP support integration with modern PLC and automation systems.

Advanced Application Functions

The ATS490 platform includes functions such as preheating, smoke extraction, second motor set, anti-jam, jog, borehole pump starting, condition monitoring, and power monitoring.

High-Current Industrial Applications

The ATS490C17Y can be applied to appropriately sized pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, mixers, crushers, grinders, and other industrial equipment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Schneider ATS490C17Y?

The Schneider ATS490C17Y is a 170 A Altivar Soft Starter ATS490 designed for controlled starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous AC motors.

What is the rated current?

The normal-duty operational current is 170 A at 40°C. The published heavy-duty operational current is 140 A at 40°C.

What voltage does the ATS490C17Y support?

The motor supply range is 208–690 V AC.

What are the dimensions?

The supplied dimensions are:

356 × 160 × 235 mm

What is the weight?

The listed net weight is:

10 kg.

What type of motor is it designed for?

The ATS490C17Y is designed for three-phase asynchronous AC motors.

Does it have an internal bypass?

Yes. The ATS490C17Y has an integrated internal bypass.

What communication protocols are available?

The product supports:

• Modbus Serial
• Modbus TCP
• EtherNet/IP

Can the ATS490C17Y be used for heavy-duty applications?

Yes, but the applicable heavy-duty current rating is lower than its normal-duty rating. Published data identifies 140 A at 40°C for heavy-duty operation.

Why does the motor trip during acceleration?

Possible causes include excessive load, insufficient starting torque, incorrect motor parameters, motor problems, supply abnormalities, phase loss, or protection activation.

Why does the soft starter overheat?

Possible causes include excessive starting frequency, high ambient temperature, inadequate cabinet ventilation, excessive current, incorrect application sizing, or operation above the applicable environmental limits.

Why does communication fail while local motor control works?

This usually directs troubleshooting toward the communication network, addressing, PLC configuration, cables, communication parameters, or control logic rather than immediately indicating a failure of the motor power circuit.

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Final Installation Checklist

Item	Status
ATS490C17Y Model Confirmed	✓
170 A Normal-Duty Rating Verified	✓
Heavy-Duty Requirement Evaluated	✓
Motor Voltage Verified	✓
Motor Current Verified	✓
Motor Type Verified	✓
Load Type Verified	✓
Cabinet Space Verified	✓
Vertical Installation Verified	✓
Ventilation Verified	✓
Ambient Temperature Checked	✓
Installation Altitude Checked	✓
Power Wiring Verified	✓
Motor Wiring Verified	✓
Grounding Verified	✓
Control Wiring Verified	✓
Communication Tested	✓
Motor Parameters Configured	✓
Initial Start Completed	✓
Rotation Direction Verified	✓
Full-Load Operation Tested	✓
Diagnostics Checked	✓

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Conclusion

The Schneider ATS490C17Y Soft Starter is a high-current ATS490 motor-control solution with a 170 A normal-duty operational rating and a 208–690 V AC motor supply range. It is designed for three-phase asynchronous motors and combines torque-controlled starting, controlled stopping, integrated bypass, monitoring functions, and industrial communication capabilities.

The supplied physical dimensions are 356 × 160 × 235 mm, and the listed weight is 10 kg. Correct installation requires appropriate cabinet space, vertical mounting, thermal management, electrical protection, grounding, power wiring, control wiring, and adequate maintenance access.

The ATS490C17Y is particularly appropriate for larger industrial motor applications where controlled acceleration and reliable motor management are important. Pumps, conveyors, fans, compressors, mixers, crushers, and other process machines can benefit from a properly configured soft-start system.

For commissioning, the motor’s rated current, voltage, duty category, mechanical load, starting frequency, ambient temperature, and installation conditions should be evaluated together. For heavy-duty applications, the lower 140 A operational rating must be considered rather than using the 170 A normal-duty rating.

For troubleshooting, faults should be analyzed across the entire motor-control system. Incoming power, motor condition, mechanical load, control commands, communication, thermal conditions, configuration, and protective functions can all affect the behavior of the ATS490C17Y.

With correct selection, installation, commissioning, and preventive maintenance, the Schneider ATS490C17Y can provide controlled and reliable motor operation in demanding industrial automation and process-control environments.