Product Overview

The Schneider ATS01N206QN Soft Starter for Asynchronous Motor is a compact soft start and soft stop unit designed for three-phase asynchronous motors. It belongs to the Altistart 01 product family and is intended for simple motor-driven machines where controlled starting is required.

The ATS01N206QN is rated at 6 A and is designed for 380 to 415 V three-phase applications, with a typical motor power range of 1.5 to 3 kW depending on the application conditions. Its main purpose is to make motor starting more gradual by controlling the voltage ramp applied to the motor.

A direct-on-line motor starter can produce a high current surge and an abrupt increase in torque when the motor starts. For pumps, fans, conveyors, compressors, and similar machinery, this sudden response can create mechanical stress in shafts, couplings, belts, and other transmission components.

The ATS01N206QN provides a more controlled acceleration process. It is particularly suitable for machines that normally operate at a fixed speed and do not require the continuous speed regulation offered by a variable frequency drive.

With dimensions of 124 × 45 × 131 mm and a stated weight of 0.42 kg, the ATS01N206QN has a compact housing that can be installed where control cabinet space is limited.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

The Schneider ATS01N206QN focuses on the part of motor operation where electrical and mechanical stress can be particularly high: starting and stopping.

Key features include:

• 6 A soft starter rating
• Designed for three-phase asynchronous motors
• Suitable for 380 to 415 V AC applications
• Supports motor applications from approximately 1.5 to 3 kW
• Controlled voltage-ramp starting
• Soft starting and stopping function
• Integrated bypass contactor
• Compact 45 mm wide construction
• Simple configuration
• Suitable for pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, and simple machinery
• Designed for space-conscious industrial control panels

The integrated bypass helps reduce heat dissipation during normal operation after the starting sequence, while the compact construction makes the device convenient for installations with limited cabinet space.

Working Principle

The ATS01N206QN uses a controlled voltage ramp to change the motor’s electrical condition during startup.

When a start command is given, the soft starter does not immediately place the motor under the full starting condition. Instead, it progressively increases the voltage applied to the motor. The motor then accelerates toward its normal operating speed in a more controlled manner.

The basic operating process includes:

• A start command is received.
• The soft starter establishes the initial starting condition.
• The voltage applied to the motor increases progressively.
• The motor accelerates toward operating speed.
• The starting torque develops more gradually.
• The motor reaches its normal running condition.
• The integrated bypass can take over during normal operation.

During stopping, the soft starter can also provide a controlled deceleration process where the application requires it.

This approach is useful for machines where sudden acceleration or stopping can cause unnecessary mechanical movement, noise, or stress.

Role in Industrial Motor Control Systems

The ATS01N206QN is installed between the electrical supply and the asynchronous motor as part of the motor starting circuit.

It should be regarded as one component within a complete motor control system rather than as a replacement for circuit protection or overload protection.

Industrial Applications

The ATS01N206QN is intended for relatively simple machines where the motor normally runs at a fixed speed after startup.

For pump and fan applications, gradual acceleration can help reduce mechanical shock. For conveyors and belt-driven equipment, it can also help avoid an abrupt transfer of torque into the mechanical transmission system.

Installation and System Integration

The ATS01N206QN should be selected and installed according to the motor, supply network, driven load, and protection arrangement.

Recommended installation steps include:

• Confirm the ATS01N206QN model and electrical rating.
• Verify that the motor is suitable for the intended three-phase supply.
• Check the motor rated current before installation.
• Confirm the available supply voltage.
• Mount the soft starter vertically inside the control cabinet.
• Provide suitable upstream short-circuit protection.
• Connect the motor and supply conductors correctly.
• Install appropriate overload protection.
• Connect the control terminals according to the control scheme.
• Adjust the starting and stopping characteristics for the machine.
• Inspect all wiring before energizing the system.
• Perform a controlled test run.

The starting characteristics should be selected according to the actual mechanical load. A lightly loaded fan does not necessarily require the same starting behavior as a conveyor or pump with greater inertia.

Compatible System Components

The ATS01N206QN is normally combined with other motor control and protection equipment.

A properly matched system should consider the motor current, supply voltage, starting frequency, load characteristics, protection requirements, and operating environment together.

Recommended Alternative Models

When selecting an alternative, the motor rated current and supply voltage should be checked first. Starting duty, motor power, load inertia, installation conditions, control requirements, and protection coordination are also important. Similar physical dimensions alone do not guarantee compatibility.

Key Advantages

• Designed for three-phase asynchronous motors
• 6 A starter rating
• Suitable for 380 to 415 V applications
• Typical motor power range of 1.5 to 3 kW
• Provides controlled voltage-ramp starting
• Supports smoother motor acceleration
• Helps reduce mechanical stress during startup
• Integrated bypass function
• Compact 124 × 45 × 131 mm design
• Lightweight 0.42 kg construction
• Suitable for pumps, fans, conveyors, compressors, and simple machines
• Practical alternative to direct-on-line starting when smoother acceleration is required

Technical FAQs

What motor rating is suitable for the ATS01N206QN?

The ATS01N206QN is a 6 A Altistart 01 soft starter for 380 to 415 V three-phase asynchronous motors, with a typical motor power range of approximately 1.5 to 3 kW. Final selection should be based on the motor’s actual rated current and the application’s operating conditions.

Why is a voltage ramp used when starting an asynchronous motor?

A voltage ramp allows the motor’s electrical and mechanical response to build progressively instead of applying the full starting condition immediately. This can reduce sudden torque and help make acceleration smoother for the connected machine.

What is the purpose of the integrated bypass in the ATS01N206QN?

The integrated bypass is used after the starting phase so that the soft starter does not continuously handle the motor’s normal operating current in the same way as during acceleration. This can reduce heat generation and operating losses within the starter.

When should the ATS01N206QN be preferred over a variable frequency drive?

The ATS01N206QN is a better fit when the motor normally operates at a fixed speed and the main requirement is controlled starting or stopping. A variable frequency drive is more appropriate when the application also requires continuous motor speed adjustment, frequency control, or broader drive functionality.