Product Overview

The Schneider ATS130N2C11LT Altivar Soft Starter is a three-phase soft starter for asynchronous motors used in fixed-speed industrial machinery. Its job is mainly concentrated around motor starting and stopping, where applying full line voltage immediately can create a high starting current and a sudden mechanical load on the driven equipment.

In a practical motor-control panel, the ATS130N2C11LT can sit between the incoming power circuit and a motor used for a pump, fan, compressor, conveyor, or similar machine. Instead of treating startup as a simple on/off event, the soft starter controls the motor’s acceleration so the transition from standstill to normal operation is more controlled.

This type of equipment is particularly useful when the motor normally runs at one fixed speed. A pump, for example, may not need variable-speed operation but can still benefit from a controlled startup. A conveyor can have a similar requirement when a sudden torque increase would place unnecessary stress on belts, couplings, gearboxes, or the transported load.

The ATS130N2C11LT belongs to the Altivar ATS130 soft starter family and is intended to be integrated with the motor protection, control, and power components around it. Motor current, supply voltage, starting duty, control voltage, and the characteristics of the driven load should all be considered when selecting this model.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

The ATS130N2C11LT concentrates on controlled motor starting and stopping rather than continuous speed regulation.

Key characteristics include:

• 105 A rated operational current
• 200–480 V AC three-phase supply
• 24 V DC control supply
• AC-53A utilization category
• In-line motor connection
• Integrated bypass
• Suitable for asynchronous motors
• Suitable for fixed-speed machinery
• Suitable for pumps, fans, compressors, and conveyors
• Compact control-panel installation
• Dimensions of 197 × 81 × 180 mm
• Stated weight of 2.3 kg

The distinction between a soft starter and a variable frequency drive is important when selecting equipment. The ATS130N2C11LT is intended primarily to manage the motor’s starting and stopping behavior. If a machine needs continuous adjustment of motor speed during production, a VFD is generally a more appropriate type of equipment.

Working Principle

A typical installation can be viewed as:

Three-Phase Supply → Motor Protection → ATS130N2C11LT → Motor → Mechanical Load

When the motor receives a start command, the soft starter controls the electrical conditions during acceleration rather than allowing the motor to experience an abrupt direct-on-line transition.

For a pump, this can make the transition from stopped to running less aggressive. On a conveyor, controlled acceleration can reduce the sudden torque transmitted through the drive train. The same principle can be useful on fans and other rotating loads with noticeable inertia.

Once the motor reaches its normal operating condition, the soft starter’s role becomes much smaller than that of a variable frequency drive. The motor continues to operate as a fixed-speed machine rather than receiving continuous frequency-based speed commands.

This makes the ATS130N2C11LT a practical choice for applications where the starting process needs attention but variable-speed operation is not part of the machine’s normal process.

Industrial Applications

The ATS130N2C11LT is suited to industrial machines where controlled motor acceleration is useful and the motor normally operates at a fixed speed.

The final selection should be based on the motor’s actual rated current and the application’s starting conditions. A motor’s kW rating alone does not always provide enough information for soft-starter selection, particularly when the machine has a high-inertia or demanding starting load.

Compatible System Components

The ATS130N2C11LT normally operates together with several electrical and mechanical components.

Motor protection should be coordinated with the soft starter and the actual motor characteristics. During replacement, technicians should compare the existing protection arrangement with the motor nameplate and the starter’s current rating rather than replacing the soft starter as an isolated component.

Installation and Maintenance

The ATS130N2C11LT should be installed in an appropriate electrical enclosure with sufficient space for wiring, heat dissipation, and maintenance access.

Before installation, the motor nameplate should be checked against the intended starter configuration. Incoming supply voltage, control voltage, motor current, phase arrangement, and the expected starting frequency all need to be consistent with the application.

Recommended checks include:

• Confirm the complete ATS130N2C11LT part number.
• Check the motor nameplate current.
• Verify the incoming three-phase supply.
• Confirm the 24 V DC control supply.
• Inspect motor power connections.
• Check the upstream motor protection device.
• Verify control wiring and start/stop commands.
• Inspect terminals for loose connections.
• Check cabinet ventilation.
• Verify the motor’s mechanical load.
• Review the number of expected starts per hour.
• Check the starter’s diagnostic condition after commissioning.
• Perform a controlled motor test before returning the machine to normal operation.

If a motor fails to accelerate correctly, the soft starter should not immediately be assumed to be defective. Excessive mechanical load, incorrect motor connections, supply problems, protection settings, or an unsuitable starting duty can produce similar symptoms.

Recommended Related Models

For this soft starter, the most useful alternatives depend on the motor current and the level of starting control required.

The ATS130N2D80LT can be considered when the motor current requirement is below the 105 A range. The ATS480 is more relevant when the application requires a broader set of motor-control functions than a straightforward soft-start application.

For a direct replacement, the motor’s rated current, supply voltage, starting duty, control arrangement, protection components, and cabinet installation should all be checked.

Key Advantages

• 105 A rated operational current
• 200–480 V AC supply range
• 24 V DC control supply
• Three-phase asynchronous motor applications
• AC-53A utilization category
• Integrated bypass
• In-line connection
• Suitable for fixed-speed machinery
• Dimensions of 197 × 81 × 180 mm
• Stated weight of 2.3 kg

Technical FAQs

How should the 105 A rating be compared with the motor being controlled?

The starter rating should be compared with the motor’s actual nameplate current and intended starting duty. Motor power in kW is useful for preliminary selection, but current and starting conditions are more directly relevant when determining whether the ATS130N2C11LT is suitable.

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

A soft starter is a good fit when the motor normally runs at a fixed speed and the main concern is the way it starts and stops. If the process requires continuous speed adjustment, controlled frequency, or variable-speed operation, a VFD is generally the more appropriate solution.

What should be checked if the motor trips during acceleration?

Check the motor current, supply voltage, motor connections, protection device, mechanical load, and starting frequency. A heavily loaded machine can require different starting conditions even when the motor’s nominal rating appears suitable for the starter.

Why should the motor protection device be checked when replacing the ATS130N2C11LT?

The soft starter and motor protection equipment perform different functions and need to work together. An incorrectly selected or improperly adjusted protection device can cause nuisance trips or leave the motor circuit inadequately protected, even when the soft starter itself is operating normally.