Product Overview

The Schneider ATS130N2D45LT Altivar Soft Starter is a motor-control device used to manage the starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous motors. It fits applications where the motor normally operates at a fixed speed but needs a more controlled transition during startup or shutdown.

A typical example is a conveyor motor. With direct-on-line starting, the motor can apply a sudden torque to the gearbox, coupling, and belt. A soft starter changes the way that acceleration takes place, allowing the rotating system to build up speed progressively rather than receiving the full mechanical impact immediately.

The same approach is useful on pumps, fans, compressors, and other rotating machines. In these applications, the objective is generally not to control the motor speed throughout the production process. Instead, attention is placed on the starting event, motor current, mechanical stress, and the behavior of the driven load.

The ATS130N2D45LT is part of the Altivar ATS130 soft starter family. When selecting it for an existing machine, the motor nameplate current, supply conditions, starting duty, load characteristics, protection arrangement, and control circuit should be considered together.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

The ATS130N2D45LT is aimed at motor applications where controlled acceleration and stopping are needed without introducing continuous variable-speed control.

Key characteristics include:

• 45 A rated operational current
• 200–480 V AC supply range
• 24 V DC control supply
• Three-phase asynchronous motor applications
• AC-53A utilization category
• In-line connection
• Integrated bypass
• Suitable for fixed-speed motor systems
• Applicable to pumps, fans, conveyors, and compressors
• Compact control-panel installation
• Dimensions of 166 × 55 × 165 mm
• Stated weight of 1.3 kg

The 45 A current class makes the model suitable for a range of medium-duty motor applications within the ATS130 family. Final selection should be based on the actual motor current and starting conditions rather than simply matching the motor’s nominal power rating.

Working Principle

The ATS130N2D45LT can be viewed as the controlled interface between the three-phase supply and the motor during the starting process:

Three-Phase Supply → Motor Protection → ATS130N2D45LT → Motor → Mechanical Load

When the motor receives a start command, the soft starter manages the electrical conditions during acceleration. The motor is brought toward operating speed in a controlled manner rather than experiencing the abrupt transition associated with direct-on-line switching.

The effect is particularly noticeable on machines with significant rotating inertia. A conveyor drive, for example, has to accelerate not only the motor but also the belt, gearbox, rollers, and material being moved. A controlled start can reduce the mechanical shock transmitted through these components.

On pump systems, the starting behavior of the motor can also be an important consideration for the connected mechanical system. Fans and compressors present similar situations where the motor and driven load need to accelerate together.

Once normal motor operation has been reached, the soft starter is not intended to act like a variable frequency drive. The application remains fundamentally a fixed-speed motor system.

Industrial Applications

The ATS130N2D45LT is suited to industrial equipment where the main control requirement is a smoother motor starting or stopping process.

The starting characteristics of the driven machine should be considered carefully. A motor that appears suitable from its nameplate current may still require additional evaluation if it drives a high-inertia load or starts frequently.

Compatible System Components

The ATS130N2D45LT normally forms part of a complete motor feeder.

The soft starter should be considered together with the motor protection equipment. Incorrect protection settings, unsuitable motor current selection, or inadequate control wiring can cause operating problems that may initially appear to be related to the starter.

Installation and Maintenance

The ATS130N2D45LT should be installed in an electrical enclosure suitable for industrial motor-control equipment. Wiring access, ventilation, heat dissipation, and clearance around the device should be considered during cabinet design.

Before energizing the system, verify the motor nameplate information against the starter configuration. Pay particular attention to motor current, incoming supply, control supply, motor connections, and expected starting frequency.

Recommended checks include:

• Confirm the complete ATS130N2D45LT part number.
• Check the motor nameplate current.
• Verify the incoming three-phase supply.
• Confirm the 24 V DC control supply.
• Check upstream motor protection.
• Inspect motor power terminals.
• Verify control wiring.
• Check start/stop command signals.
• Inspect terminals for looseness or damage.
• Confirm adequate cabinet ventilation.
• Review the expected motor starting frequency.
• Consider the mechanical inertia of the driven load.
• Check the starter’s diagnostic status after commissioning.
• Perform a controlled motor test before normal operation.

If the motor does not accelerate correctly, inspect the complete system before replacing the starter. Mechanical overload, incorrect motor connections, inadequate supply conditions, protection settings, and excessive starting demand can all produce similar symptoms.

Recommended Related Models

The most useful comparison for the ATS130N2D45LT is with other soft starters that address similar motor-control requirements but differ in current capacity or application scope.

The ATS130N2D38LT is a useful comparison for applications with lower motor-current requirements, while the ATS130N2C11LT belongs to a higher current range within the same ATS130 family.

The ATS480 is worth considering when the application requires more advanced soft-start functionality or broader commissioning and motor-management capabilities.

For replacement work, the motor’s actual current, supply voltage, starting duty, protection arrangement, and control architecture should be checked before selecting an alternative.

Key Advantages

• 45 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 motor systems
• Suitable for pumps, fans, conveyors, and compressors
• Dimensions of 166 × 55 × 165 mm
• Stated weight of 1.3 kg

Technical FAQs

How does the 45 A rating affect selection of the ATS130N2D45LT?

The 45 A rating needs to be compared with the motor’s actual rated current and the expected starting duty. The driven load and frequency of starts should also be considered, especially for machines that accelerate heavy or high-inertia loads.

What type of machinery benefits most from this soft starter?

Fixed-speed machines with noticeable starting torque or inertia are good candidates. Conveyors, pumps, fans, and compressors can benefit when a direct-on-line start produces excessive electrical current or mechanical shock.

What is the difference between the ATS130N2D45LT and a variable frequency drive?

The ATS130N2D45LT focuses on controlled starting and stopping. A variable frequency drive can continuously change motor speed by controlling the supplied frequency. If the process requires different operating speeds, a VFD should be evaluated instead.

What should be inspected when the motor starts but fails to reach normal speed?

Check the motor current, incoming supply, motor wiring, protection settings, mechanical load, and starting conditions. If these are correct, review the starter’s diagnostic information and control commands to determine whether the problem is electrical, mechanical, or related to the control sequence.