Product Overview

The Schneider ATS130N2D65LT Altivar Soft Starter is a motor-control device used for controlled starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous motors. It fits applications where the motor normally runs at a fixed speed but direct-on-line starting would create an unnecessarily abrupt electrical or mechanical transition.

A typical installation can be found on a pump, fan, conveyor, or compressor. Instead of switching the motor immediately into full-load operation, the soft starter manages the starting process so the motor and driven equipment can accelerate progressively.

This can be particularly useful on machinery with noticeable rotating inertia. A conveyor, for example, has to accelerate the motor, gearbox, belt, rollers, and load together. A controlled start can reduce the sudden torque transmitted through those mechanical components. Similar considerations apply to pumps and fans where the starting event can affect the connected mechanical system.

The ATS130N2D65LT belongs to the Altivar ATS130 soft starter family. It is intended for fixed-speed motor applications rather than continuous speed regulation. Selection should be based on the motor’s rated current, supply conditions, starting duty, mechanical load, and protection arrangement.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

The ATS130N2D65LT focuses on the motor’s acceleration and stopping process rather than continuous speed control.

Key characteristics include:

• 65 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 65 A current class places this model above the smaller ATS130 soft starters while retaining the same general approach to fixed-speed motor starting. The motor’s actual nameplate current and starting conditions should be checked before selection.

Working Principle

The ATS130N2D65LT sits in the motor power circuit between the incoming three-phase supply and the motor:

Three-Phase Supply → Motor Protection → ATS130N2D65LT → Motor → Mechanical Load

When the motor receives a start command, the soft starter controls the electrical conditions during acceleration. This allows the motor to build up speed progressively instead of receiving the full effect of a direct-on-line start immediately.

On a conveyor, this can reduce the mechanical shock transferred to the belt, coupling, gearbox, and rollers. On a pump, a controlled starting sequence can make the transition into normal operation less abrupt. Fans with substantial rotating inertia can also benefit from this approach.

After the motor reaches its normal operating condition, the application remains a fixed-speed motor system. The ATS130N2D65LT should therefore not be confused with a variable frequency drive, which continuously controls motor speed through frequency and voltage adjustment.

Industrial Applications

The ATS130N2D65LT is suited to fixed-speed industrial machinery where the starting event needs to be controlled.

Application conditions matter when selecting the starter. A motor with a suitable current rating may still require additional evaluation if it drives a high-inertia load, starts frequently, or operates under demanding mechanical conditions.

Compatible System Components

The ATS130N2D65LT is normally installed as one element of a complete motor-control circuit.

The motor protection equipment should be coordinated with the soft starter and motor. When replacing an existing starter, checking the complete motor feeder is more useful than looking at the soft starter alone.

Installation and Maintenance

The ATS130N2D65LT should be installed in a suitable electrical enclosure with adequate ventilation, wiring space, and access for inspection and maintenance.

Before commissioning, verify the motor nameplate against the selected starter. The motor current, incoming supply, control supply, motor connections, starting frequency, and mechanical load should all be considered.

Recommended checks include:

• Confirm the complete ATS130N2D65LT 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 connections.
• Verify control wiring and start/stop commands.
• Check terminal tightness.
• Inspect the cabinet ventilation path.
• Review the expected number of motor starts.
• Consider the inertia of the driven equipment.
• Check the starter’s diagnostic status after commissioning.
• Perform a controlled motor test before normal operation.

If the motor does not accelerate as expected, do not assume that the soft starter is the source of the problem. Incorrect motor wiring, excessive load, supply problems, protection settings, and an unsuitable starting cycle can all produce similar symptoms.

Recommended Related Models

For the ATS130N2D65LT, related models are best compared according to motor-current requirements and the complexity of the application.

The ATS130N2D45LT and ATS130N2D38LT are useful comparisons when the motor current is lower than the requirement of the ATS130N2D65LT. The ATS130N2C11LT represents a higher-current option within the same general ATS130 family.

For applications requiring more advanced motor-control functions, the ATS480 family can also be considered.

For a direct replacement, the motor’s actual rated current, supply voltage, starting duty, protection arrangement, control architecture, and enclosure requirements should be checked before selecting another model.

Key Advantages

• 65 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

What type of motor load is suitable for the ATS130N2D65LT?

It is intended for three-phase asynchronous motor applications where the motor normally operates at a fixed speed. Pumps, fans, conveyors, compressors, and similar industrial loads are typical examples, subject to the motor current and starting duty.

Does the 65 A rating alone determine whether this soft starter is suitable?

No. The motor’s nameplate current is a key selection parameter, but the starting characteristics also matter. Load inertia, number of starts, acceleration requirements, supply conditions, and the mechanical characteristics of the machine should be evaluated.

Why might a conveyor still experience mechanical shock with a soft starter?

A soft starter controls the electrical starting process, but the final mechanical response also depends on acceleration settings, load inertia, belt tension, gearbox characteristics, coupling behavior, and the conveyor’s actual load. The complete drive train should be considered when investigating harsh starting behavior.

What should be checked before replacing an ATS130N2D65LT in an existing cabinet?

Verify the motor current and supply voltage first, then check the control supply, motor protection, wiring, start/stop signals, cabinet arrangement, and starting duty. The replacement should match the complete motor-control circuit rather than only the physical installation space.