Product Overview

The Schneider ATS130N2D80LT Altivar Soft Starter is an 80 A soft starter for three-phase asynchronous motors operating on a 200–480 V AC supply. It is intended for simple industrial machines where the motor runs at a fixed speed but the starting process needs to be controlled rather than handled by an immediate direct-on-line connection.

In a practical installation, the ATS130N2D80LT can be used on equipment such as pumps, fans, conveyors, and compressors. A conveyor with a loaded belt, for example, can place a considerable torque demand on the motor and mechanical transmission at startup. Controlling the acceleration allows the motor and load to come up to speed progressively.

The same principle is useful on pumps and fans where the rotating assembly has noticeable inertia. For these applications, the soft starter is concerned primarily with the transition into and out of normal operation. It is not intended to replace a variable frequency drive when the machine requires continuous speed adjustment.

The ATS130N2D80LT is part of the Altivar ATS130 family and is positioned in the higher-current range of this series. It can also be considered as an alternative to some conventional starting arrangements, depending on the motor and machine requirements.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

The ATS130N2D80LT is intended for motor applications where the main requirement is controlled starting rather than variable-speed operation.

Key characteristics include:

• 80 A rated operational current
• 200–480 V AC three-phase supply
• 24 V DC control supply
• AC-53A utilization category
• In-line motor connection
• IP20 protection
• Intended for asynchronous motors
• Suitable for simple industrial machines
• Suitable for pumps, fans, conveyors, and compressors
• High starting capability for demanding motor-starting conditions
• Compatible with motor protection arrangements using appropriate TeSys motor circuit breakers
• Dimensions of 197 × 81 × 180 mm
• Stated weight of 2.3 kg

The 80 A rating places the ATS130N2D80LT above the 38 A, 45 A, 65 A, and 73 A models in the same ATS130 range. The correct selection still depends on the motor’s actual rated current and starting duty rather than simply selecting a model based on motor kW.

Working Principle

The ATS130N2D80LT is installed directly in the motor power circuit:

Three-Phase Supply → Motor Protection → ATS130N2D80LT → Motor → Mechanical Load

When a start command is received, the soft starter controls the motor’s acceleration and limits the severity of the starting event. Instead of allowing the motor to transition immediately from standstill to normal line operation, the starter manages the electrical conditions while the motor builds up speed.

This is particularly useful where the driven machine has significant inertia. On a conveyor, for example, the motor has to accelerate the belt, rollers, gearbox, and material. A controlled acceleration sequence can reduce the abrupt torque transmitted through the mechanical drive train.

On pumps and fans, the motor and rotating load also need to accelerate from rest. The soft starter allows the starting process to be handled as part of the overall motor-control sequence rather than as a simple full-voltage switching operation.

The ATS130N2D80LT is therefore best viewed as a fixed-speed motor starting solution. Once the motor reaches its normal operating condition, it does not provide the continuous frequency-based speed control associated with a VFD.

Industrial Applications

The ATS130N2D80LT is suitable for a range of industrial machines where the motor has a fixed operating speed and controlled starting is required.

The machine’s starting characteristics should be evaluated before installation. A lightly loaded pump and a heavily loaded conveyor may use motors with similar electrical ratings but place very different demands on the starting system.

Compatible System Components

The ATS130N2D80LT normally forms part of a complete motor feeder rather than operating independently.

The motor protection arrangement should be matched to the motor and soft starter. In an existing installation, the upstream circuit breaker, motor connections, control wiring, and starting conditions should be checked together before replacing the starter.

Installation and Maintenance

The ATS130N2D80LT should be installed in a suitable control cabinet with adequate ventilation and sufficient space for power and control wiring. Its IP20 construction makes enclosure installation an important part of the overall protection strategy.

Before commissioning, check the motor nameplate and compare its current with the 80 A starter rating. Supply voltage, motor connection, control voltage, starting frequency, and mechanical load should also be reviewed.

Recommended checks include:

• Confirm the complete ATS130N2D80LT part number.
• Check the motor nameplate current.
• Verify the 200–480 V AC supply.
• Confirm the 24 V DC control supply.
• Check the upstream motor protection device.
• Inspect motor power terminals.
• Verify the motor connection.
• Check start/stop control wiring.
• Inspect terminal tightness.
• Confirm adequate cabinet ventilation.
• Review the expected number of starts per hour.
• Consider the inertia of the driven machine.
• Check diagnostic information after commissioning.
• Perform a controlled motor test before returning the equipment to normal service.

If the motor trips or fails to accelerate, the starter should not automatically be considered defective. Motor overload, mechanical resistance, incorrect wiring, inadequate supply conditions, protection settings, or an unsuitable starting cycle can produce similar symptoms.

Recommended Related Models

For the ATS130N2D80LT, the most relevant comparisons are other ATS130 current ratings and a higher-function soft starter family when the application becomes more demanding.

The ATS130N2D73LT and ATS130N2D65LT are logical alternatives when the motor current requirement is lower. The ATS130N2C11LT moves to the 105 A class and is worth considering when the motor requires additional current capacity.

For a straightforward fixed-speed machine, staying within the ATS130 range can simplify selection. Where the application requires more advanced motor-management functions, the ATS480 family may be a better direction.

Key Advantages

• 80 A rated operational current
• 200–480 V AC supply range
• 24 V DC control supply
• Three-phase asynchronous motor operation
• AC-53A utilization category
• In-line connection
• IP20 construction
• High starting capability
• Suitable for simple industrial machines
• Suitable for pumps, fans, conveyors, and compressors
• Dimensions of 197 × 81 × 180 mm
• Stated weight of 2.3 kg

Technical FAQs

What motor power range can be associated with the ATS130N2D80LT?

Under normal-duty conditions, the model is rated for motors up to 45 kW at 400 V. Actual selection should still be based on the motor’s nameplate current and starting conditions rather than motor power alone.

Why is the ATS130N2D80LT physically larger than the lower-current ATS130 models?

The 80 A and 105 A versions belong to the higher-current section of the ATS130 range and use a different physical package from the lower-current models. The increased current capacity affects the construction and thermal management requirements of the device.

Can the ATS130N2D80LT be used for a conveyor that starts under load?

It can be considered for such an application when the motor current and starting duty are within the starter’s intended operating range. The conveyor’s load inertia, starting frequency, acceleration requirements, and mechanical transmission should be evaluated as part of the selection.

What is the significance of the IP20 rating during cabinet installation?

IP20 means the soft starter relies on the surrounding enclosure and installation environment for additional protection. It should therefore be installed inside an appropriate control cabinet rather than exposed directly to the industrial environment.