Product Overview

The Schneider ATS22C11S6 Soft Starter is an Altistart 22 motor starter for three-phase asynchronous motors. It is intended for machines where the motor normally operates at a fixed speed, but the starting and stopping process needs more control than a conventional direct-on-line starter can provide.

In an industrial installation, the ATS22C11S6 is typically positioned in the motor feeder between the upstream protection and the motor. During startup, it controls the motor’s acceleration so that the transition from standstill to normal operating speed is less abrupt.

This is useful on equipment such as pumps, fans, conveyors, compressors, and material-handling machinery. For example, a conveyor with a loaded belt can place considerable mechanical stress on its gearbox, coupling, and belt if the motor starts abruptly. Controlled acceleration allows the complete drive train to build up speed more progressively.

The ATS22C11S6 also fits applications where controlled stopping is useful. A pump, fan, or conveyor may not benefit from an immediate removal of motor torque, particularly when sudden stopping can affect the connected mechanical system.

As part of the Altistart 22 family, the ATS22C11S6 is intended for fixed-speed motor applications. It is not a replacement for a variable frequency drive when continuous motor-speed regulation is required.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

The ATS22C11S6 combines controlled motor acceleration and deceleration with a compact soft-starter architecture for three-phase asynchronous motor applications.

Key characteristics include:

• 11 A rated operational current
• 208–600 V AC supply range
• 110–230 V AC control supply
• Three-phase asynchronous motor operation
• 50–60 Hz operating frequency
• In-line or inside-the-delta connection
• AC-53A utilization category
• Controlled acceleration
• Controlled deceleration
• Suitable for fixed-speed motor systems
• Applicable to pumps, fans, conveyors, and compressors
• Suitable for industrial control cabinets
• Dimensions of 356 × 150 × 229.5 mm
• Stated weight of 18 kg

The broad motor-supply range makes the ATS22C11S6 useful across different industrial electrical systems. The motor’s actual current, voltage, starting frequency, load characteristics, and connection method should still be checked before installation.

Working Principle

The ATS22C11S6 is connected within the motor feeder:

Three-Phase Supply → Motor Protection → ATS22C11S6 → Asynchronous Motor → Mechanical Load

When the motor receives a start command, the soft starter manages the acceleration process rather than switching the motor directly into full operating conditions.

This becomes particularly useful when the driven machine has high inertia. A fan needs to accelerate its rotating assembly, while a conveyor may need to bring a belt, rollers, gearbox, and material up to speed. The motor therefore has to deliver torque progressively while the mechanical system moves from rest to normal operation.

The soft starter can also manage deceleration. On equipment where an abrupt stop could create excessive mechanical stress or disturb the process, controlled stopping gives the machine a more gradual transition.

The important distinction is that the ATS22C11S6 controls the starting and stopping process, not the motor’s continuous running speed. Once the motor has reached normal operation, it remains essentially a fixed-speed motor.

Industrial Applications

The ATS22C11S6 is suitable for industrial machinery using three-phase asynchronous motors where controlled startup or stopping is required.

The actual application should be evaluated according to motor current and starting duty. A lightly loaded pump, a high-inertia fan, and a loaded conveyor can impose very different demands on the same soft starter.

Compatible System Components

The ATS22C11S6 normally forms part of a complete motor-control system.

The motor protection and switching arrangement should be coordinated with the starter. During replacement, it is useful to inspect the complete feeder, including the motor, protection device, power cables, control wiring, and mechanical load.

Installation and Maintenance

The ATS22C11S6 should be installed in an appropriate electrical enclosure with adequate ventilation and sufficient space for power connections and maintenance access.

Before commissioning, compare the motor nameplate information with the starter’s electrical ratings. The motor current and supply voltage are particularly important, while the starting frequency and mechanical load determine how demanding the application will be.

Recommended checks include:

• Confirm the complete ATS22C11S6 part number.
• Check the motor nameplate current.
• Verify the incoming three-phase supply.
• Confirm the control supply voltage.
• Check the selected in-line or inside-the-delta connection.
• Verify upstream motor protection.
• Inspect motor power connections.
• Check control wiring and start/stop signals.
• Inspect terminals for looseness or overheating.
• Confirm adequate cabinet ventilation.
• Review the expected number of starts.
• Consider the inertia of the driven equipment.
• Check diagnostic information after commissioning.
• Perform a controlled startup and stopping test.

If the motor does not accelerate properly, the soft starter should not immediately be assumed to be defective. Excessive mechanical load, incorrect motor connections, inadequate supply conditions, protection settings, and an unsuitable starting cycle can all cause similar symptoms.

Recommended Related Models

For the ATS22C11S6, the most relevant comparisons include other Altistart 22 variants and Schneider soft starter families used for different installation requirements.

The ATS22C11Q is particularly useful as a comparison because it belongs to the same Altistart 22 family and has the same 11 A current class while serving a different supply-voltage configuration.

The ATS130 family is worth considering for simpler applications, while the ATS480 family is more appropriate when the machine requires a broader range of motor-management and commissioning functions.

For replacement work, the motor’s rated current, supply voltage, control voltage, connection method, starting duty, and cabinet arrangement should all be verified before selecting an alternative.

Key Advantages

• 11 A rated operational current
• 208–600 V AC supply range
• 110–230 V AC control supply
• Three-phase asynchronous motor operation
• In-line or inside-the-delta connection
• AC-53A utilization category
• Controlled acceleration
• Controlled deceleration
• Suitable for fixed-speed industrial machinery
• Suitable for pumps, fans, conveyors, and compressors
• Dimensions of 356 × 150 × 229.5 mm
• Stated weight of 18 kg

Technical FAQs

What is the main difference between ATS22C11S6 and ATS22C11Q?

Both models belong to the Altistart 22 family and have an 11 A current class, but their supply-voltage configurations differ. The ATS22C11S6 is intended for a broader 208–600 V AC motor supply range, while the ATS22C11Q is associated with a lower-voltage supply range. The incoming supply should therefore be checked before selecting between them.

Can the ATS22C11S6 be connected inside the motor delta circuit?

Yes, the Altistart 22 architecture supports both in-line and inside-the-delta connection arrangements for compatible motor configurations. The motor winding arrangement and connection method must be verified carefully before commissioning.

Why is controlled deceleration useful on pumps and conveyors?

An immediate loss of motor torque can create a sudden change in the mechanical system. On a pump, the stopping behavior can affect the connected process, while on a conveyor it can produce abrupt mechanical movement. Controlled deceleration can make the transition less severe.

What should be checked if an ATS22C11S6 installation trips shortly after startup?

Start with the motor current, supply voltage, motor connections, protection settings, starting conditions, and mechanical load. If these are normal, inspect the control commands and the starter’s diagnostic information to determine whether the issue originates in the electrical circuit, motor, or driven equipment.