Product Overview

The Schneider ATS22C14S6 Soft Starter for Asynchronous Motor is a soft starter from the Altistart 22 family, intended for controlling the starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous motors.

In applications such as pumps, fans, compressors, and conveyor systems, a motor connected directly to the supply can produce a high starting current and a sudden mechanical torque rise. The ATS22C14S6 addresses this starting condition by controlling the motor voltage during acceleration and deceleration rather than applying the full supply voltage instantaneously.

This type of starting method is particularly useful where the machine needs a smoother start, reduced mechanical shock, or better control of the motor starting process. It can also be used in applications where a controlled stop is preferable to an abrupt motor shutdown.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

The ATS22C14S6 focuses on controlled motor starting and stopping rather than continuous variable-speed operation.

Key characteristics include:

• Altistart 22 soft starter
• Intended for asynchronous motor applications
• Controls motor starting and stopping
• Reduces the abrupt electrical and mechanical conditions associated with direct starting
• Suitable for industrial motor-control cabinets
• Applicable to pump and fan applications
• Suitable for conveyor and general machinery applications
• Supports controlled acceleration and deceleration
• Dimensions of 356 × 150 × 229.5 mm
• Stated weight of 18 kg

The final selection of a soft starter should be based on the motor rating, supply conditions, starting duty, load characteristics, and application requirements.

Working Principle

The ATS22C14S6 controls the voltage applied to the motor during the starting process.

Instead of switching the asynchronous motor directly onto full supply voltage, the soft starter manages the electrical conditions during acceleration. The motor gradually develops torque and reaches its operating condition with a more controlled transition.

During stopping, the starter can similarly manage the reduction of motor voltage to achieve a controlled stop where the application requires it.

This is particularly useful for loads where an abrupt start can cause problems such as belt shock, pressure surges, coupling stress, or sudden movement of the driven equipment.

A simplified operating sequence is:

Power Supply → ATS22C14S6 → Asynchronous Motor → Mechanical Load

The soft starter remains between the electrical supply and motor, controlling the motor’s starting and stopping behavior while the motor itself continues to operate at the characteristics determined by the supply frequency.

Industrial Applications

The ATS22C14S6 can be applied to machinery where the main requirement is controlled motor starting rather than continuous speed regulation.

For high-inertia or high-starting-torque loads, the starter should be selected according to the actual motor and duty requirements.

Compatible System Components

The ATS22C14S6 is normally installed as part of a broader motor-control arrangement.

The motor, protection devices, control circuit, and soft starter should be selected as a coordinated system. Incorrect sizing of any of these elements can affect starting performance.

Installation and Maintenance

The ATS22C14S6 is intended for installation in an appropriate industrial electrical enclosure. Because soft starters handle motor power, installation requires suitable electrical protection, wiring, grounding, ventilation, and clearance.

Before replacing an existing unit, verify the complete model number and compare the application requirements with the replacement starter.

Recommended checks include:

• Confirm the complete ATS22C14S6 model number.
• Verify the motor type and rated operating conditions.
• Check the incoming supply configuration.
• Verify motor cable connections.
• Inspect power terminals for signs of overheating.
• Check control wiring and start/stop signals.
• Verify grounding arrangements.
• Check enclosure ventilation.
• Inspect the motor and driven load if starting problems occur.
• Review the starter configuration after replacement.
• Check for loose electrical connections during maintenance.
• Perform a controlled start after installation.

A soft starter problem should not automatically be treated as an electronic-unit failure. Motor overload, mechanical binding, unsuitable starting conditions, and incorrect wiring can also produce abnormal starting behavior.

Recommended Related Models

For the Altistart 22 family, the appropriate model depends mainly on motor size, supply arrangement, and application duty.

A related model should not be selected solely because it has a similar physical appearance. Motor characteristics, electrical supply, starting duty, and control requirements need to be checked before substitution.

Key Advantages

• Altistart 22 soft starter architecture
• Intended for asynchronous motor control
• Controlled motor acceleration
• Controlled stopping capability
• Suitable for industrial motor applications
• Useful for pumps, fans, compressors, and conveyors
• Reduces abrupt starting and stopping conditions
• Dimensions of 356 × 150 × 229.5 mm
• Stated weight of 18 kg

Technical FAQs

What type of motor is the ATS22C14S6 intended for?

The ATS22C14S6 is intended for asynchronous motor applications where controlled starting and stopping are required.

How does a soft starter differ from an AC drive?

A soft starter primarily controls the motor during starting and stopping. An AC drive, by contrast, can control motor operating speed by varying the supply frequency. The ATS22C14S6 is therefore suited to applications where smooth starting and stopping are more important than continuous variable-speed control.

What should be checked if the motor does not accelerate correctly?

The motor rating, incoming supply, motor connections, starter configuration, mechanical load, and starting duty should be checked. Excessive load or mechanical resistance can also cause poor acceleration even when the soft starter is functioning normally.

Why is the driven load important when selecting the ATS22C14S6?

Different loads have different starting characteristics. A pump, conveyor, compressor, and high-inertia machine can require significantly different starting conditions. The starter should therefore be matched to both the motor and the mechanical load rather than selected from motor size alone.