Product Overview

The Schneider ATS22C14S6U Altistart 22 Soft Starter is a motor starting and stopping device from Schneider Electric’s Altistart 22 family. It is intended for asynchronous motor applications where direct-on-line starting would create excessive starting current or an abrupt mechanical transition.

In practical industrial installations, a soft starter is commonly used on equipment such as pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, and general-purpose machinery. Instead of applying the motor supply abruptly, the ATS22C14S6U manages the starting process so that the motor accelerates progressively. This can reduce mechanical shock on couplings, belts, shafts, and driven equipment.

The unit is also applicable where a controlled stopping process is preferable. Unlike a variable-frequency drive, its primary purpose is not continuous speed regulation; it is used to manage the motor’s starting and stopping behavior.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

The ATS22C14S6U is focused on controlling the motor during acceleration and stopping rather than providing continuous variable-speed operation.

Key characteristics include:

• Altistart 22 soft starter
• Suitable for asynchronous motor applications
• Soft starting and controlled stopping
• Reduces abrupt motor acceleration
• Helps limit mechanical shock during startup
• Suitable for industrial motor-control panels
• Applicable to pumps, fans, compressors, and conveyors
• Suitable for general machinery applications
• Dimensions of 356 × 150 × 229.5 mm
• Stated weight of 18 kg

The appropriate starter should be selected according to the motor, supply system, load characteristics, and required starting duty.

Working Principle

The ATS22C14S6U controls the electrical conditions applied to the asynchronous motor during startup.

With direct starting, the motor is connected rapidly to the supply and can draw a high starting current while producing a sudden increase in torque. With a soft starter, the voltage applied to the motor is controlled during acceleration, allowing the motor to build up speed more gradually.

The basic power path can be represented as:

Incoming Power → ATS22C14S6U → Asynchronous Motor → Driven Load

This approach is particularly useful for machines where sudden torque can cause belt movement, coupling stress, pressure changes, or mechanical shock.

During stopping, the starter can also control the reduction of motor power when a controlled stop is required. The motor remains fundamentally a line-frequency motor system rather than becoming a continuously variable-speed drive system.

Industrial Applications

The ATS22C14S6U can be applied to industrial equipment where controlled motor starting and stopping are required.

The actual suitability depends on the motor characteristics and the mechanical behavior of the driven load.

Compatible System Components

The ATS22C14S6U is normally installed as part of a complete motor-control system rather than operating as an isolated component.

The soft starter, motor, protection equipment, and load should be considered together when selecting and commissioning the system.

Installation and Maintenance

The ATS22C14S6U should be installed in a suitable electrical enclosure with appropriate power protection, wiring, grounding, ventilation, and clearance.

Before commissioning or replacing the unit, technicians should verify the motor and application requirements rather than relying only on the physical size of the starter.

Important maintenance checks include:

• Confirm the complete ATS22C14S6U model number.
• Verify motor and supply requirements.
• Check power-terminal connections.
• Inspect motor cables for damage.
• Verify control wiring.
• Check grounding connections.
• Inspect the enclosure and ventilation path.
• Check for loose or overheated terminals.
• Review the starter configuration after replacement.
• Check the driven load if the motor has difficulty accelerating.
• Perform a controlled test run after installation.

If the motor fails to start or accelerate correctly, the cause may involve the motor, load, wiring, configuration, or protection system rather than the soft starter alone.

Recommended Related Models

For Altistart 22 applications, related models should be selected according to the motor and electrical configuration.

A related model should not be selected solely because it belongs to the same Altistart 22 family. Motor rating, supply arrangement, starting duty, and load characteristics should be checked before substitution.

Key Advantages

• Altistart 22 soft starter
• Intended for asynchronous motors
• Controlled motor acceleration
• Controlled stopping capability
• Suitable for industrial motor-control 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 is the ATS22C14S6U used for?

The ATS22C14S6U is used to control the starting and stopping of asynchronous motors. It is suitable for applications where a gradual motor startup is preferable to direct-on-line starting.

Can the ATS22C14S6U replace a variable-frequency drive?

Not as a direct functional equivalent. A soft starter primarily manages starting and stopping, while a variable-frequency drive can regulate motor speed during normal operation by changing the supply frequency.

What types of loads are suitable for this type of soft starter?

Typical applications include pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, and other machinery driven by asynchronous motors. The actual suitability depends on the motor characteristics and starting behavior of the load.

What should be checked when commissioning an ATS22C14S6U?

The motor, incoming supply, power connections, control wiring, protection devices, starter configuration, and mechanical load should all be checked. A controlled test run should be performed after installation.