Product Overview

The Schneider ATS22D17Q is an Altistart 22 soft starter designed for controlled starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous motors in industrial automation and motor-control applications. It is intended for applications where conventional direct-on-line starting can create excessive starting current, sudden mechanical torque, or unnecessary stress on the driven equipment.

Motor starting is an important consideration in industrial electrical systems. When a motor is connected directly to the power supply, the initial current can be several times higher than its normal operating current. For certain machines, the sudden application of motor torque can also place additional stress on shafts, couplings, gearboxes, belts, pumps, fans, and other mechanical components.

The ATS22D17Q provides a controlled starting process that allows a compatible motor to accelerate progressively. Instead of applying the full starting impact immediately, the soft starter manages the electrical conditions during acceleration. This makes it useful for machinery where a smoother start is preferred.

The ATS22D17Q belongs to the Schneider Altistart 22 product family. It is intended primarily for three-phase asynchronous motor applications and provides a practical alternative to direct-on-line starting when the application does not require continuous variable-speed operation.

The model is particularly relevant to industrial machines such as pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, mixers, and other motor-driven equipment. Its compact design also makes it suitable for control cabinets where installation space must be considered carefully.

According to the supplied product information, the Schneider ATS22D17Q measures approximately 265 × 130 × 169 mm and has a supplied weight of approximately 7 kg. These dimensions should be considered when planning cabinet mounting, cable routing, ventilation, and maintenance access.

Technical Specifications

What Is the Schneider ATS22D17Q?

The Schneider ATS22D17Q is an industrial soft starter used to control the acceleration and stopping of compatible three-phase asynchronous motors.

The primary purpose of a soft starter is to provide a more controlled transition between a stationary motor and normal running operation. In a direct-on-line configuration, the motor is connected directly to the electrical supply, which can produce a high inrush current and an abrupt increase in torque.

The ATS22D17Q helps manage this transition. By controlling the motor-starting process, it can reduce the severity of the initial electrical and mechanical impact. This can be especially useful for machines where sudden acceleration may cause belt movement, coupling shock, pressure surges, vibration, or other undesirable effects.

The ATS22D17Q is not designed to function as a conventional variable frequency drive. A VFD provides continuous speed control by changing the frequency supplied to the motor. A soft starter is instead focused on controlled starting and stopping, after which the motor normally operates at the available line frequency.

This distinction makes the ATS22D17Q suitable for applications where the motor normally runs at a fixed operating speed and the primary requirement is to improve the starting and stopping characteristics.

Function and Working Principle

The basic motor-control arrangement can be represented as:

Three-Phase AC Supply → Protection Equipment → ATS22D17Q → Motor → Mechanical Load

When the motor receives a start command, the ATS22D17Q begins its configured starting sequence. The soft starter controls the electrical conditions during the acceleration period rather than allowing the motor to experience the full impact of direct-on-line starting.

The Altistart 22 architecture uses torque-controlled starting and current limitation. Depending on configuration and operating conditions, starting current can be limited to approximately 3.5 times the configured motor current.

The result is a more progressive acceleration process. The motor gradually develops speed and torque until it reaches its normal operating condition.

Once normal running conditions have been reached, the internal bypass function can provide a normal operating path through the starter. This helps reduce the losses associated with the semiconductor power stage during continuous motor operation.

The soft starter can also provide controlled stopping. This function can be useful when an immediate motor shutdown could create undesirable mechanical or process effects.

For example, a pump may benefit from controlled stopping because abruptly stopping the motor can produce changes in fluid flow and pressure. Similarly, a conveyor may benefit from a controlled stop because sudden stopping can cause material movement or mechanical shock.

The ATS22D17Q also supports integration with industrial control systems. Through its communication and control interfaces, it can exchange information with PLCs and other automation devices in suitable applications.

Role in Industrial Control Systems

The ATS22D17Q can be installed as part of a complete motor-control architecture. It does not normally operate as an isolated component. Instead, it works together with electrical protection equipment, control devices, motors, sensors, and automation controllers.

A typical industrial arrangement may contain:

• PLC controller
• HMI operator interface
• ATS22D17Q soft starter
• Three-phase asynchronous motor
• Incoming circuit breaker
• Motor protection equipment
• Contactor or isolation device
• Emergency stop circuit
• Process sensors
• Modbus RS485 communication network
• Industrial control power supply

The PLC can determine when the motor should start or stop according to the production sequence, while the ATS22D17Q manages the motor’s acceleration and deceleration characteristics.

Status and fault information can be incorporated into the automation system using the available control and communication interfaces. This allows the operator or control system to distinguish between normal motor operation and abnormal conditions.

For machine builders, this separation between process control and motor starting can simplify system architecture. The PLC handles machine logic while the soft starter handles the electrical motor-starting process.

Industrial Applications

Pump Applications

The ATS22D17Q can be considered for suitable pump applications where controlled motor acceleration and stopping are required.

Pumps can experience mechanical and hydraulic effects during abrupt starting and stopping. A soft starter can provide a more progressive motor-starting sequence and may help reduce sudden changes in the connected system.

Typical applications include water circulation, process pumping, industrial cooling systems, and utility equipment.

Industrial Fans

Fans and blowers can have significant rotating inertia. Starting the motor directly can create a sudden mechanical load on the shaft, bearings, coupling, and drive system.

The ATS22D17Q can provide controlled acceleration for suitable fixed-speed fan applications.

Compressors

Small and medium industrial compressors may require controlled motor starting to reduce the initial electrical demand and mechanical impact.

The correct soft starter rating should be determined according to the compressor motor’s rated current and starting requirements.

Conveyor Systems

Conveyor systems can contain belts, rollers, gearboxes, and mechanical loads that benefit from smoother acceleration.

The ATS22D17Q can help reduce sudden torque transfer during startup in appropriately sized conveyor applications.

Mixers and Agitators

Mixing equipment can have substantial starting inertia, particularly when the vessel contains material. Controlled starting can help the motor build torque progressively rather than applying the full mechanical impact immediately.

Industrial Machinery

Other applications can include machine tools, material-handling equipment, ventilation equipment, process machinery, and utility systems where a fixed-speed motor requires controlled starting.

Installation and System Integration

Correct installation is important for reliable ATS22D17Q operation. Before installation, the motor, electrical supply, protection equipment, control system, and cabinet environment should all be evaluated.

Verify Motor Information

Begin by checking the motor nameplate. Important information includes motor voltage, rated current, frequency, power, connection configuration, starting characteristics, and application duty.

The soft starter should be selected according to the motor’s actual current and application requirements rather than relying solely on motor horsepower.

Verify Electrical Supply

The incoming three-phase supply should be checked against the applicable ATS22D17Q electrical requirements. The supply voltage, frequency, phase arrangement, and grounding system should be verified before commissioning.

Install Appropriate Protection

A complete installation normally requires appropriate short-circuit protection, isolation, motor protection, grounding, and switching equipment.

The protection devices should be selected according to the motor, soft starter, electrical distribution system, and applicable engineering requirements.

Mechanical Mounting

The supplied dimensions of the ATS22D17Q are approximately 265 × 130 × 169 mm, while the supplied weight is approximately 7 kg.

The mounting panel or cabinet structure should provide sufficient mechanical support. Adequate space should be left around the starter for power wiring, control wiring, ventilation, inspection, and maintenance.

Power Cable Installation

Power cables should be correctly sized according to motor current, installation method, ambient temperature, cable length, and applicable electrical requirements.

Before energization, verify all power terminals, phase connections, grounding points, and cable terminations.

Control Wiring

The ATS22D17Q provides logic inputs and relay outputs that can be integrated into a machine-control system. These connections can be used for start commands, status feedback, fault indication, and other control functions.

Control wiring should be physically separated from high-power cables where appropriate to minimize electrical interference.

Modbus Communication

For applications requiring networked control or diagnostics, the soft starter can be integrated through Modbus communication using an RS485 network.

The communication address and network parameters must be configured consistently between the ATS22D17Q and the PLC or other Modbus master device.

Commissioning

Initial commissioning should include checking the incoming power, control wiring, motor connections, motor rotation, acceleration time, starting current, stopping behavior, fault status, and communication functions.

The first motor test should be performed under controlled conditions. After confirming correct operation, the machine can be returned to its normal production sequence.

Compatible System Components

Recommended Alternative Models

When selecting an alternative to the ATS22D17Q, engineers should compare the motor current, supply voltage, control voltage, starting duty, load characteristics, physical dimensions, communication requirements, and installation method.

A soft starter with a similar appearance is not automatically an electrically equivalent replacement. The complete model number and application specifications should be checked before replacement.

Key Advantages

• Part of the Schneider Altistart 22 soft starter family
• Designed for three-phase asynchronous motors
• 17 A starter class
• Controlled motor acceleration
• Controlled motor stopping
• Torque-controlled starting
• Starting current limitation capability
• Internal bypass function
• Modbus communication capability
• RS485 industrial communication interface
• Three logic inputs
• Two relay outputs
• PTC probe input
• Suitable for PLC-based motor-control systems
• Suitable for pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, and mixers
• Compact industrial form factor
• Supplied dimensions of approximately 265 × 130 × 169 mm
• Supplied weight of approximately 7 kg

Technical FAQs

What is the Schneider ATS22D17Q?

The Schneider ATS22D17Q is an Altistart 22 soft starter designed to control the starting and stopping of compatible three-phase asynchronous motors.

What is the main function of the ATS22D17Q?

Its primary function is to provide controlled motor acceleration and stopping, helping reduce the electrical and mechanical impact associated with direct-on-line starting.

What is the current rating of the ATS22D17Q?

The ATS22D17Q belongs to the 17 A starter class. The actual application should be selected according to the motor’s rated current and starting duty.

What type of motor can the ATS22D17Q control?

The ATS22D17Q is designed for compatible three-phase asynchronous motors. Motor voltage, rated current, frequency, starting characteristics, and mechanical load should be checked before installation.

Does the ATS22D17Q support Modbus communication?

Yes. The Altistart 22 architecture supports Modbus communication through an RS485 interface for suitable monitoring, control, and diagnostic applications.

Can the ATS22D17Q be connected to a PLC?

Yes. It can be integrated into a PLC-based industrial control system using its logic inputs, relay outputs, and communication interface.

Does the ATS22D17Q have an internal bypass?

Yes. The ATS22D17Q includes an internal bypass function that can be used after the motor reaches its normal running condition.

What applications are suitable for the ATS22D17Q?

Typical applications include pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, mixers, blowers, ventilation equipment, and other fixed-speed industrial motor applications.

Is the ATS22D17Q a variable frequency drive?

No. It is a soft starter. Its primary purpose is controlled motor starting and stopping rather than continuous variable-speed control.

What are the dimensions of the ATS22D17Q?

The supplied dimensions are approximately 265 × 130 × 169 mm.

How much does the ATS22D17Q weigh?

The supplied product weight is approximately 7 kg.

What should be checked before replacing an ATS22D17Q?

The motor rated current, motor voltage, starting duty, control voltage, protection arrangement, cabinet dimensions, cooling requirements, control wiring, communication configuration, and mounting conditions should all be checked before selecting a replacement.

Conclusion

The Schneider ATS22D17Q Soft Starter is a compact industrial motor-control solution designed for controlled starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous motors. As part of the Altistart 22 family, it provides an alternative to direct-on-line starting for applications where reducing starting impact is important.

By controlling motor acceleration, the ATS22D17Q can help reduce sudden electrical current demand and mechanical torque during startup. Its controlled stopping capability can also be useful for applications where abrupt motor shutdown could negatively affect the machine or process.

The ATS22D17Q can be integrated into a broader automation architecture containing PLCs, HMIs, protection devices, contactors, sensors, and Modbus RS485 communication networks. This allows motor starting functions to work together with automated production and process-control systems.

Typical applications include pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, mixers, blowers, and other fixed-speed industrial machines. Correct selection should always be based on the motor’s actual rated current, voltage, application duty, starting characteristics, and mechanical load.

With supplied dimensions of approximately 265 × 130 × 169 mm and a supplied weight of approximately 7 kg, the ATS22D17Q provides a relatively compact solution for cabinet-based motor control. Proper ventilation, electrical protection, grounding, cable sizing, and maintenance clearance should still be considered during installation.

For industrial automation engineers, machine builders, system integrators, and maintenance teams, the ATS22D17Q offers a practical way to improve the starting behavior of compatible motors without introducing the complexity of continuous variable-frequency speed control. When correctly sized, installed, and commissioned, it can provide reliable motor starting and stopping within a wide range of industrial control applications.