Product Overview

The Schneider ATS22D62S6U Soft Starter is an industrial motor starting and stopping device from the Schneider Electric Altistart 22 (ATS22) series. It is designed to provide controlled acceleration and deceleration for three-phase asynchronous motors, helping reduce mechanical stress, starting current and unwanted disturbances within industrial power systems.

Unlike a conventional direct-on-line starter, which applies full supply voltage to a motor immediately, the ATS22D62S6U progressively controls the motor voltage during startup. This allows the motor to accelerate more smoothly and reduces the sudden torque that can place excessive stress on shafts, couplings, belts, gearboxes and other mechanical components.

The ATS22D62S6U is intended for applications such as pumps, fans, compressors and material-handling equipment. It can be integrated into PLC-based motor control systems and industrial motor control centers, providing a practical solution where controlled starting is required but continuous variable-speed operation is not necessary.

The unit has a 62 A starter rating, supports a 208–600 V three-phase supply range, and uses a 110 V control circuit. It also incorporates an internal bypass and provides Modbus communication through an RS-485 interface, making it suitable for integration into automated industrial control architectures.

With dimensions of 295 × 145 × 207 mm and a weight of approximately 12 kg, the ATS22D62S6U is designed for vertical installation in industrial control cabinets.

Technical Specifications

Function and Working Principle

The primary function of the ATS22D62S6U is to control the starting and stopping process of an asynchronous motor.

During a conventional direct-on-line start, the motor can draw a substantial current and generate a sudden torque response. For large pumps, fans, conveyors and compressors, this sudden acceleration can place significant stress on mechanical components.

The ATS22D62S6U uses solid-state control to progressively regulate the voltage supplied to the motor.

The basic operating process is:

Three-Phase Power Supply

↓

ATS22D62S6U Soft Starter

↓

Three-Phase Induction Motor

↓

Pump / Fan / Compressor / Machine

During startup, the soft starter gradually increases motor voltage according to the configured starting parameters. This produces smoother acceleration and reduces the mechanical impact associated with direct starting.

The device can also provide controlled stopping, allowing the motor to decelerate in a more controlled manner when the application requires it.

Role in Industrial Control Systems

The ATS22D62S6U is normally installed between the industrial power supply and the motor.

A typical automation architecture can be arranged as follows:

Main Power Distribution

↓

Circuit Breaker / Protection

↓

ATS22D62S6U

↓

Three-Phase Motor

↓

Industrial Equipment

A PLC or other automation controller can provide the start and stop commands, while the ATS22D62S6U manages the motor starting process.

The soft starter therefore occupies an important position between the control system and the motor power circuit.

Its three discrete inputs and two relay outputs can also be incorporated into the control architecture for receiving commands and transmitting operating or fault status.

The integrated Modbus communication interface provides another method of connecting the soft starter to an industrial control network.

Industrial Applications

The Schneider ATS22D62S6U is particularly suitable for industrial equipment where the motor normally operates at a fixed speed but requires smoother starting and stopping.

Typical applications include:

• Centrifugal pumps
• Industrial fans
• Ventilation systems
• Water treatment equipment
• HVAC systems
• Air handling systems
• Screw compressors
• Material handling machinery
• Conveyor systems
• Packaging equipment
• Manufacturing machinery
• Process equipment
• Industrial pumping stations
• Factory automation systems

The device is especially useful when direct-on-line starting causes excessive mechanical shock, high starting current or unstable equipment operation.

Pump Applications

Pumping systems are one of the important application areas for soft starters.

A pump motor started directly at full voltage can accelerate rapidly, producing sudden changes in fluid flow and pressure.

The ATS22D62S6U provides a controlled starting process:

PLC Start Command

↓

ATS22D62S6U

↓

Controlled Motor Acceleration

↓

Pump Rotation

↓

Stable Fluid Flow

This approach can reduce mechanical stress and help minimize pressure disturbances in pumping systems.

It is particularly useful in water supply, water treatment, cooling and industrial process pumping applications.

Fan and Ventilation Applications

Fans and ventilation systems can also benefit from controlled motor acceleration.

Large fans have considerable rotational inertia. Starting the motor suddenly can place additional stress on:

• Motor bearings
• Fan shafts
• Couplings
• Belts
• Gearboxes
• Mechanical supports

The ATS22D62S6U gradually accelerates the motor, helping the fan reach operating speed in a more controlled manner.

Material Handling and Conveyor Systems

Conveyor motors can also require controlled starting.

A sudden start may cause:

• Belt slippage
• Product movement
• Mechanical shock
• Gearbox stress
• Coupling wear

By providing smoother motor acceleration, the ATS22D62S6U can help improve conveyor startup performance and reduce mechanical stress.

Internal Bypass Function

One important feature of the ATS22D62S6U is its internal bypass.

During the starting process, the semiconductor control section manages the motor voltage. Once normal operating conditions are reached, the internal bypass can reduce the amount of power dissipated by the soft-starting components during continuous motor operation.

This design helps reduce heat generation inside the control cabinet and improves the suitability of the soft starter for continuous industrial operation.

Motor Protection and Monitoring

The ATS22D62S6U incorporates protection functions intended to help monitor the motor and starter operating conditions.

The system can monitor conditions associated with:

• Phase failure
• Starter thermal protection
• Motor thermal protection
• Starting conditions
• Motor current
• Control inputs
• Operating status

A PTC probe input is also available for applications using compatible motor temperature monitoring.

These functions help integrate motor protection into the overall automation system.

Installation and System Integration

Correct installation is important for reliable operation.

Mechanical Installation

The ATS22D62S6U has dimensions of:

295 × 145 × 207 mm

and weighs approximately:

12 kg

The unit is designed for vertical installation with an allowable position of approximately ±10°.

Adequate ventilation should be maintained around the device because the starter uses forced convection cooling.

Electrical Installation

A typical installation includes:

• Three-phase incoming power
• Motor output connection
• Protective grounding
• Control circuit
• PLC interface
• Motor protection equipment
• Modbus communication connection where required

Power cables should be correctly sized according to the application and installed according to the system’s electrical design requirements.

Commissioning Procedure

A typical commissioning process includes:

1. Confirm the ATS22D62S6U model.
2. Verify the motor rating.
3. Confirm the supply voltage.
4. Install the soft starter vertically.
5. Check power connections.
6. Check motor connections.
7. Verify grounding.
8. Configure motor parameters.
9. Configure starting parameters.
10. Check PLC control signals.
11. Perform an initial motor start.
12. Monitor motor current and acceleration.
13. Test the motor under normal load.
14. Verify protection functions.
15. Confirm stable operation.

Parameter settings should always correspond to the actual motor and load characteristics.

Compatible System Components

The ATS22D62S6U can be integrated with several types of industrial automation equipment.

These components can be combined to create a complete motor control system.

Communication and Control

The ATS22D62S6U supports Modbus communication through an RS-485 physical interface.

The communication connection uses an RJ45 connector.

This allows the soft starter to participate in an industrial automation network where operating information and control functions need to be exchanged with a PLC or supervisory control system.

The communication interface can be useful for:

• Remote monitoring
• Operating-status monitoring
• Fault information
• Parameter management
• Centralized motor control
• Industrial automation integration

The soft starter also provides three discrete inputs and two relay outputs for conventional hardwired control and status signaling.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Regular maintenance helps improve the reliability of the motor control system.

Recommended checks include:

• Inspect power terminals.
• Check control wiring.
• Verify grounding.
• Inspect ventilation openings.
• Check cooling airflow.
• Remove excessive dust.
• Check motor connections.
• Review motor current.
• Inspect communication wiring.
• Check fault indications.
• Verify parameter settings.

Because the ATS22D62S6U uses forced convection cooling, maintaining adequate airflow around the unit is especially important.

Common Fault Conditions

Troubleshooting should begin with the power supply, motor, wiring and configuration before replacing the soft starter.

Recommended Alternative Models

The following models can be considered when selecting related Schneider Electric motor-control equipment.

For replacement applications, the motor voltage, current, control voltage, load type, starting conditions and installation requirements should all be checked before selecting another model.

Key Advantages

• Schneider Electric Altistart 22 soft starter
• Designed for three-phase asynchronous motors
• 62 A starter rating
• Supports 208–600 V AC supply
• 110 V AC control circuit
• Torque-controlled motor starting
• Starting current limited to approximately 3.5 times motor current
• Integrated bypass
• Modbus communication
• RS-485 communication interface
• RJ45 communication connector
• Three discrete inputs
• Two relay outputs
• PTC probe input
• Forced-convection cooling
• IP20 protection
• Compact industrial design
• Dimensions: 295 × 145 × 207 mm
• Weight: 12 kg

Technical FAQs

What is the Schneider ATS22D62S6U?

The ATS22D62S6U is an Altistart 22 soft starter designed to control the starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous motors.

What is the main function of the ATS22D62S6U?

Its primary purpose is to provide controlled motor acceleration and deceleration while reducing starting current and mechanical stress.

What is the rated starter current?

The ATS22D62S6U has a 62 A starter rating for connection in the motor supply line under standard applications.

What supply voltage does it support?

The device supports a 208–600 V AC three-phase supply range, with the actual application determined by the motor and system configuration.

What is the control voltage?

The control circuit voltage is 110 V AC.

Does the ATS22D62S6U support Modbus?

Yes. The soft starter supports Modbus communication through an RS-485 serial interface with an RJ45 connector.

What are the dimensions?

The ATS22D62S6U measures 295 × 145 × 207 mm.

How much does it weigh?

The specified product weight is approximately 12 kg.

Does it have an internal bypass?

Yes. The ATS22D62S6U includes an internal bypass function.

What type of motor is it designed for?

It is designed for three-phase asynchronous motors, particularly applications such as pumps and fans.

Is the ATS22D62S6U a variable frequency drive?

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

What should be checked before replacing an ATS22D62S6U?

The motor voltage, motor current, control voltage, starting conditions, load characteristics, wiring, protection equipment and communication requirements should all be verified before selecting a replacement.

Conclusion

The Schneider ATS22D62S6U Soft Starter is a practical motor-control solution for industrial applications requiring smooth and controlled starting of three-phase asynchronous motors. As part of the Altistart 22 series, it helps reduce starting stress, improve motor acceleration and protect mechanical equipment from sudden torque changes.

With a 62 A starter rating, 208–600 V AC three-phase supply range, 110 V AC control circuit, integrated bypass, Modbus communication and RS-485 connectivity, the ATS22D62S6U can be integrated into both conventional motor-control cabinets and PLC-based industrial automation systems.

Its 295 × 145 × 207 mm dimensions and 12 kg weight make it suitable for vertical cabinet installation. Pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors and material-handling equipment can all benefit from the controlled starting characteristics of this soft starter.

For engineers, maintenance teams and system integrators, the ATS22D62S6U provides a reliable approach to motor starting where reduced mechanical stress, controlled acceleration and integration with an industrial control system are important.