Product Overview

The Schneider ATS22D88S6 Soft Starter is an industrial motor-control device from the Schneider Electric Altistart 22 series. It is designed to provide controlled acceleration and deceleration for three-phase asynchronous motors used in industrial automation, process equipment and fixed-speed motor applications.

When a large induction motor is started directly across the power line, the motor can draw a substantial starting current and generate a sudden increase in torque. This can place additional stress on the electrical distribution system and mechanical components connected to the motor.

The ATS22D88S6 provides a controlled starting method by regulating motor torque during acceleration. This helps the motor reach operating speed more progressively and can reduce mechanical shock affecting shafts, couplings, belts, gearboxes, pumps and other driven equipment.

The ATS22D88S6 has an 88 A starter rating and is designed for three-phase applications with a rated supply range of 230–600 V AC. Typical motor power ratings include 22 kW at 230 V, 45 kW at 400/440 V and 55 kW at 500 V.

An important characteristic of the ATS22D88S6 is its 230 V AC control circuit. This differentiates it from the similar ATS22D88S6U, which uses a 110 V control supply.

The soft starter also includes an internal bypass, Modbus communication capability, three discrete inputs and two relay outputs. Its physical dimensions are 295 × 145 × 207 mm, with a specified weight of 12 kg.

Technical Specifications

Function and Working Principle

The primary function of the ATS22D88S6 is to provide controlled starting and stopping for three-phase asynchronous motors.

A conventional direct-on-line starter applies the full available voltage to the motor almost immediately. This can result in a high inrush current and sudden torque.

The ATS22D88S6 uses torque-controlled starting to provide a more gradual acceleration process.

A typical system configuration is:

Three-Phase Power Supply

↓

ATS22D88S6 Soft Starter

↓

Three-Phase Asynchronous Motor

↓

Industrial Load

During startup, the soft starter controls the motor according to the configured starting parameters. The specified starting method limits current to approximately 3.5 times the motor current.

This can help reduce:

• Electrical inrush current
• Mechanical shock
• Shaft stress
• Coupling stress
• Belt loading
• Gearbox impact
• Pump pressure fluctuations
• Fan vibration
• Conveyor shock

The soft starter can also provide controlled stopping where the application requires gradual motor deceleration.

What Is the Schneider ATS22D88S6 Used For?

The ATS22D88S6 is used for industrial motors that require controlled starting and stopping but do not necessarily require continuous variable-speed operation.

It is particularly useful for fixed-speed applications where direct motor starting could create excessive electrical or mechanical stress.

Typical applications include:

• Industrial water pumps
• Centrifugal pumps
• Process pumps
• Industrial fans
• Blowers
• HVAC equipment
• Ventilation systems
• Screw compressors
• Conveyor systems
• Material handling equipment
• Cooling systems
• Manufacturing machinery
• Process equipment
• Mining machinery
• General industrial automation

The device is especially useful for applications where smooth motor acceleration contributes to better equipment reliability and more stable process operation.

Role in Industrial Control Systems

The ATS22D88S6 normally operates between the industrial power distribution system and the motor.

A typical configuration is:

Main Power Distribution

↓

Circuit Breaker / Protection

↓

ATS22D88S6

↓

Three-Phase Motor

↓

Pump / Fan / Compressor / Conveyor

A PLC can provide the start and stop commands while the ATS22D88S6 manages the motor acceleration and stopping process.

This allows the PLC to focus on production and process logic while the soft starter manages the motor-starting function.

The Modbus interface also provides a method of integrating the ATS22D88S6 into an industrial automation network for monitoring and control.

Motor Power and Electrical Characteristics

The ATS22D88S6 has an 88 A starter rating for connection in the motor supply line under standard applications.

Its typical motor power ratings vary according to the supply voltage.

The actual soft-starter selection should be based on the motor’s rated current and application conditions rather than motor power alone.

Important factors include:

• Motor rated current
• Motor voltage
• Load inertia
• Starting frequency
• Starting time
• Ambient temperature
• Mechanical load
• Cabinet ventilation

Industrial Applications

Pump Systems

The ATS22D88S6 is suitable for various industrial pump applications.

Typical examples include:

• Water supply pumps
• Cooling-water pumps
• Wastewater pumps
• Industrial circulation pumps
• Centrifugal pumps
• Process-fluid pumps

Controlled motor acceleration can reduce sudden pressure changes and mechanical loading within the pump system.

Fan and Blower Systems

Industrial fans and blowers can have substantial rotational inertia.

The ATS22D88S6 provides controlled acceleration that can reduce stress on:

• Fan shafts
• Bearings
• Couplings
• Belts
• Gearboxes
• Motor assemblies

Compressor Systems

The soft starter can be used with compatible compressor motors.

Typical applications include:

• Screw compressors
• Industrial air compressors
• Process compressors
• Factory compressed-air systems

Conveyor Systems

Conveyor systems can benefit from controlled motor acceleration.

A smoother startup can help reduce:

• Belt shock
• Belt slippage
• Gearbox loading
• Coupling stress
• Sudden product movement

This makes the ATS22D88S6 suitable for various material-handling applications.

Internal Bypass Function

The ATS22D88S6 incorporates an internal bypass.

During the starting process, the electronic control section regulates the motor. Once normal operating conditions are reached, the internal bypass reduces continuous conduction losses in the semiconductor section.

This can help reduce heat generation inside the electrical cabinet.

The integrated bypass also contributes to the compact design of the ATS22 series and can simplify the motor-control installation.

Communication and Control

The ATS22D88S6 supports Modbus communication through an RS-485 serial interface.

The communication interface uses an RJ45 connector.

This allows the soft starter to be connected to a PLC, HMI, industrial controller or supervisory automation system.

Typical communication applications include:

• Motor status monitoring
• Fault monitoring
• Remote supervision
• Parameter management
• Operating-state monitoring
• PLC integration
• Centralized motor management
• Maintenance diagnostics

The ATS22D88S6 also provides:

• 3 discrete inputs
• 2 relay outputs
• 1 PTC probe input

This allows both hardwired and network-based control strategies.

Protection and Monitoring

The ATS22D88S6 provides several protection and monitoring functions for industrial motor applications.

These functions are intended to monitor conditions such as:

• Motor thermal status
• Starter thermal status
• Line phase failure
• Motor current
• Starting conditions
• Fault conditions
• Operating status

The 750 Ω PTC probe input can be used with a compatible motor temperature monitoring arrangement.

These features can help engineers identify abnormal operating conditions and support preventive maintenance.

Installation and System Integration

Mechanical Installation

The ATS22D88S6 has the following dimensions:

295 × 145 × 207 mm

The specified weight is:

12 kg

The device is designed for vertical installation with an operating position of approximately ±10°.

Because the soft starter uses forced-convection cooling, sufficient airflow must be maintained around the device.

Electrical Installation

A typical installation includes:

• Three-phase incoming power
• Motor output wiring
• Protective grounding
• 230 V control supply
• PLC control wiring
• Motor protection equipment
• Modbus communication wiring when required

The control supply should be checked carefully because the ATS22D88S6 uses 230 V AC control, which is different from the ATS22D88S6U version.

Installation and Commissioning

A typical commissioning procedure includes:

1. Verify the ATS22D88S6 model.
2. Confirm the motor voltage.
3. Confirm the motor rated current.
4. Verify the motor power.
5. Check the 230 V AC control supply.
6. Install the soft starter vertically.
7. Connect the incoming three-phase power.
8. Connect the motor.
9. Verify protective grounding.
10. Configure motor parameters.
11. Configure acceleration settings.
12. Configure stopping settings.
13. Verify discrete inputs.
14. Verify relay outputs.
15. Configure Modbus communication if required.
16. Perform an initial startup.
17. Monitor motor current.
18. Check acceleration behavior.
19. Test under normal load.
20. Verify protection functions.

Final settings should always be matched to the actual motor and driven equipment.

Compatible System Components

The ATS22D88S6 can be integrated with various industrial automation and electrical components.

These components can be selected according to the complete motor-control architecture.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Regular maintenance can help maintain reliable operation of the ATS22D88S6.

Recommended maintenance activities include:

• Inspect power terminals.
• Check motor wiring.
• Verify grounding.
• Inspect cooling surfaces.
• Check cabinet ventilation.
• Remove excessive dust.
• Inspect control wiring.
• Check Modbus connections.
• Monitor motor current.
• Review fault indications.
• Check acceleration performance.
• Verify configuration parameters.

Particular attention should be given to cooling conditions when the soft starter is installed in a high-temperature or dusty environment.

Common Fault Conditions

A complete inspection should be performed before replacing the ATS22D88S6. The motor, power supply, control circuit, protection equipment and mechanical load should all be checked.

Recommended Alternative Models

For a modern replacement, the ATS430D88S6 is a particularly relevant 88 A alternative for systems requiring a newer-generation soft-starter platform. However, the complete electrical configuration should be checked before replacement.

Key Advantages

• Schneider Electric Altistart 22 series
• 88 A starter rating
• Three-phase asynchronous motor control
• 230–600 V AC rated supply range
• 230 V AC control circuit
• Torque-controlled starting
• Starting current limitation
• Integrated internal bypass
• Modbus communication
• RS-485 interface
• RJ45 communication connector
• Three discrete inputs
• Two relay outputs
• 750 Ω PTC probe input
• Motor thermal protection
• Starter thermal protection
• Phase-failure protection
• Forced-convection cooling
• IP20 protection
• Vertical installation
• Suitable for pumps
• Suitable for fans
• Suitable for compressors
• Suitable for conveyors
• 295 × 145 × 207 mm
• 12 kg

Technical FAQs

What is the Schneider ATS22D88S6?

The ATS22D88S6 is a Schneider Electric Altistart 22 soft starter designed for controlled starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous motors.

What is the rated current?

The ATS22D88S6 has an 88 A starter rating.

What supply voltage does the ATS22D88S6 support?

The model has a rated supply range of approximately 230–600 V AC, with specific motor power ratings depending on the operating voltage.

What is the control voltage?

The ATS22D88S6 uses a 230 V AC control circuit.

What motor power is supported?

Typical ratings include 22 kW at 230 V, 45 kW at 400/440 V and 55 kW at 500 V.

Does the ATS22D88S6 have an internal bypass?

Yes. The soft starter incorporates an internal bypass function.

Does it support Modbus communication?

Yes. The ATS22D88S6 supports Modbus communication through an RS-485 interface.

What are the dimensions?

The dimensions are 295 × 145 × 207 mm.

How much does it weigh?

The specified weight is 12 kg.

Is the ATS22D88S6 a variable frequency drive?

No. It is a soft starter designed primarily for controlled motor starting and stopping. It does not provide the same continuous variable-speed functionality as a variable frequency drive.

What is the difference between ATS22D88S6 and ATS22D88S6U?

The major difference is the control voltage. The ATS22D88S6 uses 230 V AC control, while the ATS22D88S6U uses 110 V AC control. This is an important consideration when replacing or integrating the unit.

What applications are suitable for the ATS22D88S6?

Typical applications include pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, ventilation systems, material-handling equipment and other fixed-speed industrial motor applications.

Is the ATS22D88S6 suitable for an existing Altistart 22 system?

Yes, provided the motor rating, supply voltage, control voltage, wiring and application requirements match the device specifications. For newer installations, a compatible current-generation soft starter can also be evaluated.

Conclusion

The Schneider ATS22D88S6 Soft Starter is an 88 A Altistart 22 motor-control device designed for controlled starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous motors. With a broad 230–600 V AC supply range, 230 V AC control circuit, torque-controlled starting, internal bypass and Modbus communication, it can be integrated into a wide range of industrial automation systems.

The ATS22D88S6 is particularly suitable for pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors and other fixed-speed industrial machinery where controlled acceleration can reduce electrical and mechanical stress.

With dimensions of 295 × 145 × 207 mm and a weight of 12 kg, the unit is suitable for vertical installation inside industrial control cabinets and motor-control equipment.

For maintenance engineers, automation integrators and industrial system designers, the ATS22D88S6 provides a practical solution for medium-power motor starting. The 230 V control circuit is an especially important specification when distinguishing this model from the closely related ATS22D88S6U, which uses a 110 V control supply. When selecting a replacement or designing a new installation, motor current, supply voltage, control voltage, load characteristics and system configuration should all be considered.