Product Overview

In modern industrial motor control systems, controlling high-power asynchronous motors during starting and stopping is essential for reducing mechanical stress, limiting electrical disturbances, and improving equipment reliability. The Schneider ATS490C79Y is a high-capacity Altivar ATS490 Soft Starter designed for demanding industrial motor-starting applications. With a rated operational current of 790 A and an operating voltage range of 208 to 690 V AC, it is suitable for large three-phase asynchronous motors used in process and infrastructure applications.

The ATS490C79Y provides controlled acceleration and deceleration by managing the voltage supplied to the motor during starting and stopping. Its integrated bypass architecture, advanced motor-management functions, communication capabilities, and Safe Torque Off functionality make it suitable for applications where controlled motor starting, operational monitoring, and system integration are important. The large 436 × 580 × 350 mm enclosure and 65 kg weight reflect its high-power industrial design.

Technical Specifications

Function and Working Principle

The Schneider ATS490C79Y is designed to control the starting and stopping process of large asynchronous motors. Instead of applying full line voltage directly to the motor at startup, the soft starter gradually controls the voltage applied to the motor.

This controlled starting process helps reduce the high inrush current and mechanical shock that can occur when a large motor is started directly across the line.

The main operating functions include:

• Controlled motor acceleration
• Controlled motor deceleration
• Reduction of starting current
• Reduction of mechanical starting stress
• Integrated bypass operation
• Motor current monitoring
• Motor protection and diagnostic functions
• Torque-controlled deceleration
• Kick-start and boost functions
• Anti-jam functions
• Pump-specific starting functions
• Smoke extraction applications
• Second-motor management
• Condition monitoring
• Communication with automation systems

During a normal soft-start sequence, the ATS490C79Y progressively increases the effective motor voltage according to the configured starting parameters. This allows the motor to accelerate smoothly rather than experiencing an abrupt electrical and mechanical transition.

Once the motor reaches normal operating conditions, the integrated bypass function can reduce losses associated with continuous semiconductor conduction. During stopping, the controller can again manage the motor voltage and torque according to the selected deceleration strategy.

Role in Industrial Control Systems

The ATS490C79Y serves as the motor-starting and stopping control device between the incoming power system and a large asynchronous motor.

In an industrial automation architecture, it can operate together with:

• PLC controllers
• DCS systems
• Motor control centers
• Circuit breakers
• Contactors
• Motor protection devices
• Ethernet industrial networks
• Modbus communication networks
• Safety control systems
• Human-machine interfaces
• SCADA monitoring systems

The soft starter can exchange operating information with higher-level automation systems, allowing engineers to monitor motor status, current, alarms, operating conditions, and diagnostic information.

This makes the ATS490C79Y more than a simple starting device. It can become part of a larger motor-management architecture where motor operation and diagnostic information are integrated into the plant control system.

Industrial Applications

The high current rating of the ATS490C79Y makes it appropriate for large industrial motors and high-power mechanical loads.

Typical applications include:

• Water and wastewater pumping systems
• Oil and gas processing facilities
• Petrochemical plants
• Power generation facilities
• Mining equipment
• Cement production
• Steel processing
• Chemical processing
• Industrial ventilation systems
• Large air compressors
• Conveyor systems
• Crushers and grinding equipment
• Industrial fans
• Process pumps
• Heavy-duty material handling equipment

For pump applications, controlled acceleration can help reduce sudden pressure changes in the piping system. For conveyors and other mechanical systems, gradual acceleration can reduce stress on gearboxes, belts, couplings, and other mechanical components.

The ATS490C79Y is particularly useful where a large motor cannot be started repeatedly with a conventional direct-on-line starter because of electrical network limitations or excessive mechanical stress.

Installation and System Integration

Proper installation is important for reliable operation of a high-current soft starter such as the ATS490C79Y.

The unit is designed for vertical installation with an allowable operating position of approximately ±10 degrees. Because the equipment is rated at 790 A and has a substantial physical size, the installation enclosure must provide adequate mechanical support, electrical clearance, ventilation, and cable access.

Recommended installation practices include:

• Install the soft starter in a suitable electrical cabinet or enclosure.
• Maintain the specified installation clearances.
• Install the unit in the recommended vertical orientation.
• Use appropriately rated incoming and motor cables.
• Verify the motor full-load current before configuration.
• Confirm that the motor current does not exceed the soft starter’s operational rating.
• Provide suitable upstream protection.
• Verify grounding and protective-earth connections.
• Configure motor parameters before commissioning.
• Check control-supply voltage before energization.
• Verify communication wiring when network control is required.
• Perform functional testing before placing the motor into continuous service.

The ATS490C79Y has a rated operational current of 790 A, so cable sizing, upstream protection, thermal design, and enclosure ventilation must be selected according to the actual installation conditions.

For maintenance work, the power supply should be isolated and appropriate electrical safety procedures should be followed before accessing the soft starter or associated motor circuit.

Compatible System Components

The ATS490C79Y can be integrated with a range of electrical and automation components used in industrial motor-control systems.

Typical associated components include:

• Schneider Electric PLC systems
• Schneider Modicon controllers
• Schneider EcoStruxure automation systems
• Industrial Ethernet networks
• Modbus RTU networks
• Modbus TCP networks
• EtherNet/IP networks
• Motor circuit breakers
• Upstream disconnect devices
• Line contactors
• Motor protection equipment
• Three-phase asynchronous motors
• Human-machine interfaces
• SCADA systems
• Industrial control cabinets
• Line chokes where required by the application

The exact combination depends on motor power, supply characteristics, starting conditions, protection requirements, communication architecture, and applicable electrical standards.

Recommended Alternative Models

Depending on motor current, application requirements, and system design, the following ATS490 models may be considered:

The appropriate model should be selected according to the motor’s actual rated current, operating conditions, starting duty, supply voltage, application class, and required starting performance. A higher-current model should not automatically be considered a direct substitute without checking the complete electrical design.

Key Advantages

• Rated operational current of 790 A
• Supports 208 to 690 V AC motor systems
• Designed for large three-phase asynchronous motors
• Integrated bypass function
• Supports controlled motor acceleration and deceleration
• Provides motor current monitoring
• Supports advanced motor-management functions
• Includes Safe Torque Off functionality
• Supports industrial communication integration
• Suitable for pumps, fans, compressors and conveyors
• Designed for demanding process and infrastructure applications
• Helps reduce mechanical stress during motor starting
• Helps reduce electrical disturbances associated with high starting current
• Supports condition monitoring and diagnostic functions
• Suitable for continuous industrial automation environments

Technical FAQs

What is the Schneider ATS490C79Y?

The Schneider ATS490C79Y is a high-current Altivar ATS490 soft starter designed to control the starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous motors. It has a rated operational current of 790 A and supports 208 to 690 V AC applications.

What is the current rating of the ATS490C79Y?

The ATS490C79Y has a rated operational current of 790 A. The motor’s actual nominal current must be within the applicable operating rating of the soft starter.

What are the dimensions of the ATS490C79Y?

The overall dimensions are approximately 436 × 580 × 350 mm, expressed as width × height × depth.

How much does ATS490C79Y weigh?

The product weight is approximately 65 kg.

What voltage does the ATS490C79Y support?

The ATS490C79Y is designed for motor supply voltages from 208 to 690 V AC. Its control supply range is 110 to 230 V AC.

Does the ATS490C79Y have a bypass function?

Yes. The ATS490C79Y incorporates an integrated bypass function, allowing the motor to operate efficiently after the starting phase has been completed.

What type of motor is compatible with the ATS490C79Y?

The ATS490C79Y is intended for three-phase asynchronous motors and is particularly suitable for high-power industrial motor applications.

Can ATS490C79Y communicate with a PLC?

Yes. The ATS490 platform supports industrial communication integration, including Modbus-based communication and Ethernet-based industrial networking depending on the system configuration.

Conclusion

The Schneider ATS490C79Y is a high-capacity Altivar Soft Starter designed for demanding industrial motor-control applications. With a 790 A rated operational current, 208 to 690 V AC operating range, integrated bypass, advanced motor-management functions, communication capabilities, and Safe Torque Off functionality, it provides a comprehensive solution for controlling large asynchronous motors.

Its 436 × 580 × 350 mm dimensions and 65 kg weight reflect its high-power construction, while its broad application range makes it suitable for pumps, compressors, fans, conveyors, mining equipment, process machinery, and other large industrial loads. When correctly selected, installed, configured, and integrated with the surrounding automation system, the ATS490C79Y can provide controlled motor starting, reduced mechanical stress, improved operational monitoring, and reliable performance in demanding industrial environments.