How a Soft Start Works
Motors are frequently used to power equipment in industrial applications. Electric motors run on currents that are supplied through a circuit. A soft start refers to a specific method of powering up a motor. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Function
-
A soft starter device starts a motor by modifying the voltage waveform. Waveforms refer to the shape and form of a wave generated by voltage, or the electrical force that drives a current between two points. Soft starters gradually increase the level of voltage transmitted to the motor until the motor reaches full voltage capacity and speed.
Advantages
-
Soft starters can be used in power distribution systems that may not be equipped to handle a full inrush of power to a motor. Inrush refers to a motor's full current load, or FLA. Large motors that require high levels of power to function can cause small power distribution networks to brown out, or lose power unless current is sent gradually to the motor.
-
Applications
-
Soft starters are used in some types of lamps, enabling current to slowly power a filament to prevent it from overshooting a temperature. Soft starters are used in various electric motors, such as those found in hand-held tools. Soft starters in hand-held tools prevent jumping or jerking out of position when the tool is switched on.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit motor image by Klaus Eppele from Fotolia.com
