Handbook de Sofstarters

Sales handbook
Softstarters
Motor starting matters
For internal use only
How to read this handbook
4
14
22
When should a softstarter be selected?

This chapter covers the most commonly used motor
starting methods and when to select them. It will also
give you the argument for why the customer should
change starting method.
Which softstarter should be selected?

When you know that a softstarter is the best option
for the customer, this chapter will help you select the
right model from ABB.
Where can softstarters be used?

When you know that a softstarter is the best option
for the customer, this chapter will help you select the
right model from ABB.
2 | 1SFC132017B0201. Rev A ABB's softstarter
28
38
42
What do our softstarters bring to the customers?

Now you know which softstarters to select. Here
you will get to know what values and functions our
softstarters can bring to our customers.
What is the difference to our competitors?

Here you will learn about the differences between
our softstarters and our competitors' softstarters.
This can be useful when the customer is already
using a competitors' softstarter.
Where can I find more information?

Here you will find links to more resources and
marketing material that can support you when
promoting ABB's softstarters.
ABB's softstarter 1SFC132017B0201. Rev A | 3
When a softstarter should be selected

Why motor starting matters
Rotating electrical machines play a very important role in the worlds
industry and is a large part of the world's electricity consumption.
Much of this electricity is used to power industrial electric motors
42%
of all electricity used

powers industry
2/3
of this is used
by electric motors
= 28%
Global electricity
consumption
electric
motors
Around 90 percent of all these

motors are run in full speed and
are hence either started with a
direct-on-line starter, a star-delta
starter or a softstarter. Since the
total amount of full speed motors
is so huge and they consume so
much of the worlds electricity, it is
important how we operate them.
Electrical motors have some
potential problems when it comes
to starting and stopping, that
can be handled very well by
selecting the right starting method
for the application. Due to the
characteristics of the electrical
motor, the torque and the current
are very high during the start. This
can cause several problems for
the user.
Typical mechanical problems when starting and stopping
High wear and tear increasing maintenance costs
Slippering belts
Damaged products on conveyor belts
Water hammering when stopping pumps
4 | 1SFC132017B0201. Rev A. Rev C ABB's softstarter

Typical problems when starting
The starting current of an AC motor can be up to 11 times the
nominal current. This is because a large amount of energy is required
to magnetize the motor enough to overcome the inertia the system
has at standstill. The high current drawn from the network can cause
problems such as voltage drop, high transients, and in some cases,
uncontrolled shutdown. High starting current also causes great
mechanical stress on the motors rotor bars and windings, and can
effect the driven equipment and the foundations. The higher efficiency
level the motor has, the more severe these problems are since the
current peak will be higher when the resistance is lower.
Several starting methods exist, all aiming to reduce these stresses.
The load, the motor, the supply network and the budget determine the
most appropriate starting method. When selecting and dimensioning
the starting equipment and any protective devices, the following factors
must be taken into account:
The voltage drop in the supply network when starting the motor
The required load torque during start
The required starting time
Application
Budget
14-22xIe
7-11xIe
1,5-2,5xTe
Ie
Te
rpm
rpm
Typical electrical problems when starting

Current peak at start tripping breaker
Voltage drops in the network

Direct-on-line starter
Direct-on-line starting (DOL) is the simplest, cheapest, most compact
and most commonly used starting method. It is only suitable for stable
networks and mechanically stiff and well dimensioned shaft systems
due to high current and torque during start.
DOL can be achieved by a hand operated switch or with a contactor
for remote operation. The switch is only used for small motors that
don't need to be started or stopped often. The other motors normally
use the contactor in combination with short-circuit protection and
overload protection. This solution can also be controlled with a control
system.
When to use a direct-on-line starter

When the motor is small, usually <15 kW for industrial use
When the motors will be started and stopped frequently
When space is critical
When price is essential

With a DOL the start will be uncontrolled,
meaning that the motor will start with
maximum current and torque regardless of
load type. Different load types will result in
different acceleration time for the motor.
Current regardless of load
High load
rpm
rpm
Low load
rpm
Medium load
Advantages
Disadvantages
Compact
High starting current and torque
Simple
Mechanical wear and tear
Easy to install
Only direct stop
Low cost
Motor protection as accessory

Star-delta starter
Most low voltage motors can be connected to run with delta
connection or with star connection. This flexibility can be used to start
the motor with a lower voltage from star connection. It gives a starting
current of about one third compared to direct-on-line starting, although
this also reduces the starting torque to about 25 percent. The motor
is started with Y (star)-connection and accelerated as far as possible,
then switched to D (delta)-connection. This starting method can only
be used with a motor that is delta connected during continuous run
and has six leads out from the motor.
When to use a star-delta starter

When the load is very light
When only a reduced acceleration is requested
When current peaks are acceptable

Star-delta starter reduces both current and
torque during the start. It is not adjustable
which means that if the torque is reduced too
much, the motor will not start. Current peaks
will happen when switching over to delta
connection.
Delta ( )
Star ( )
Current with peaks regardless of load
High load is impossible to start
Low load is okay
rpm
rpm
Medium load gives transmission

peaks
Advantages
Disadvantages
Simple
Only direct stop
Resonable low cost
Complex to install
Lower starting current

(only at successful start)
Low starting torque
rpm
High transmission and current

peaks when switch from star to
delta

Variable speed drive
The variable speed drive is sometimes also called frequency converter.
It consists primarily of two parts, one which converts AC (50 or 60 Hz)
to DC and a second part which converts the DC back to AC, but now
with a variable frequency of 0~250 Hz. By controlling the frequency, the
drive can control the speed of the motor.
It is the most expensive starting solution but also the most versatile,
which means that it is suitable for process control. In many cases, a
drive is used only to start and stop the motor without need of speed
control. For these cases, the drive is an unnecessary expensive and big
solution compared to a softstarter.
When to use a drive

When the process demands speed control
When network harmonics are acceptable
When price and space is of limited importance

In some applications it is required to
continuously regulate the speed of the
motor, which the drive can do by changing
the frequency. The drive can give the motor
the nominal torque and the nominal current
through the complete start.
In
rpm
A drives operates around the nominal torque and current during the
complete start.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Nominal current and torque

during start
Expensive solution
Speed regulation including soft

stop
Generates harmonics
Built-in motor protections

rpm
Bigger size and heavy weight

No power saving at full speed

Softstarter
Softstarter is a full-speed starter that accelerates, decelerates and
protects three phase motors. The softstarter controls the voltage
applied to the motor by using thyristors which gives it control over
current, torque and acceleration. The softstarter can be adjusted
according to the needs of the load, by using different variables, so
that the required current is going to be the lowest possible for each
appliction.
When to use a softstarter

When the motor should run at full speed
When reduced current is needed to protect the network
When reduced torque is needed to reduce maintenance costs
When a complete starting solution is requested that can both control and protect the motor
A softstarter can adjust the voltage to

achieve the wanted starting behavior.
The heavier the load is, the more
torque is given, resulting in a higher
current than for a light load. The slow
acceleration will reduce wear and tear
on the equipment.
Low load that only need low

torque
High load that need more

torque to start
I
rpm
The current will differ depending on how much torque that is

needed to start
Advantages
Disadvantages
Low starting current
No speed control
Starting torque matching the

need
Higher investment cost than

DOL
Possibility to soft stop

Built-in motor protections
Which softstarter to select

Values propositions for different customers
Introduction
Our value proposition is devided into three parts to suit different kinds of
customers. Our panel builder customers are not necessary interested in the
exact same arguements as the end-users are. All our marketing material use
this categorization to make it as easy as possible to use effectively. This chapter
describes how they are intended to be used.
Our features have been sorted into these categories as well to make it easy
to pick sales arguments when talking to specific customers.
Secure motor
Reliability
Motor current and protection

Describes how our softstarters will improve motor reliability by decresing the
starting current and protect the motor from load and network abnormalities.
See page 30 for more features
Improve installation
Efficiency
Softstarter installation and operation

Describes how our softstarters will improve the operator's efficiency by being
faster and easier to specify, order, install, set-up and operate than other
softstarter and starting solutions. See page 32 for more features
Increase application
Productivity
Application performance
Describes how our softstarters will improve productivity for the user of the
motor. Our softstarters can do much more than just start and stop the motor
and this brings value to our customers. See page 34 for more features
Target customer
OEM
OEM customers are usually focused on their own machine and see the
softstarter as an extra cost that is only interesting if it is helping their machine
in some way. Reduced current allows the OEM to install their machine in more
networks and motor protections will prolong their equipment's lifetime.
Panel builder
Panel builders only order and install the softstarter. Their focus is to get a product
that is fast and easy to work with. That is why they will like easy solutions with
accessories built in.
Distributor
The distributor only sells the softstarter to their customers and want to make
money on it. They value built-in accessories and a product that can cover most
needs so that they don't need that many different products in their offering.
End-user
The end-user is the only one that is using the softstarter and can get any of the
benefits from what the softstarter can do. They are therefore most interested
in our capacity and features.
Consultant
The consultant like to work with softstarters that can really solve the electrical
and mechanical problems their customers have. They are intrested in how our
softstarters can make their solutions better so they win the contract.

PSR - The compact range
The PSR softstarter is the most
compact of all the softstarter ranges
which allows for design of compact
starting equipment. A PSR together
with a manual motor starter makes up a
far more compact starting solution than
a star-delta starter, and with the builtin bypass, the energy losses inside the
softstarter are reduced.
Secure motor
Reliability
Reduce the current stresses and keep motor protected with the
MMS
The PSR reduces the starting current for the motor. The possibility to connect it
to the manual motor starter makes it possible to build a compact and complete
starting solution with overload and short-circuit protection.
Efficiency
Saving time and money with built-in bypass and easy set-up
On the PSR, the bypass is built in and verified by ABB, saving you time during
installation and space in your panel. Set-up is done through three potentiometers
making it very fast and easy to understand.
Productivity
Reduce the mechanical stresses on your motor

Soft start and stop of PSR will reduce mechanical wear and tear on the
application and increase the availability and uptime-.
Technical data
Operational voltage: 208-600 V AC
Wide rated control supply voltage: 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz or 24 V AC/
DC
Rated operational current: 3-105 A
Two-phase controlled
Only in-line connection is possible

Starting and stopping features
Soft start with voltage ramp
Soft stop with voltage ramp
Built-in bypass for energy saving and easy installation
HMI and connectivity
Set-up by 3 potentiometers
Fieldbus communication with Fieldbusplug adapter and the
Fieldbusplug
Run and Top of Ramp relays available for monitoring
Connection kits available for connection to ABBs manual motor
starters
Protections and diagnostics
Possible to connect with ABBs manual motor starters to get
overload protection and short-circuit protection
When to select the PSR

When operating a small motor
When a simple softstarter is requested for just start and stop
When up to 100 starts per hour is requested

PSE - The efficient range
The PSE has been designed to meet
the most common requirements from
the water segment and is specialized
on pump operation. It combines the
requested protections with a very
compact design and built-in bypass.
Remote operation with external keypad
or over fieldbus is available as an
option.
Secure motor
Reliability
Basic motor protection and current limit

The PSE offers the most important protections for handling different load
situation that can happen to pumps e.g. overload and underload. The current
limit gives you more control of the motor during start. It also allows you to start
your motor in weaker networks.
Efficiency
Saving time and money with built-in bypass and compact design
On the PSE, the bypass is built in and verified by ABB, saving you time during
installation and space in your panel. The keypad is language neutral and
illuminated for easy set-up and operation in field. The compact design makes
installation fast and easy.
Productivity
Torque control for elimination of water hammering in pumps

Torque control is the most efficient way to stop a full speed pump. The PSE has
a special torque stop ramp that is designed together with a pump manufacturer
to eliminate water hammering.
Technical data
Operational voltage: 208-600 V AC
Wide rated control supply voltage: 100-250 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Rated operational current: 18-370 A
Two-phase controlled
Only in-line connection is possible

Voltage ramp and torque control for both start and stop
Current limit
Kick-start
Coated PCBAs protecting from dust, moist and corrosive atmosphere
Illuminated display that uses symbols to become language neutral
External keypad rated IP66 (Type 1, 4X,12) as an option
Fieldbus communication with Fieldbusplug adapter and the
Fieldbusplug
Analog output for measurement of motor current
Electronic overload protection
Underload protection
Locked rotor protection
When to select the PSE

When you are going to operate a pump and have limited space in
the panel
When you want to have the most common features and protections
When the customer is very price sensitive

PSTX - The advanced range
The PSTX combines many years of
research and product development with
extensive knowledge of application
specific requirements and needs. It
is our latest advancement in motor
control and protection and adds new
functionality and increased reliability.
Secure motor
Reliability
Complete motor protection and three types of current limit

The PSTX offers complete motor protection and is able to handle both load and
network irregularities. With three types of current limit you get full control of the
motor during start. It also allows you to start your motor in weaker networks.
Efficiency
Saving time and money with built-in bypass and detachable keypad
On the PSTX, the bypass is built in and verified by ABB, saving you time during
installation and space in your panel. A user-friendly and clear display saves
you time and resources during both setup and operation.
Productivity
Complete control of pumps and jog with slow speed

Time to use your processes to their full potential. The PSTX features many
application enhancing features, including torque control: the most efficient way
to start and stop pumps. Slow speed forward and reverse will make you more
flexible when operating e.g. your conveyor belt or crane.
Technical data
Operational voltage: 208-600 and 208-690 V AC
Wide rated control supply voltage: 100-250 V AC, 50/60 Hz
PSTX rated operational current: 30-370 A (inside-delta: 640 A)
PSTB rated operational current: 371-1050 A (inside-delta: 1800 A)
Three-phase controlled
Both in-line and inside-delta connection is possible

Voltage ramp, torque control and full voltage start and stop
Three types of current limit (normal, dual and ramp)
Pre-start features as motor heating and stand-still brake
Coated PCBAs protecting from dust, moist and corrosive atmosphere
Graphical display with 15 languages for easy setup and operation
Detachable keypad rated IP66 (Type 1, 4X,12)
Built-in Modbus RTU for monitoring and control
Support for all major communication protocols with Anybus accessory
Analog output for measurement of current, voltage, power factor etc.
Overload, underload, locked rotor protection and PTC/PT100
Over voltage, under voltage protection
Electricity metering
Calculations of time to trip and time to cool
When to select the PSTX

When full control and motor protection is needed
When starting a big motor, >200 kW
When the customer can benefit from application specific features,
e.g. pumps, fans, converyor belts or cranes
When motor is connected inside delta or in a 690 V network
When lowest possible starting current is needed
Where softstarters can be used

Typical softstarter segments
Water
Typical applications
Pumps (treatment pumps, effluent pumps, slurry pumps, high
pressure pumps, etc.)
Fans
Compressors
Typical conditions
Harsh environment
Cold and humid enviorment
Remote location
Softstarter feature
Coated PCBA
Motor heating
Flexible communication
Page
32
34
33
Marine
Bow thrusters
Water and ballast pumps
Refrigeration chillers and compressors
Hydraulic pumps
Fans
Typical conditions
Weak network
Humid environment
Unstable power network
Limited space
Marine approvals
Softstarter feature
Current limit
Coated PCBA
Complete motor protection (over
voltage, under voltage, voltage
imbalance, earth fault, etc.)
Built-in bypass
ABS, GL, Lloyds Register, DNV, CCS
Page
30
32
30-31
32
-
Mining
Fans
Pumps
Grinders
Typical conditions
Dusty environments
Remote location
Unstable power network
High attitude
Conveyors
Crushers
Mixers
Softstarter feature
Coated PCBA
Detachable HMI, Analog output and
Flexible communication
Complete motor protection (over
voltage, under voltage, voltage
imbalance, earth fault, etc.)
Up to 4000 meters
Page
32
33
30-31
-
HVAC
Compressor (piston compressor, scroll compressor, etc.)
Fans
Pumps
Typical conditions
Harsh environments
Weak network
Limited space and high
temperature
Remote locations
Softstarter feature
Coated PCBA, suitable for wide range
ambient temperature
Current limit
Page
Built-in bypass
32
Detachable HMI, analog output and

flexible communication
33
32
30

Pump applications
There are a lot of different types of pumps like piston pumps,

centrifugal pumps, hydraulic pumps etc. Both start and stop are crucial
since the moving fluid will either brake the pump during start or drive
the pump forward during stop. This can create pressure surges and
water hammering. By using a PSE or PSTX softstarter with torque
control, the motor torque is reduced in a way that is avoiding water
hammering.
Stop signal
Recommended basic settings for centrifugal pumps

Start ramp time
10 s
Start mode
Voltage ramp
Stop ramp time
10 s
Stop mode
Torque ramp
Start ramp initial level
30%
Stop ramp end level
30%
Current limit level
4
Typical problems
Water hammering
Underload due to pump running
dry
Jammed or clogged pump
Softstarter feature
Torque control
page
34
30
Overload and locked rotor

protection for detection and pump
cleaning for solving it
30

Fan applications
Fans usually have a big moment of inertia due to the big flywheel which
will make the start slow. Some fans can be started with reduced load
torque, with a closed damper. This is called an unloaded start and will
make the start easier (shorter). By using ABBs softstarter to start the
fan, the voltage is initially at a low value. Then gradually the voltage
is increased in order to start up the fan. The softstarter provides the
ability to adjust the settings to fit any starting condition, both unloaded
and full loaded starts. A fan can take a long time to stop, which will be
more efficient using the motor brake function of PSTX. For a fan that is
rotating backwards when it is supposed to stand still, due to wind, can
be kept still using the stand-still brake.
Recommended basic settings for fans

Start ramp time
Start mode
Stop ramp time
Stop mode
Stop ramp end level
Current limit level
Typical problems
Heavy duty start with high starting
torque
High starting current
Over heated motor due to long
starting time
Spin long time after stop command
Spinning backwards from wind
when stopped
10 s
Voltage ramp
0s
No ramp
30%
30%
4
Softstarter feature
Heavy duty selection and kick
start
Voltage ramp with current limit
and overload protection
Page
Overload protection (EOL)
30
Motor brake
35
Stand-still brake
35
35
30

Compressor applications
There are different types of compressors like piston compressor, scroll

compressor, screw compressor etc. Smaller compressors are often of
the piston type and the load torque increases linearly with the speed.
Screw compressors are often used when there is a bigger need for air
flow and this type has a load torque increasing with the square of the
speed. Most compressors are started unloaded and are considered to
be light starts. By using an ABBs softstarter it is possible to limit the
starting torque to a level suitable for all different applications. The result
is less stress on the compressor reducing the maintenance cost to a
minimum. For scroll compressors, ABB has the special version PSRC
that is optimized for that application.
Recommended basic settings for screw compressors

Start ramp time
5s
Start mode
Voltage ramp
Stop ramp time
0s
Stop mode
No ramp
50%
Stop ramp end level
50%
Current limit level
3
Typical problems
Need short starting time
High starting current
High mechanical stresses
Softstarter feature
Page
Full voltage start
35
Current limit
30
Over load and locked rotor
30
protection
Severe damage if rotating in wrong

Phase reversal protection
direction
30

Conveyor belts applications
Conveyor belts can have a lot of different characteristics. The length

can vary from only a few meters up to several kilometers and the
belt can be horizontal or inclining. Typically, the conveyor belt has a
constant load torque with low to high braking torque depending on the
load. By using an ABB softstarter, the starting torque can be reduced
to a minimum value and still be able to start the conveyor belt. The
wide setting range of the softstarter makes it possible to adjust the
torque to exactly the level that is necessary for the start. This will
reduce the maintenance cost to a minimum.
Recommended basic settings for short conveyor belts

Start ramp time
10 s
Start mode
Voltage ramp
Stop ramp time
0s
Stop mode
No ramp
40%
Stop ramp end level
30%
Current limit level
5.0
Typical problems
Belts slipping due to higher start
torque
Heavy duty start fully loaded
Belts can snap and damage
equipment
Wrong direction due to phase
reversal
Required slow speed for
positioning and maintenance
Motor over temperature
Softstarter feature
Page
Reduced torque with voltage ramp
34
and torque control
Kick start
35
30
Phase reversal
30
Jog with slow speed
34
Overload protection (EOL) and

PTC and PT100 input
30-31
What our softstarters bring to our customers

Comparison between ABB's softstarters
productivity
efficiency
Secure motor reliability
= Yes
= Partly
= Optional
= No
Features
Soft start
Current limit
Electronic overload protection (EOL)
Current ramp
Dual current limit
Current imbalance protection
Voltage imbalance protection
Customer-defined protection
PTC input for motor protection
PT100 input for motor protection
Overvoltage protection
Undervoltage protection
Earth-fault protection
Motor runtime measurement
Built-in bypass
Inside-delta connection
Coated PCBA
Graphical display and keypad
Detachable keypad
Programmable warning
Diagnostics
Analog output
Fieldbus communication
Event log
Multiple languages
Soft stop
Torque control
Limp mode
Jog with slow speed
Motor heating
Motor brake
Sequence start
Full voltage start
Kick-start
Emergency DOL start
Manual pump cleaning
Page
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
31
31
31
31
31
31
32
32
32
32
33
33
33
34
34
34
34
35
35
35
35
PSR
The compact range
PSE
The efficient range
PSTX
The advanced range
Symbols
Symbols
15

Value - secure motor reliability
Key features for secured motor reliability with focus on OEM
Current limit, dual current limit and current ramp
Situation
Value
The customer has a poor network or

the application is very sensitive to or
current levels and variations.
Making it possible to run the motor

in a weaker network and hence
improving the availability of the
system/equipment. Lower current
with less stress on cables and motor.
Overload protection (EOL) and underload protection
Situation
Value
The customer's application might

suffer from variation in load level.
Increased load due to extra weight
on a conveyor belt or decreased
load due to a snapped belt or a
pump that is running dry.
Stopping the motor when the load

is too high will save the motor from
too much overheating and prolong
its life time.
Stopping the motor when a pump is
running dry will save the pump from
extra wear and prolong its life time.
Situation
Value
The customer get a locked rotor on

the motor due to e.g. a jammed or
clogged pump. This might damange
the motor due to overheating.
Provides fast protection from overcurrents to avoid overheating and

break down. This reduces damage on the motor and equipment
and also reduces the maintenance
and service cost. This will give an
increased life time of the motor.
Situation
Value
An OEM builds e.g. an air

conditioning unit but his or her
customer is installing the incoming
cables. If the installer connects the
phases wrong, the compressor will
rotate in the wrong direction at start
and will be damaged.
Elliminates the risk to start the motor

in the wrong direction. This will make
sure that the air conditioning unit
will function as intended and not
cause service jobs and frustrated
customers.
Customer-defined protections
Situation
Value
The customer has a meter, e.g. an

earth fault monitor, that he or she
would like to use to protect the
installation.
The possibility to program the

softstarter to trip on given signals
from external equipment will make
the motor protected from anything
the customer wants and hence
prolong its lifetime and reliability.
PTC and PT100 input for motor protection
Situation
Value
The customer has an installation that

is sensitive for motor temperatures
changes e.g. when installed in
environments with high ambient
temperatures or when load level
might increase during operation.
Avoiding motor damaging by high

temperature and reducing the
service cost. Monitoring of motor
temperature that gives feedback of
the health of the system.
Abnormal voltage protection - Overvoltage & undervoltage protection
Situation
Value
The customer has an unstable

network where the main voltage
might vary too much.
Prevent the motor from being

damaged by an abnormal voltage
levels, both too high and too low.
Situation
Value
The customer needs to detect earth

leakage to avoid damage of the
motor.
Indication that there is a serious

installation problem and protection
against letting this cause problems for
the motor, and other equipment.

Value - Improve installation efficiency
Key features for improved installation efficiency with focus on panel
builders and distributors.
Built-in bypass
Situation
Value
The customer wants energy saving

from the bypass but have limited
space in the panel and dosen't have
space for more components.
Reduces the installation time &

space since the bypass is already
installed. Gives the customer cost
saving and time saving.
Situation
Value
The customer wants to easily

replace existing star-delta starters
or downsize the selection of
softstarter.
Reduce the space and more costeffective solution for the customer.
But with double cables to the motor.
Coated PCBA
Situation
Value
The customer has a very humid

environment off shore installation
or a lot of dust or corrosive
atmosphere.
Longer lifetime and increased

reliability of softstarter, which
reduces risk of unwanted stops. For
PSE and PSTX this is standard so no
risk of ordering a unit without coated
PCBAs and no additional cost.
Graphical display in 15 languages
Situation
Value
The customer installs spend a lot of

money on pilot devices and meters
for control and monitoring of the
softstarter.
The customer exports the panels to
areas with other languages.
Intuitive and easy to use HMI in 15

languages makes set-up and operation
easy for anyone and will save the
users a lot of time. It also becomes
easier to export the product worldwide. The graphical display can show
a lot of measurments which will reduce
the need of external meters.
Detachable keypad
Situation
Value
The customer/end user wants a safe

installation where the panel is never
opened during normal operation.
Detachable keypad makes safe

installation possible and comes
without need of buying any
accessory which will also reduce the
costs for the customer.
Diagnostics and warnings
Situation
Value
The customer is afraid that variances

in the eletrical network or in the
motor load will damage the motor or
other equipment.
Easy to monitor the motor and

warn before something goes wrong
which will avoid downtime and save
time and money for the customer.
Possibility to have a warning before
the trip happens.
Analog output
Situation
Value
The customer wants to measure

some parameter from the motor on
an analog meter for easy reading.
Easy view of key information, such

as current, voltage, power, motor
temperature etc. No additional CTs
are needed. wich will reduce costs.
Flexible communication with Anybus
Situation
Value
The customer has many motors

controlled by softstarters and other
starting solutions and need to be able
to manage them all from a distance.
Very easy to prepare PSTX for

fieldbus communication to existing
installation. No accessory is needed
for Modbus RTU and an easy-toinstall module for other protocols.

Value - Increase application productivity
Key features for increased application productivity with focus on endusers and consultants.
Torque control
Situation
Value
The customer has a pump system

with vertical pipes and is suffering
from banging sounds when stopping
the pumps.
Stop with torque control will avoid

water hammering and prolong the
lifetime of the system and reduce the
downtime.
Limp mode
Situation
Value
The customer can't afford

unscheduled downtime and need the
equipment to continue to operate
until a service engineer can arrive.
Two phase limp mode can increase

product reliability and improve process
availability by letting the softstarter
continue to operate even if one set
of thyristors brakes. This gives the
customer the possibility to keep
running his or her motor until a service
engineer can repair the softstarter.
Jog with slow speed
Situation
Value
The customer has a conveyor belt

or a crane and need to move the
motor in slow speed for positioning
or maintenance inspection.
Possible to position the conveyor

belt manually before starting or after
stopping. This improves process
efficiency and reduces the need for
a drive in these application, which
saves money for the customer.
Motor heating
Situation
Value
The customer has a motor operating

in a cold or humid environment
which risks to cause the motor to
freeze or to get condensation inside
when standing still. This is causing
problems when starting or makes it
impossible to start the motor at all.
With motor heating there is no need

for external heating system for the
motor in cold & wet climates. Motor
heating will increas application
availability and save money.
Motor brake
Situation
Value
The customer has a fan that spins

for minutes after the stop command
and he needs to stop the fan to
make service nearby. Another
typical application is a saw mill that
has to be stopped fast when in an
emergency.
Active braking reduces the stoping

time and improve process safety for
loads with high moment of intertia.
This makes operation more efficient
for the customer.
Manual pump cleaning + kick start
Situation
Value
The customer has a pump system

for waste water, which sometimes
gets jammed or clogged due to
material that get stuck in the pump
or the pipes.
Reduced downtime of pump system

without the need of stopping the
system to clean the pump and pipes
manually. The PSTX can do this for
them.
Full voltage start
Situation
Value
The customer needs to start the

motor in very short time or with
very high starting torque while still
keeping a lower starting current,
than DOL e.g. a scroll compressor
or a converyor belt that has to be
started fully loaded.
Optimized starting behavior

according to the need of the
customer, allowing the customer
to do fast starts like a DOL without
current peaks.
Stand-still brake
Situation
Value
The customer has a fan that spins

backwards when it is supposed to
be standing still. This is because
there is anohter air flow on the fan,
e.g. from wind or another fan.
Keeps the fan standing still which

prevents unwanted airflow and gives
increased control over the system
without the need of an external,
mechanical brake.

How do the features work?
Motor heating
For motor heating only two phases are used while the third phase will block
the current. This will only give current to one winding which will make it heat
up, but not make the rotor rotate.
To get an even temperature inside the motor, the winding that is heated up is
changed after a few seconds.
This will warm up the motor so it is recommended to use this together with a
PTC or PT100 element for temperature monitoring. The built-in EOL will not
be accurate for this feature.
Torque control
When using the torque ramp, the output voltage is controlled, so that the output
torque will follow a predefined optimal curve during start and stop ramp. The
torque start curves are as follows: Constant; Linear; Progressive ramp; High
inertia ramp. For torque stop ramp is one fixed curve, which is optimized for
pump applications.
Jog with slow speed forward and reverse
In slow speed jog, the softstarter is simulating a lower network frequency than
the normal 50 or 60 Hz by only letting some of the half periods through. This
is called generation of undertones. The motor speed is propotional to the
frequency and by this way the speed is reduced.
For backward jog, the same thing is done to reduce the frequency but now
the phase order is also changed in the output.
Full voltage start
In full voltage start mode the softstarter will make a start ramp of 500 ms which
will be like a DOL start without the current peak.
Stand-still brake
For stand-still brake the softstarter gives a DC voltage to one winding which
creates a linear magnetic field which will brake the rotor. This only works in
low speed.
This will warm up the motor so it is recommended to use this together with a
PTC or PT100 element for temperature monitoring. The built-in EOL will not
be accurate for this feature.

PSTX features one-liners
Feature
When to use it
How it works
Current limit
For 90% of all applications.
Stops the increase of voltage if the current gets too

high. Then the voltage ramps coninues when the current goes down due to increased speed of the motor.
Dual current
limit
For varying/heavy
loads or sensitive
transformers.
Same as current limit, but the current limit has two

levels. The step-up makes it possible to allow more
or less current in the beginning than in the end of the
ramp.
Current limit
ramp
For weak networks,

e.g. small or sensitive
transformers
Same as dual current limit, but the transition between

the first and the second current limit is performed
smoothly as a ramp and not in one step.
Motor heating Keep the motor warm

and dry before the
start in cold or humid
environments.
The softstarter gives DC pulses to the motor, one

winding at a time, which creates a stationary magnetic field without any rotational energy. Instead, the
excessive energy will heat up the motor. To ensure an
even heating of the motor, the winding that is heated
is changed with an interval of a couple of seconds.
Earth fault
protection
When requested to
detect leakage to the
ground/earth.
Calculates the sum of the currents in the three

phases. If the sum of the currents is larger than a
pre-defined value, it will trip. Not as accurate as the
external earth fault protection CEM-11.
Fieldbus
communication
For remote control in

any application.
Fieldbus communication overrides hard wire control.

It is however possible to disable fieldbus control using
one of the programmable digital inputs.
Detachable
keypad
Copy parameters
between softstarters
when setting up multiple softstarters with
identical settings.
The detachable keypad has memory for two backups. It is possible to make a back-up from one
softstarter and download it to the next.
Jog with
slow speed
forward and
reverse
Typically for pump

cleaning or positioning
of e.g. conveyor belts.
Can also be used
during commissioning
or trouble shooting
application or installation.
"The softstarter simulates a lower frequency by generating undertones of the incoming signal (fundamental
frequency of 50 or 60 Hz). A lower frequency will give
a lower motor speed due to the linear relationship
between motor speed and frequency.
For reverse jog, the undertones are created in a
changed phase sequence which will make the motor
change rotation direction."
Motor brake
Fast stop of fan

(with high inertia) or
emergency stop of a
machine, e.g. a saw.
DC pulses is generated to create a stationary magnetic field in the motor which will give a braking torque
to the rotor.
Stand still
brake
Keeping a motor
standing still without
spinning due to
external forces. Typical
for fans.
DC pulses is generated to create a stationary magnetic field in the motor which will give a braking torque
to the rotor. Similar to Motor brake but with lower
strenght and lower heating.
Torque
control
To avoid water hammering at stop of

pump.
Measures current and voltage to estimate torque on

the motor. Compares this to the optimal torque curve
and adjust the voltage accordingly. Uses a feedback
control loop.
Limp mode
To continue to run
the motor even if one
thyristor is shorted.
Uses the algorithms from PSE to control the motor

using only two phases. The residual DC-component
from the 2-phase control is eliminated to ensure
highest quality and to maximize energy efficiency. All
protections and most features are still available.
Competitor comparison
PSE
= Best on the market
productivity
efficiency
Secure motor
reliability
= Yes
= Partly
= Optional
= No
1)
2)
Features
Page
Soft start
Current limit
30
30
30
31
30
30
Compact solution
Built-in bypass
32
Coated PCBA
32
32-33
Analog output
33
Event log
Soft stop
Torque control
34
Kick start
35
Suitable for heavy duty start (class 30)

Cooling fan for increasing starting
capability
ABB
PSE
1)
Oversize selection one step for heavy-duty

Oversize selection two steps for heavy-duty
Schneider
ATS22
Siemens
3RW40
AuCom
CSXi
WEG
SSW-05
Danfoss
MCD200
2)
Competitor comparison
PSTX
= Best on the market
productivity
efficiency
Secure motor reliability
= Yes
= Partly
= Optional
= No
Features
Soft start
Current limit
Current ramp
Dual Current limit
Current imbalance protection
Voltage imbalance protection
Phase reveral protection
Customer-defined protection
PT100 input for motor protection
Overvoltage protection
Undervoltage protection
Motor runtime measurement
Built-in bypass
Coated PCBA
Detachable keypad
Programmable warning
Diagnostics
Analog output
Event log
Multiple languages
Soft stop
Torque control
Limp mode
Jog with slow speed
Motor heating
Motor brake
Sequence start
Full voltage start
Kick start
Emergency DOL start
Manual pump cleaning
Page
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
31
31
31
31
31
31
32
32
32
32
33
33
33
34
34
34
34
35
35
35
35
ABB
PSTX
ABB
PST(B)
15
14
Schneider
ATS48
Siemens
3RW44
Allen-Bradley
SMX Flex
WEG
SSW-06
Danfoss
MCD500
11
Marketing material
PSTX catalog
Includes order codes and technical
information together with customer
values.
Click to download from ABB Library
PSTX brochure
A brochure about controlling the
elements and softstarting the
processes in our world.
Click to download from ABB Library
Online selection tool

Fast and easy selection of softstarter
on our cell phone adapted web page.
Click here to visit
PSTX manual
The complete manual for installation
and commissioning.
Click here to download
PSTX external launch portal

External web portal with customer
values.
Click here to visit
PSTX internal launch portal

Internal web portal with all available
marketing material for PSTX.
Click here to visit
Sales presentation (internal)

Short sales presentation for a 15 min
meeting and a long sales presentation
for a 60 min meeting.
Click here to visit and download
Softstarter sales podcast

The Softstarter sales podcast prrovides
some extra insight into the concept of
selling ABB's softstarters.
Click here to visit
Contact us
Copyright 2015. All rights reserved.

Specification subject to change without notice.
www.new.abb.com/low-voltage/launches/connect-to-control
Sales handbook 1SFC132013B0201. Rev C, January 2015, Prod. ABB AB, Low Voltage Products
ABB AB
Low Voltage Products
SE-721 61 Vsters, Sweden

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Handbook de Sofstarters

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Sales handbook

For internal use only

How to read this handbook

When should a softstarter be selected?

Which softstarter should be selected?

Where can softstarters be used?

2 | 1SFC132017B0201. Rev A ABB's softstarter

For internal use only

What do our softstarters bring to the customers?

What is the difference to our competitors?

Where can I find more information?

For internal use only

ABB's softstarter 1SFC132017B0201. Rev A | 3

When a softstarter should be selected

Much of this electricity is used to power industrial electric motors

of all electricity used

Around 90 percent of all these

4 | 1SFC132017B0201. Rev A. Rev C ABB's softstarter

For internal use only

When a softstarter should be selected

Typical electrical problems when starting

For internal use only

ABB's softstarter 1SFC132017B0201. Rev A | 5

When a softstarter should be selected

When to use a direct-on-line starter

6 | 1SFC132017B0201. Rev A ABB's softstarter

For internal use only

When a softstarter should be selected

Current regardless of load

High starting current and torque

Mechanical wear and tear

Only direct stop

Motor protection as accessory

For internal use only

ABB's softstarter 1SFC132017B0201. Rev A | 7

When a softstarter should be selected

When to use a star-delta starter

8 | 1SFC132017B0201. Rev A ABB's softstarter

For internal use only

When a softstarter should be selected

Current with peaks regardless of load

High load is impossible to start

Low load is okay

Medium load gives transmission

Only direct stop

Resonable low cost

Lower starting current

Low starting torque

For internal use only

High transmission and current

When a softstarter should be selected

When to use a drive

10 | 1SFC132017B0201. Rev A ABB's softstarter

For internal use only

When a softstarter should be selected

Nominal current and torque

Speed regulation including soft

Built-in motor protections

Bigger size and heavy weight

ABB's softstarter 1SFC132017B0201. Rev A | 11

When a softstarter should be selected

When to use a softstarter

For internal use only

When a softstarter should be selected