EMHEATER Soft Starters gradually increase the voltage supplied to an AC induction motor during start-up. This reduces high inrush currents and mechanical shock, resulting in a controlled, soft start and longer equipment life.
Clean Imports (part of TCGC) is the official sole distributor of EMHEATER products in Southern Africa.
Soft Starters
What is a Soft Starter?
When an induction motor starts directly online, it can draw 7–10 times its normal running current and produce high starting torque. This causes:
- High mechanical stress on the motor, couplings and driven equipment
- Voltage dips and increased demand charges from the electricity supplier
- Greater wear and higher maintenance costs
A Soft Starter limits the voltage (and therefore current and torque) during start-up, allowing the motor to accelerate smoothly in controlled steps.
Key benefits of soft starting:
- Lower starting current
- Reduced mechanical shock
- Less stress on the electrical supply network
- Extended lifespan of the motor and driven equipment
EMHEATER Soft Starter Range
3-Phase (380V ±15%) Input and Output
Online - Bypass Mode/Contactor Optional
3-Phase (480V ±15%) Input and Output
Online - Bypass Mode/Contactor Optional
3-Phase (660V ±15%) Input and Output
Online - Bypass Mode/Contactor Optional
3-Phase (380V ±15%) Input and Output
Online - No Bypass Mode/Contactor
3-Phase (220V ±15%) Input and Output
External Bypass Contactor Required - not included
3-Phase (380V ±15%) Input and Output
External Bypass Contactor Required - not included
3-Phase (480V ±15%) Input and Output
External Bypass Contactor Required - not included
3-Phase (660V ±15%) Input and Output
External Bypass Contactor Required - not included
Benefits of Using a Soft Starter
- Reduced peak demand charges (lower starting current)
- Reduced mechanical stress and torque spikes
- Longer life of motors, contactors and driven equipment
- Fewer power surges and voltage dips
- Improved operating efficiency
- Increased number of starts per hour
- Built-in protection against over/under voltage, phase loss and overload
Common Applications
Soft Starters are ideal for applications that do not require speed control, including:
- Pumps (to prevent water hammer)
- Fans and blowers
- Conveyors and belt-driven systems
- Compressors
- Mixers and crushers
- Steel, cement, sugar, paper, rubber, plastic and textile industries
- Water supply and irrigation systems
How Soft Starters Work
Soft Starters use thyristors (SCRs) to control the voltage applied to the motor during start-up. By gradually increasing the conduction angle of the thyristors, the voltage (and therefore current and torque) is ramped up smoothly until the motor reaches full speed.
Soft Starter vs Variable Speed Drive (VSD)
| Feature | Soft Starter | Variable Speed Drive (VSD) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting current control | Excellent | Excellent |
| Continuous speed control | No | Yes |
| Initial cost | Lower | Higher |
| Harmonics during running | None (after bypass) | Present (can be filtered) |
| Best for | Fixed-speed applications | Variable-speed or process control |
Choose a Soft Starter when you only need controlled starting and stopping.
Choose a VSD when continuous speed control or maximum energy savings are required.
Spare Parts
We stock genuine EMHEATER Soft Starter spare parts, including:
Keypads • Cooling Fans • Fan Boards • Thyristors • Control Boards • RS485 Cards • Keypad Extender Cables
Need a quotation or technical advice?
Contact us today – we supply end users and resellers nationwide with flexible partnership options.
