Soft Starters

CALCULATING REQUIRED START CURRENT FOR NEW OR EXISTING

A.C.INDUCTION MOTOR INSTALLATIONS

Overview The level of current required to start a given a.c.induction motor and load
depends upon a number of factors. Important considerations include the
motors start characteristics, the torque requirements of the machine as well
as its starting conditions i.e. loaded/unloaded.

A number of means are available to estimate the level of start current a

particular machine will require. These methods range from generalisations
producing ball park estimates, through to advanced calculations yielding
precise predictions.

Depending on the level of information available and accuracy required of

the prediction, select one of the following methods, fill in the form at bottom
of this document with relevant data, send it to AuCom and we’ll make the
calculations for you

Typical Start
Current Estimate Where motor and load start characteristics are unknown and an estimate of
typical start current is sufficiently accurate, basic application information
can allow experienced personal to provide a typical start current estimate.

Required Information:
· Motor Size (kW / HP)
· Motor Speed (No poles)
· Machine Type & Class (ie. Compressor - Screw, Pump -
Centrifugal)
· Machine Starting Condition (ie Conveyor - Unloaded Start)

Assessed Start
Current Estimate Where the intended motor’s Locked Rotor Current (LRC) and Locked Rotor
Torque (LRT) are known the motor’s start performance can also be
factored into the assessment of required start current. Even better
estimates are obtained where information on the machine start torque
requirement are also known.

Required Information:
· Motor Size (kW / HP)
· Motor Speed (No poles)
· Motor Locked Rotor Current (LRC)
· Motor Locked Rotor Torque (LRT)
· Machine Type & Class (ie. Compressor - Screw, Pump - Centrifugal)
· Machine Starting Condition (ie Compressor - Unloaded Start)
· Machine Starting Torque (% FLT)

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Start Current &

Torque Curve
Analysis For a calculated prediction of an application’s start current requirements
torque and current curves for both the motor and load are required.
Information from these curves is used to assess the minimum start current
requirements.

Required Information:
· Motor Data Sheet
· Motor Speed/Current Curve
· Motor Speed/Torque Curve
· Load Speed/Torque Curve

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START CURRENT ANALYSIS REQUEST FORM

When completed please fax this form to AuCom: +64 3 338-8104

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