Reduced Voltage Starting of Motors




Reduced Voltage Starting connects the motor windings/terminals at lower than normal line voltage
during the initial starting period to reduce the inrush current when the motor starts.

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Reduced voltage starting may be required when:

S The current in-rush form the motor starting adversely affects the voltage drop on the

electrical system.

S needed to reduce the mechanical “starting shock” on drive-lines and equipment when

the motor starts.

Reducing the voltage reduces the current in-rush to the motor and also reduces the starting

torque available when the motor starts.

All NEMA induction motors can will accept reduced voltage starting however it may not

provide enough starting torque in some situations to drive certain specific loads.

If the driven load or the power distribution system cannot accept a full voltage start, some type of
reduced voltage or "soft" starting scheme must be used.

Typical reduced voltage starter types include:

1. Solid State (Electronic) Starters
2. Primary Resistance Starters
3. Autotransformer Starters
4. Part Winding Starters
5. Wye-Delta Starters

Reduced voltage starters can only be used where low starting torque is acceptable or a means exists
to remove the load from the motor or application before it is stopped.