AuCom Soft Starters New Zealand

AuCom soft starters provide controlled motor starting and stopping to reduce electrical and mechanical stress on motors and driven equipment. Advanced Motor Control supplies and supports AuCom EMX4, EMX3 and CSXi soft starters in New Zealand.

Why use an AuCom soft starter?

An AuCom soft starter controls the voltage applied to an AC motor during starting and stopping. This reduces motor starting current and mechanical shock compared with direct-on-line starting, helping protect motors, pumps, conveyors, compressors and other driven equipment.

Reduced mechanical stress

Controlled acceleration reduces sudden torque changes and mechanical shock. This can reduce wear on couplings, belts, gearboxes, pumps and other driven equipment.

Reduced starting current

Soft starting limits the high inrush current associated with direct-on-line motor starting. This can reduce voltage disturbance on the electrical supply and lower electrical stress during startup.

Controlled stopping

Soft-stop control can be useful where an abrupt stop may cause process problems. In pumping applications, controlled stopping can help reduce hydraulic shock and water hammer.

Motor protection and control

Depending on the model, AuCom soft starters provide motor protection, monitoring, communications and application-specific control functions that can simplify integration into industrial control systems.

Lower running energy losses

For fixed-speed motor applications, an AuCom soft starter with bypass can have significantly lower running losses than a VFD. A VFD continuously processes the motor power through its rectifier, DC link and inverter stages, resulting in conversion losses during operation. Once an AuCom soft starter has completed the motor start and the bypass is engaged, the SCR power stage is effectively removed from the main current path. Running losses can therefore be very low, typically less than 0.5%, compared with approximately 2–3% for a VFD. Where continuous speed control is not required, this can provide lower energy losses, less heat generation and reduced cooling requirements.

Which AuCom soft starter should I choose?

The right model depends on motor current, supply voltage, load type, starting duty, stopping requirements, motor protection and communications. The EMX4 suits applications needing advanced control and flexibility, the EMX3 is a proven general-purpose industrial soft starter, and the compact CSXi is suited to straightforward motor starting and protection duties.

AuCom soft starter FAQs

What does a soft starter do?

A soft starter controls motor voltage during startup so the motor accelerates progressively instead of receiving full supply voltage instantly. This reduces starting current and mechanical shock.

What is the difference between a soft starter and a VFD?

A soft starter controls the starting and stopping of a motor and normally bypasses its power electronics once the motor reaches full speed. A VFD continuously controls the frequency and voltage supplied to the motor, allowing motor speed to be varied during operation. Where variable speed is required for the process, a VFD may be the correct solution. Where a motor normally operates at full speed and only controlled starting and stopping are required, a soft starter can provide a simpler solution with substantially lower running losses.

Where are soft starters commonly used?

Common applications include pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors and other fixed-speed motor-driven equipment where controlled starting or stopping is beneficial.

Are AuCom soft starters supported in New Zealand?

Yes. Advanced Motor Control supplies AuCom soft starters in New Zealand and provides local product selection and technical support.
AuCom soft starters are designed and manufactured in New Zealand.