Why choose the new Altivar ATS430 soft starters for asynchronous motor control

In industrial automation systems, starting and stopping asynchronous motors creates significant electrical and mechanical challenges. Traditional direct-on-line (DOL) starting causes high current peaks, which lead to voltage dips in the network as well as sharp torque surges.

These processes accelerate wear of mechanical transmissions, belts, and bearings. To address these problems, Schneider Electric has developed a new generation of soft starting devices, or soft starters – the Altivar Soft Starter ATS430 series, which is gradually replacing the previous generation Altistart 22 units.

Table of Contents

• Energy efficiency and smart design
• TCS torque control system against water hammer
• Technical specification and model range
• Preventive maintenance, cybersecurity and communication
• Sustainability and material quality

Energy efficiency and smart design

Altivar Soft Starter ATS430 is an intelligent three-phase soft starter for asynchronous motors with a power range from 4 kW to 400 kW (17 A to 590 A). It provides smooth and controlled motor starting and stopping.

Thanks to the two controlled phases principle combined with integrated bypass relays, Altivar ATS430 operates with excellent energy efficiency, reaching 99.5% efficiency and significantly reducing heat dissipation in the control cabinet.

Compatibility with the EcoStruxure platform ensures effective use of digital tools throughout the entire project lifecycle. Engineers can use the following specialized software:

• EcoStruxure Motor Control Configurator – for quick selection of circuit breakers and contactors.

• EcoStruxure Motor Management Design – for precise electrical design calculations and mechanical starting verification.

In addition, a built-in "small motor test" function is available. It greatly simplifies installation wiring diagnostics and checks before full load connection. All technical data and compatible components can be found at lasma.eu.

TCS torque control system against water hammer

Unlike traditional soft starters that accelerate the motor with a simple voltage ramp, Altivar ATS430 is equipped with Schneider Electric’s patented torque control system (TCS). This algorithm continuously calculates and controls the torque supplied to the motor, ensuring linear acceleration and deceleration regardless of the actual load condition.

This approach provides significant practical benefits in two main application areas:

• In pump stations: The TCS deceleration profile ensures gradual pressure reduction during pump stopping. This allows check valves to close smoothly, completely preventing the effects of water hammer and pipeline damage without expensive external speed sensors.

• In conveyor and fan systems: Torque control prevents drive belt slip. Conveyor belts start moving without jerks, protecting the transported material from slipping regardless of whether the line is full or running idle.

Technical specification and model range

The Altivar ATS430 series covers a wide industrial power range, offering standardized models for different operating currents. To ensure long-term and safe operation, all devices must be mounted vertically in control cabinets with an inclination tolerance of up to ±10°.

Thanks to the wide range of additional protective coatings (Class 3C3 and Class 3S3 compliance according to IEC 60721-3-3), these soft starters are suitable for use in aggressive environments with increased humidity or chemical contamination, such as wastewater treatment plants.

The devices operate continuously at ambient temperatures from -25°C to +40°C without power derating. Operating altitude is up to 2000 m above sea level without power restrictions. All manufacturer-specified model codes and their availability can be conveniently reviewed and ordered in the lasma.eu product catalog.

Preventive maintenance, cybersecurity and communication

In the industrial environment, unplanned downtime causes enormous financial losses. To prevent this, Altivar ATS430 is equipped with intelligent condition monitoring (condition monitoring).

The device’s built-in algorithms track wear of critical components (cooling fans and bypass relays) in real time. Measurement accuracy exceeds 95%. The device measures active and reactive power, energy consumption, and also records network voltage fluctuations and phase imbalance, protecting the motor from overloads.

For cybersecurity purposes, all firmware updates are digitally signed and verified within the device itself, preventing any unauthorized access to industrial networks.

For communication, a built-in Modbus RS-485 RJ45 connection is standard. In addition, special communication cards are available for integration with other protocols: Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, PROFIBUS DP V1 and CANopen. This ensures simple integration with control controllers (for example, Modicon M221 or M172).

Sustainability and material quality

Modern manufacturing companies are placing increasing emphasis on energy efficiency and equipment sustainability. In the development of Altivar ATS430, Schneider Electric has applied eco-design principles:

• The housing parts use plastic with at least 20% bio-based content.

• The aluminum used is certified in accordance with ASI (Aluminium Stewardship Initiative) standard.

• The packaging is made of recycled cardboard (at least 70% content) with a minimal amount of single-use plastic.

The product fully complies with RoHS and REACH directives and has a product environmental profile compliant with ISO 14025 requirements. The device’s high resistance to mechanical, thermal, and chemical stress significantly extends its service life, and the manufacturer ensures spare part availability for local repair.

A smartly selected and precisely adapted motor control system is the basis for stable and energy-efficient operation of manufacturing companies. When modernizing existing systems or building new ones, the use of quality components and well-considered technological algorithms helps significantly reduce maintenance costs and prevent аварийные situations.

If you have additional questions about optimizing motor control or the integration possibilities of Altivar ATS430 soft starters, ZTF Lāsma specialists will be happy to answer and provide additional consultation, and together we will be able to find the most suitable solution for the specific case or automation challenge. The company’s engineering team is ready to help!

In cooperation with the company ZTF Lāsma, which has been the official Schneider Electric partner in Latvia for more than 30 years, industrial equipment operators have access to the necessary technical support and the development of the most suitable motor control solutions. Engineers provide the full range of services: from selecting the correct soft starter and compatible protection devices to assistance with parameter setting and system commissioning.