Soft Starters — New Zealand Made AuCom & Danfoss Soft Starters
A soft starter is an electronic device that controls the voltage or current applied to an induction motor at start-up, ramping it up gradually instead of switching on full mains voltage instantly. This lowers inrush current and start torque, cutting electrical and mechanical stress on the motor, gearbox, belts and pipework it drives.
AuCom Soft Starters
AuCom EMX4i Soft Starter
Premium three phase soft starter including motor protection and internal bypass contactor. Sizes range from 24A to 580A.
AuCom EMX3 Soft Starter
Premium three phase soft starter including motor protection and internal bypass contactor. Sizes range from 23A to 1600A (internal bypass up to 1000A).
- IP20 up to 105A
- IP00 up to 1600A
- Removable keypad
AuCom CSXi Soft Starter
Compact three phase controlled-current soft start module including bypass contactor and motor protection. Covers 7kW to 110kW.
AuCom CSX Soft Starter
Compact three phase voltage-ramp soft start module including bypass contactor, no motor protection. Covers 7kW to 110kW.
Danfoss Soft Starters
Danfoss MCD500 Soft Starter
Three phase soft starter including motor protection and internal bypass contactor. Sizes range from 23A to 1600A (internal bypass up to 215A).
- IP20 up to 105A
- IP00 up to 1600A
Danfoss MCD200
Compact soft starter up to 110kW.
Legacy AuCom Soft Starters
AuCom Power Saver Soft Starter
The original Timed Voltage Ramp soft starter with the Nola energy-saving algorithm built in. Sometimes known as the AuCotrol.
AuCom EMS Soft Starter
The EMS 4 series soft starter was the first of the AuCom controlled-current soft starters, with motor protection and start current programmed in via a DIP switch. The EMS series was often sold under the brand name AuCoStart. This range has proven very reliable, with many units still operating in industry today, 25–30 years after manufacture.
AuCom IMS Soft Starter
The second generation controlled-current soft starter with three-wire / six-wire capability, using a combination of analog and digital technologies.
Download the IMS user manual (PDF)
AuCom MSS Soft Starter
The first micro-controller based TVR (Timed Voltage Ramp) soft starter. Start voltage, start ramp time and soft stop time were programmed in via DIP switches.
Download the MSS user manual (PDF)
AuCom MSX Soft Starter
The second generation microcontroller-based TVR (Timed Voltage Ramp) soft starter.
Download the MSX user manual (PDF)
AuCom EMX Soft Starter
The second generation microcontroller-based controlled-current soft starter.
Download the EMX user manual (PDF)
AuCom EMX2 Soft Starter
The second generation microcontroller-based controlled-current soft starter. The EMX2 was essentially a physical facelift of the EMX, with the same PCBs but a different SCR heatsink construction.
Download the EMX2 user manual (PDF)
AuCom IMS2 Soft Starter
IMS2 soft starters are a total motor starting solution, combining high-level functionality with flexibility and ease of use. Whether you need a simple solution for starting or stopping your motor, or a comprehensive protection system for your motor and installation, the IMS2 can be configured to suit.
The IMS2 offers a choice of soft start and soft stop profiles for optimum control across all load types. Its torque control system gives more linear acceleration than standard constant current, and a dedicated pump control function reduces water hammer. The IMS2 also includes advanced motor and load protection, for safer operation in your application. With extensive input/output and integration options, the IMS2 minimises installation time and cost, and lets motors run with confidence.
In simple installations, set-up is fast — only one parameter needs to be set before the starter is ready to use. For advanced applications, an extensive range of functions lets you configure the IMS2 for nearly all motor starting and control requirements.
IMS2 soft starters can be connected in-line or inside delta. Inside delta connection allows control of motors 50% larger than the standard rating, and also allows replacement of star/delta starters without rewiring the motor. Power connections can be configured for any combination of top or bottom input and output, making the IMS2 easy to integrate into existing installations.
Download the IMS2 user manual (PDF)
Legacy Danfoss Soft Starters
Danfoss MCD3000 Soft Starter
Download the MCD3000 user manual (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a soft starter?
A soft starter is an electronic device that controls the voltage or current supplied to an induction motor during start-up, gradually ramping it up instead of applying full voltage instantly. This reduces inrush current, mechanical shock, and wear on the motor and driven equipment.
What is the difference between the AuCom CSX and CSXi soft starters?
The CSX is a compact voltage-ramp soft starter with no built-in motor protection, while the CSXi adds controlled-current starting and integrated motor protection. Both cover 7kW to 110kW and include a bypass contactor.
What sizes do AuCom EMX3 and EMX4i soft starters cover?
The EMX3 covers motors from 23A to 1600A, with internal bypass available up to 1000A. The EMX4i covers 24A to 580A and includes internal bypass and motor protection across its full range.
Where are AuCom soft starters made?
AuCom soft starters are New Zealand made and are supplied and supported in New Zealand by Advanced Motor Control Ltd, based in Christchurch.