Full Voltage Starters - IEC & NEMA Applications

Shop by Category

Shop by Brand

Across-the-Line Starters for Motors, Pumps, and Compressors | Reliable Overload & Phase Loss Protection

Full Voltage Starters (also known as across-the-line starters) are the essential tool for protecting your electrical equipment from phase loss, over-amperage conditions, and power surges. While a simple contactor can operate a motor, it does not provide the necessary protection in the event of an adverse electrical condition. Our starters provide comprehensive electrical protection through the integration of bi-metal, thermal, or electronic solid-state overload relays.

A typical full voltage starter is comprised of a 3-pole magnetic contactor with a matched overload relay attached to the load side. This assembly automatically monitors the amperage pull; if a motor loses a phase or experiences a high current draw, the overload relay cuts power to the contactor coil to prevent permanent motor damage.

Explore Starter Types by Industry Standards

IEC Rated Starters: The global standard for industrial applications. These modular, space-saving starters are highly efficient and common in modern control panels.

NEMA Rated Starters: Known for rugged durability and a long service life. These are the preferred choice for heavy-duty industrial environments and legacy systems.

Definite Purpose Starters: Specifically engineered for the HVAC, refrigeration, and pumping industries where cost-effectiveness and high-volume reliability are required.

Combination Motor Starters: A complete Type-E coordination solution that combines a contactor, overload protection, and a manual disconnect in a single assembly.

Technical Selection Criteria

To ensure you select the correct motor starter, verify the following specifications:

Key Factor	Requirement
Horsepower (HP)	Match the starter to your motor’s HP at its operating voltage (e.g., 5 HP @ 460V).
Full Load Amps (FLA)	Select an Overload Relay with an adjustable range that includes your motor's nameplate FLA.
Coil Voltage	Ensure the contactor coil matches your control circuit voltage (Common: 24V, 120V, 240V, 480V).
Enclosure Type	Choose Open Chassis for panel mounting or NEMA 3R/12 Enclosed for standalone protection.

Key Factor

Requirement

Horsepower (HP)

Match the starter to your motor’s HP at its operating voltage (e.g., 5 HP @ 460V).

Full Load Amps (FLA)

Select an Overload Relay with an adjustable range that includes your motor's nameplate FLA.

Coil Voltage

Ensure the contactor coil matches your control circuit voltage (Common: 24V, 120V, 240V, 480V).

Enclosure Type

Choose Open Chassis for panel mounting or NEMA 3R/12 Enclosed for standalone protection.

We stock professional-grade starters from industry leaders including Eaton (Cutler-Hammer), Benshaw, Siemens, and Lovato. Whether you are outfitting a new conveyor system or replacing an obsolete unit, our technical team is available to help you find the exact motor protection solution you need.

Shipping Note: Most standard IEC and NEMA starters are In Stock and eligible for same-day shipping if ordered before 4 p.m. EST.