Same day shipping until 4 pm. EST
Text RFQ to 484.425.0652
Over 40 years in business!
Soft Starters
Premium Soft Starters for Reliable Motor Protection & Mechanical Longevity
Soft Starters are critical components in modern industrial motor control, designed to reduce inrush current and mechanical stress during motor startup. By gradually ramping up the voltage supplied to your equipment, these devices protect your motors from the "hammer effect" and electrical surges associated with traditional across-the-line starting. At Kent Electrical Supply, we provide high-performance soft starters that help improve equipment life and reduce electrical demand charges from utilities.
Our inventory features top-tier brands including Benshaw, Schneider Electric (Altistart), Siemens (SIRIUS), and Eaton. Whether you need a compact open chassis soft starter for panel integration or a rugged enclosed starter for harsh environments, we stock solutions ranging from 15 H.P. to 400 H.P. @ 460 volt to meet any application requirement.
Key Benefits of Utilizing Soft Starters
- Reduced Mechanical Wear: Smooth acceleration prevents damage to belts, gears, and bearings, significantly lowering maintenance costs.
- Inrush Current Control: Limits peak amperage draw during startup, helping you avoid utility penalties for high demand.
- Built-in Bypass & Overload: Many units, such as the Benshaw EMX4i and CSXi series, feature internal bypass contactors and electronic motor overload protection to ensure safe operation.
- Industry-Leading Support: Most Benshaw soft starters come backed by a 3-year warranty, ensuring long-term reliability for your facility.
Common Industrial Applications
Soft starters are the preferred starting method for various high-torque and fluid-handling systems, including:
- Pumps: Effectively eliminates "water hammer" and pressure surges in piping systems.
- Fans & Blowers: Prevents belt slippage and mechanical shock during high-inertia startups.
- Compressors: Optimizes startup cycles to prevent electrical brownouts in industrial plants.
- Conveyor Systems: Ensures smooth package handling by preventing sudden jerks or product shifting.
Selecting the Right Configuration
To choose the correct starter, consider your environment and duty cycle:
| Starter Type | Recommended Use Case |
|---|---|
| Open Chassis Soft Starters | Ideal for mounting inside an existing MCC (Motor Control Center) or control cabinet. |
| Enclosed Soft Starters | Standalone units with NEMA 3R or NEMA 12 enclosures for protection against dust, moisture, and debris. |
| Heavy Duty vs. Standard Duty | Standard duty is perfect for pumps/fans; Heavy duty is required for high-friction loads like crushers and centrifuges. |
Need help sizing your starter for a severe duty application? Contact our technical experts at Kent Electrical Supply for assistance with Horsepower (H.P.), AMP ratings, and control voltage requirements. Most in-stock soft starters ship the same day when ordered before 4 p.m. EST.