Schneider ATS22: A Reliable Soft Starter for Efficient Motor Control

30 May 20265 min readTrans-Digi Global

Not every motor needs an advanced, connected soft starter. Plenty of fixed-speed pumps, fans and conveyors simply need a dependable, well-priced device that starts the motor smoothly, protects it, and gets on with the job for years. That is exactly the brief the Schneider Electric ATS22 soft starter was built to fill — and it’s one we recommend regularly to Singapore panel builders looking for reliability without over-specification.

This article explains where the ATS22 fits, how it protects the motor, and how to size one correctly. If your application needs richer connectivity and process protection, see our guide to the larger Schneider ATS480 — the two cover the compact and the advanced ends of the same need.

The problem the ATS22 solves

Starting a motor directly-on-line pulls a heavy inrush current and applies full torque instantly. On smaller and mid-sized motors that still means dipped supply voltage, stressed switchgear, jolted couplings and belts, and — on pumps — water hammer in the pipework. The ATS22 removes those shocks by ramping the motor up smoothly through controlled voltage, and bringing it down gently on stop. The result is a longer-lasting drivetrain, a more stable electrical supply and fewer nuisance trips.

RangeATS22 seriesAltivar Soft Starter

RatingCompact / mid powerwide model range — confirm with Jason

Voltage230–440 Vthree-phase

ControlTorque control+ built-in bypass

Exact current rating and model depend on the reference — send us the motor data and we’ll confirm the correct ATS22 part number.

Why panel builders choose the ATS22

Torque control for a truly smooth start and stop

The ATS22 uses torque-control ramping rather than simple voltage ramping alone, giving a linear, controlled acceleration and a smooth deceleration. For pumps that means genuine water-hammer prevention on stop — a common cause of pipe and valve damage that a basic starter can’t address.

Built-in bypass and compact footprint

An integrated bypass contactor means the starter’s thyristors are only in circuit during ramp-up and ramp-down; once the motor is running, current flows through the bypass, reducing heat and saving panel space. The compact footprint makes the ATS22 easy to fit into tight enclosures.

Solid motor protection

The ATS22 includes the essential protection a fixed-speed motor needs — thermal/overload protection, and detection of faults such as phase loss and motor stall. It guards the motor through its working life, not just at start-up, which is where a soft starter earns back its cost.

ATS22 at a glance

• Torque-control ramp — smooth acceleration and soft-stop, real water-hammer prevention
• Integrated bypass — lower heat and smaller panel footprint
• Motor protection — thermal/overload plus phase-loss and stall detection
• Simple set-up — quick to commission, dependable in service
• Cost-effective — the right choice when advanced connectivity isn’t required

Typical applications

The ATS22 is well suited to fixed-speed duties across Singapore industry and building services: pumps (transfer, booster, circulation), fans and blowers, compressors, and conveyors — anywhere a smooth start protects the mechanics but variable speed isn’t needed. Where you also need to vary speed for energy or process reasons, a VSD such as the ATV212 (HVAC) or ATV630 is the better fit — we’ll help you decide.

Getting the specification right

Correct sizing is everything with a soft starter: the rating must match the motor and the starting duty (how hard and how often it starts). Get it wrong and you either over-spend or nuisance-trip. Trans-Digi Global helps panel builders and contractors pick the right ATS22 reference, and holds local stock so it’s available when the panel is ready. We support supply, installation and testing & commissioning, with proper documentation, and a retrofit path for replacing older or failed starters.

Conclusion

The Schneider ATS22 is the sensible, reliable choice when a fixed-speed motor needs a smooth start, dependable protection and a compact, cost-effective package — no more, no less. Correctly sized and locally supported, it keeps pumps, fans and conveyors running smoothly across Singapore for years. When you need advanced connectivity, step up to the ATS480; when you need variable speed, step across to a VSD — and we’ll guide the choice either way.

Browse the ATS22 product page or our online shop, or send us the motor rating, voltage and application and we’ll confirm the right ATS22 and its local availability.