Motor Starters

Motor starters are devices used to control and protect electric motors. They provide the necessary means to start, stop, and regulate the operation of electric motors, ensuring their safe and efficient functioning. Motor starters typically consist of several components working together.

RS New Zealand offers a range of motor starters like DOL starters, soft starters and more from leading brands such as Siemens, Schneider Electric, ABB, and Lovato.

What are the Benefits of Motor Starters?

Motor starters offer numerous advantages that enhance the performance and safety of motor-driven systems. Here’s a breakdown of their key benefits:

• Engine Starting: The primary function of a motor starter is to initiate the engine's ignition process.
• Quick Startup: Motor starters enable rapid engine startup, allowing for the efficient and timely operation of the vehicle or machinery.
• Versatility: Motor starters are compatible with various types of internal combustion engines, including gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuel engines.
• Reliability: Motor starters are designed to withstand demanding conditions and repeated use.
• Safety Features: Motor starters often incorporate safety features to protect against potential hazards.
• Energy Efficiency: Motor starters are designed to operate efficiently, converting electrical energy into mechanical energy with minimal power loss.
• Compatibility with Control Systems: Motor starters can be integrated with control systems to enable remote starting or automated engine control.

What are the Types of Motor Starters?

Motor starters come in various types, each designed to meet specific operational needs and applications:

• Direct-On-Line (DOL) Starter: The DOL starter is the simplest and most basic type of motor starter. It belongs to the category of full-voltage starters**. **DOL starter works by directly connecting the motor to the power supply, providing full voltage during start-up. DOL starter can be both single phase or 3 phase motor starter, and it is suitable for small motors with low starting currents and minimal load torque.
• Star-Delta Starter: The star-delta starter belongs to the category of reduced-voltage starters. It is used for large induction motors. It employs a special switching mechanism to initially start the motor in a "star" configuration, which reduces the starting current, and then switches to a "delta" configuration for normal operation.
• Soft Starter: As a part of solid-state starters, a soft starter gradually increases the voltage and current supplied to the motor during startup, reducing the impact on the electrical system. It provides a controlled and smooth acceleration, minimising mechanical and electrical stress.
• Reversing Starter: also known as a reversing motor starter, is a type of motor starter that allows an electric motor to be operated in both forward and reverse directions. It provides the necessary control and switching functions to change the motor's rotation direction.

Applications of Motor Starters

Motor starters are crucial in various fields to control and protect electric motors, ensuring smooth and reliable operation. Here are the key applications across different sectors:

• Agricultural Machinery: Motor starters are vital for controlling and protecting electric motors in agricultural equipment. They ensure reliable operation in irrigation pumps, grain handling equipment, and feed mixers.
• Automotive Vehicles: Electric motors are increasingly used in vehicles, especially electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Motor starters are essential for starting the electric motor in EVs and the gasoline engine in HEVs.
• Construction Equipment: Motor starters play a crucial role in powering various construction machinery, including concrete mixers, cranes, hoists, and generators.
• Industrial Engines: In industrial applications, motor starters provide the initial cranking power to start large industrial engines and control auxiliary equipment like pumps and compressors.
• Lawn and Garden Equipment: Electric motors are common in lawn and garden equipment for quieter operation and reduced emissions. Motor starters are used in electric mowers, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers.
• Marine Engines: Similar to industrial engines, marine applications utilise motor starters for starting large marine engines and controlling auxiliary equipment like pumps and winches.
• Recreational Vehicles (RVs): Motor starters are used for various functions in RVs, including controlling slide-out mechanisms and operating awning deployment motors.

How to Order a DOL Starter from RS?

RS New Zealand is a trusted supplier and distributor of motor starters in NZ. Order your 1-phase or 3-phase motor starters from our leading brands like Siemens, Schneider Electric, Eaton, Lovato, and ABB.

Upgrade your motor control system with RS NZ. We offer a diverse selection of motor starters with extensive product details and downloadable datasheets at your fingertips. Leverage our user-friendly filter system to pinpoint the ideal starter based on power rating, motor starter type, range and more. Trust RS NZ to deliver the motor starting solution you've been searching for.

Delivery Information for New Zealand

At RS NZ, we aim to deliver your motor starters to you quickly. Visit our dedicated delivery services and fees page for more details.