Thanks to new technologies developed as part of an extensive program by Cutler-Hammer, the company has introduced a complete line of smaller, low-stress soft starters. Cutler-Hammer's program, known as Intelligent Technologies™ (IT), has been in development for two years and was based on design input the company received from over 700 customers worldwide.

Said Charlie Kane, manager of Standard Control Components for Cutler-Hammer, "IT Soft Start™ is part of a program designed to meet the needs of OEM's and end-users for smaller, safer, more cost-effective power controls."

The new units feature a soft starter, run bypass contactor and overload protection all in one package that's 30% to 80% smaller than conventional units - yet still fit into a standard MCC cabinet. Among the many applications for new IT Soft Start models are industrial products such as motor-driven compressors, blowers, fans, pumps, mixers, crushers and more.

With their breakthrough design, IT Soft Start offers ramp starting or current-limit starting - as well as soft stopping - to reduce torque, which lowers stresses on the mechanical drive and driven load. What's more, IT Soft Start also reduces stress on electrical supply, helping to meet utility requirements for reduced-voltage starting and eliminate voltage dips and brownout conditions. As a result, IT Soft Start can replace many traditional means of reduced-voltage starting, including autotransformers, Part Winding, Wye Delta and conventional solid starters.

IT Soft Start is available in four frame sizes and 15 models in the range of 12-850A maximum. The models cover HP ranges from 3-900 HP and voltages from 230 to 575 VAC.

"IT Soft Start represents just the beginning of a multiphase Intelligent Technologies program," said Kane. "Future phases of our IT program will focus on a wide range of other power control elements."

For more information on IT Soft Start or on Cutler-Hammer's Intelligent Technologies (IT) program, visit the Standard Electric website and click on the link for Cutler-Hammer.