The advantage of using soft starter for an induction motor is for protection against _______.

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

SSC JE Electrical 06 Jun 2024 Shift 2 Official Paper - 1

Answer 1

Explanation: A soft starter for an induction motor provides protection against multiple issues:

Phase failure: It ensures that the motor doesn’t run under phase failure conditions, which could cause damage due to imbalanced power supply. A soft starter detects when one of the phases fails or drops in voltage and immediately prevents the motor from operating under these hazardous conditions. This protection ensures that the motor doesn’t get damaged due to an imbalance in power supply.
Overcurrent: It limits the inrush current during motor startup, preventing excessive current that could damage the motor or other components. A soft starter limits the initial inrush current by gradually increasing the motor’s voltage, ensuring a smooth startup. This controlled current reduces mechanical stress on the motor and the connected equipment, protecting the system from overcurrent conditions during startup and operation.
Undercurrent: It can detect undercurrent conditions that may indicate an issue with the motor’s load or power supply. The soft starter monitors the motor current and detects these low-current conditions. If an undercurrent situation is identified, the soft starter can shut down the motor to prevent further damage or inefficiency.
Thus, a soft starter helps protect the motor against all these conditions.