HFE-1 Soft Start User Manual
MAN-HFE-01. Version 01. 16/08/2016
4
The soft starter is normally inserted into the circuit between the motor and whatever switchgear is normally
used for isolation or switching. The unit can also be fitted before switchgear so that it can be installed in the
supply to equipment which has its own mechanical control. This feature allows for easy installation on
equipment such as refrigeration where the need to disturb internal wiring is avoided.
The terminations are made with industry standard cage clamp screw terminals directly onto the circuit
board on all units.
The incoming power supply is connected to the terminals marked ‘1/N’ and ‘3/L’. For EMC compliance it is
important that the live circuit is connected to 3/L and the neutral circuit to 1/N.
Outgoing connections from the HFE are taken from the terminals marked ‘4/T’ and ‘2/N’ to the motor or
load input terminals (see diagram). Ensure that a good connection is made to the earth terminals provided.
Fuses or other type of short-circuit protection are required for protection against a cable or motor terminal
box fault. These must be fitted externally and on the supply side of the unit. See “Specifications” section for
recommended fuse type and cut-out device.
Set the ramp time potentiometer to midway to approx. 2 seconds and start the system. If the motor turns
instantly when the soft starter is energised and accelerates satisfactorily then no further adjustment is
required. If the rate of acceleration is too great, stop the unit and turn the ramp time potentiometer
clockwise then restart. Adjust anti–clockwise for a shorter ramp time setting to increase the rate of
acceleration.
*
The motor should turn instantly when the soft starter is energised. If not, rearrange the
connection of the starting capacitor as described above. For running currents up to and including 10 Amps
the unit is rated for continuous duty.
Start currents must never exceed 60A
Start
Cap
Run
Cap
Live 110/230Vac
Neutral
Earth/Ground
Electrical Wiring
Ea
rth/
G
ro
und
Su
pply
Liv
e
Su
pply
N
eut
ra
l
Ea
rth/
G
ro
und
M
ot
or
N
eut
ra
l
M
ot
or
Liv
e
1/N 3/L 2/N 4/T
Motor connected for
capacitor Start - Run
Centrifugal or voltage
switch controls start
Capacitor
*
Connect Start Capacitor to
Supply Live for High Torque or
Heavy starting
Extra starting torque may be needed for loads which have a particularly ‘sticky’ starting
characteristic. This can be achieved by rearranging the internal connection of the starting capacitor,
bringing the connection out and to the supply side of the starter as shown.
Ea
rth/
G
ro
und
Su
pply
Liv
e
Su
pply
N
eut
ra
l
Ea
rth/
G
ro
und
M
ot
or
N
eut
ra
l
M
ot
or
Liv
e
N L M
N
M
L
Note:
On some HFE-1
variants,
terminals may
have alternative
markings
(see diagram)
Operation