Why are soft starters used in motor control systems?

Soft starters are specifically designed to manage the startup of electric motors in a way that minimizes the impact on both the motor and the connected mechanisms. They accomplish this by gradually ramping up the motor speed, which significantly reduces the mechanical stress on components involved in the startup process.

When a motor starts, it typically experiences a high inrush current, which can lead to equipment damage and excessive wear. A soft starter limits this inrush current, allowing the motor to start smoothly and gradually reach its operational speed. This controlled acceleration not only extends the lifespan of the motor and coupling mechanism but also protects other connected devices from the sudden jolt of a high startup current.

While options like enabling continuous running at maximum speed or improving thermal management may be considerations in motor operation, they do not directly relate to the primary function of a soft starter. Additionally, converting single-phase power to three-phase is a function of a different type of device altogether, such as a phase converter. Thus, the use of soft starters is primarily focused on reducing startup-related issues rather than ongoing motor performance or power conversion.