The starting current in an AC motor is typically high due to the initial conditions when the motor is powered on. When an AC motor starts, especially for induction motors, it initially operates in a condition where the rotor is stationary (at standstill). During this period, the motor windings present a low impedance to the power supply, causing a large inrush of current to flow into the motor windings. This starting current can be several times higher than the motor’s rated current under normal operating conditions. The high starting current is necessary to overcome the inertia of the motor and to establish the magnetic field required for the motor to start rotating.
During the starting of an AC motor, there is a high current reading primarily because of the impedance characteristics of the motor windings and the power supply response. When the motor is energized, the initial rush of current is needed to overcome the motor’s initial resistance and to accelerate the rotor from a standstill. The high current reading reflects the power drawn by the motor during this transient period, which is significantly higher than the steady-state current the motor draws during normal operation once it reaches its operating speed.
An AC motor takes more starting current mainly due to the nature of its design and operation. Induction motors, for example, require a higher current during startup to generate the magnetic fields necessary for rotor movement. This high starting current is essential to provide the torque needed to overcome the inertia of the motor and any connected load. The motor windings present a low impedance to the power supply during startup, resulting in a surge of current that diminishes as the motor accelerates to its operating speed. Once the motor reaches its rated speed, the current drawn by the motor decreases to its normal operating level.
To reduce the starting current of an AC motor, various methods can be employed depending on the application and motor type. One effective approach is using a soft starter or a variable frequency drive (VFD). A soft starter gradually ramps up the voltage supplied to the motor during startup, thereby limiting the initial inrush of current. This gradual acceleration reduces mechanical stress on the motor and connected equipment. A VFD, on the other hand, controls the motor’s speed by adjusting the frequency of the AC power supplied to the motor. By starting the motor at a lower frequency and gradually increasing it to the rated frequency, a VFD reduces the starting current significantly compared to direct-on-line starting.
Preventing high starting current in an AC motor involves implementing proper starting techniques and using appropriate equipment. In addition to soft starters and VFDs, which are effective in reducing starting current, other methods include star-delta starters for induction motors and electronic motor starters. Star-delta starters initially connect the motor windings in a star configuration to reduce starting current and then switch to a delta configuration for normal operation. Electronic motor starters use solid-state devices to control motor starting and can provide soft starting characteristics similar to soft starters. Proper selection and implementation of these methods help prevent excessive starting current, prolong motor life, and improve overall system reliability.