Schneider Electric ATS01N222QN — 22A Soft Starter Buying Guide

By Abdullah Zahid
13 min read
Schneider Electric ATS01N222QN Altistart 01 soft starter DIN rail mount 22A 380-415V 3-phase motor control

Schneider Electric ATS01N222QN Soft Starter for Asynchronous Motor, Altistart 01 — 22A, 7.5-11 kW, 380-415V with Integrated Protection

If you are specifying a soft starter for a 3-phase induction motor in the 7.5-11 kW range and your facility supply sits anywhere in the 380-415V AC band, the Schneider Electric ATS01N222QN is one of the most direct, well-specified options in the Altistart 01 family. This DIN-rail-mounted device ramps supply voltage during startup to reduce inrush current and mechanical shock, incorporates built-in overload, phase loss, and under-voltage protection, and bypasses to full voltage once the motor reaches running speed — all without requiring a separate protective relay or custom programming. The single critical verification before ordering: pull the motor nameplate and confirm full-load current does not exceed 22A.

If you have already confirmed this is the correct part, check current pricing and availability for the ATS01N222QN at LeadTime.ca — ships worldwide.

Who Should Buy the ATS01N222QN — and Who Should Not

This model is the right choice when all of the following apply to your application:

  • Your 3-phase facility supply is 380-415V AC at 50 or 60 Hz
  • Your motor full-load current is 22A or less (confirmed from motor nameplate)
  • Your motor power rating falls within 7.5-11 kW on a 3-phase asynchronous induction motor
  • Your control panel has available DIN rail space — the ATS01N222QN is 6.06 in H x 1.77 in W x 5.16 in D
  • You need soft start only; no variable speed, no remote monitoring, and no communication protocol such as Modbus or Ethernet is required

If your motor current exceeds 22A, your facility runs 480V or 600V, or your application requires remote diagnostics or communication, this is not the correct model. The ATS01N332QN handles 32A at the same voltage, and the Altistart 04 series covers both higher current ranges and communication-equipped configurations. Select accordingly before ordering.

On this page:

What the ATS01N222QN Actually Does in Your Control Panel

The Schneider Electric ATS01N222QN is a soft starter from the Altistart 01 series — a family of DIN-rail-mounted devices designed to manage the acceleration curve of 3-phase asynchronous induction motors. In a standard direct-on-line installation, a motor sees full line voltage the instant it is switched on, drawing 5-7 times its nominal full-load current and delivering a sudden torque surge to the driven load. The ATS01N222QN solves this by gradually ramping supply voltage over an adjustable window of 1 to 10 seconds, limiting inrush current to a fraction of what a direct start would demand and allowing the driven load — a pump impeller, fan blade assembly, conveyor belt, or compressor shaft — to accelerate smoothly rather than jolt into motion.

Once the motor reaches full operating speed, the integrated bypass switches the motor directly across the line for energy-efficient full-voltage operation. The soft starter does not remain in the power path during normal running; it steps aside. This architecture means no continuous power dissipation through the device and no thermal management challenge during steady-state operation. Built-in overload protection, phase loss detection, and under-voltage protection are active during both the starting sequence and the run phase, covering the most common failure modes without requiring a separate protective relay. The ATS01N222QN meets CISPR 11, IEC 60947-4-2, IEC 61000-4-12, EN 50082-1, IEC 1000-3-2, and EN/IEC 60947-4-2 — a compliance set that clears it for operation in industrial environments with variable electrical noise.

Typical System Architecture for a Soft Starter Installation

The ATS01N222QN sits between the upstream supply protection device and the motor terminals. Understanding its position in the circuit helps confirm that all surrounding components are correctly specified before the unit ships.

  • Upstream: 3-pole circuit breaker rated for the soft starter input current (typically 1.25x motor FLA, minimum 25-30A for this model) — external protection is mandatory; the ATS01N222QN is not a circuit breaker
  • Input terminals (L1, L2, L3): 380-415V AC 3-phase supply cables connected here using appropriate wire gauge for 22A service
  • ATS01N222QN: Manages voltage ramp, monitors overload and phase conditions, switches integrated bypass after run-up completes
  • Output terminals (U, V, W): Motor leads connect here; motor must be asynchronous induction type, 7.5-11 kW, 22A or less FLA
  • Optional control circuit: Remote start/stop signal wired to designated control terminals if panel layout requires it

Pump, Fan, Compressor, and Conveyor: Where This Starter Fits

In pump stations and water treatment installations, the ATS01N222QN is specified to reduce water hammer — the pressure surge that occurs when a pump impeller accelerates suddenly and forces fluid against check valves and discharge piping. A ramp time of 5-10 seconds allows system pressure to build gradually, protecting the hydraulic circuit and extending valve service life. Municipal water systems, irrigation pump houses, and industrial process lines handling 7.5-11 kW pump motors represent the most straightforward deployment for this model.

HVAC and ventilation applications use the soft starter to manage fan inertia during startup. Large exhaust fans and supply air units mounted to ductwork can generate significant acoustic shock and mechanical stress against flanged connections if started abruptly. The ATS01N222QN's 1-10 second ramp brings fan blades up to speed without the sudden torque event, reducing ductwork strain and lowering noise at startup — a benefit that matters in occupied buildings and noise-sensitive manufacturing environments.

Industrial air compressors with discharge check valves are protected from valve-slam shock when the motor accelerates gradually rather than instantly. For conveyor systems with loaded belts, chains, or roller beds, the soft start prevents the belt from jerking at engagement, which reduces wear on drive components and eliminates product displacement on the conveyor surface.

Application Typical Deployment
Pump station soft start 7.5-11 kW centrifugal pump, municipal water or irrigation system, ramp set 5-10 s to prevent water hammer
HVAC fan ramp-up Supply or exhaust fan on ductwork, 380-415V supply, ramp set 2-4 s to reduce ductwork stress
Compressor motor control Industrial air compressor with discharge check valve, ramp 3-5 s to protect valve from slam-shock at start
Conveyor and material handling Belt or roller conveyor with loaded product, multi-motor or single drive, ramp prevents sudden belt jerk
General machinery retrofit Any 3-phase asynchronous motor 7.5-11 kW replacing failed direct-on-line starter without full VFD investment

Key Specifications and Variant Comparison

Parameter Value
Supply Voltage (3-phase) 380-415V AC
Frequency 50/60 Hz
Current Rating 22A
Motor Power (3-phase) 7.5-11 kW
Ramp Time (Adjustable) 1-10 seconds
Operating Temperature -10 to +40°C
IP Rating IP20
Mounting DIN rail (top-hat profile), screw terminals
Weight 0.66 kg
Standards Compliance CISPR 11, IEC 60947-4-2, IEC 61000-4-12, EN 50082-1, IEC 1000-3-2, EN/IEC 60947-4-2

Full technical specifications are available on the product page at LeadTime.ca.

Model Current Rating Motor Power (3-phase) Supply Voltage Communication When to Choose
ATS01N132QN 13A Up to 5.5 kW 380-415V None Motor is smaller and current is under 13A; lower cost
ATS01N222QN 22A 7.5-11 kW 380-415V None Best match for 7.5-11 kW motors at 380-415V; entry-level cost with integrated protection
ATS01N332QN 32A 11-15 kW 380-415V None Motor current exceeds 22A; step up to this model
Altistart 04 series 32-75A Up to 37 kW 380-480V Modbus / Ethernet options Communication, remote diagnostics, or 480V supply required

If your motor's full-load current exceeds 22A, the ATS01N332QN is the direct next step — check model availability and current pricing at LeadTime.ca before finalizing your bill of materials.

Expert Verdict: Is the ATS01N222QN the Right Soft Starter for Your Project?

The Schneider Electric ATS01N222QN occupies exactly the right position for maintenance engineers retrofitting an aging direct-on-line starter on a pump, fan, or compressor motor in the 7.5-11 kW range, and for integrators building compact control panels where a VFD's cost, size, and complexity are not justified by the application. The integrated bypass means the device is not generating heat continuously during normal motor operation. The built-in overload, phase loss, and under-voltage protection eliminate the need for a standalone protective relay in many panel designs, reducing both enclosure size and wiring hours. Standard induction motors draw 5-7 times nominal full-load current at direct-on-line start; the ATS01N222QN's adjustable 1-10 second ramp window limits that demand surge and reduces mechanical shock simultaneously. For first-time soft-starter specifiers or budget-conscious retrofit projects where fixed-speed operation is all that is required, this model delivers proven, well-documented performance without unnecessary complexity.

Where the ATS01N222QN reaches its limits is equally clear. If your application demands variable motor speed, energy savings at partial load, or advanced process control, a VFD is the appropriate choice and this device will not substitute for it. If your facility supply is 480V or 600V, this model is simply incompatible — confirm supply voltage before ordering, not after. Motors whose nameplate full-load current exceeds 22A will cause the soft starter to overload and trip, so the ATS01N332QN or a higher-tier Altistart model must be selected instead. And if your maintenance team or SCADA system requires Modbus connectivity or Ethernet-based diagnostics, the Altistart 04 series with communication modules is the correct path forward.

From a procurement standpoint, the ATS01N222QN is a stocked industrial component with established distributor channels, but lead times in the 2-6 week range have been documented for North American supply, and availability fluctuates. Ordering through a specialist industrial automation distributor means your specification is cross-checked against the motor nameplate data before the part ships — an important safeguard given how frequently wrong-current-rating errors cause returns and project delays. View current availability and pricing for the ATS01N222QN at LeadTime.ca, where the team can confirm stock status and lead time before you commit to a project schedule.

For volume pricing, project-quantity quotes, or lead time confirmation before finalizing a build, contact the LeadTime.ca team directly — ships worldwide.

What Engineers Need to Know Before Ordering the ATS01N222QN

Because the ATS01N222QN is an entry-level industrial component without a large footprint in public engineering forums, the most reliable guidance comes from specifying it correctly the first time — which is exactly where ordering errors cluster. The three most common mistakes seen when sourcing this model follow a predictable pattern: current rating mismatches, missing upstream protection, and ramp time settings that are too aggressive for the driven load.

The current rating error is the most costly. A buyer specifies the 22A model for a motor whose nameplate shows 26A full-load current. The soft starter starts the motor, the integrated overload trips within seconds, and the project stalls while a replacement 32A unit is sourced. The fix costs nothing if caught at the specification stage and significant time and money if caught after installation. Pull the motor nameplate, read the full-load amps line, and compare it directly to the 22A rating before placing the order. The ATS01N222QN is correctly sized only when the motor FLA is at or below 22A.

The upstream protection gap is the second recurring issue. The ATS01N222QN provides overload protection for the motor it controls — it does not function as a circuit breaker for its own input. Installations without a correctly rated 3-pole upstream breaker leave the soft starter unprotected against input-side fault conditions. Every panel design using this device must include an external circuit breaker as a separate line item. Verify the breaker specification against the applicable electrical code for your region — NEC, CSA, or the relevant national standard — before the enclosure design is finalized. Ramp time configuration is the third area where early commissioning problems appear: pump applications that use a 1-2 second ramp often still experience water hammer, because the pressure ramp is too steep for the hydraulic system. Setting ramp time in the 5-10 second range for pump loads resolves this; consulting the Schneider Electric Altistart 01 installation documentation for load-specific guidance is recommended before commissioning. LeadTime.ca's technical team can direct you to current Schneider documentation at the point of order.

Wiring and Installation Overview

The following overview covers the key checkpoints for a standard ATS01N222QN installation. Full wiring diagrams, terminal labeling, and commissioning procedures are documented in the Schneider Electric Altistart 01 installation manual — engineers requiring complete procedures should reference that document.

  • Confirm upstream 3-pole circuit breaker is correctly rated for soft starter input current and installed before energizing the device — external protection is mandatory
  • Connect 3-phase supply (380-415V AC, 50/60 Hz) to the input terminals (L1, L2, L3) using wire gauge appropriate for 22A service; tighten screw terminals to specified torque
  • Connect motor leads to output terminals (U, V, W); verify motor is asynchronous induction type and nameplate FLA does not exceed 22A before energizing
  • Wire control signal terminals for remote start/stop if required by panel layout; verify control voltage matches the device's control input specification
  • Set ramp time potentiometer before first power-on: start at 3-5 seconds for general loads, 5-10 seconds for pump applications, 2-4 seconds for fan loads; test under representative load and adjust as needed

Compatible Upstream Protection and System Components

The ATS01N222QN is an IP20-rated device requiring panel mounting and external circuit protection. The following system components are typically specified alongside it for a complete installation:

  • 3-pole circuit breaker: Upstream input protection rated for the soft starter current — required, not optional; size per applicable electrical code (NEC, CSA, or regional standard)
  • DIN rail (35 mm top-hat profile): Standard mounting rail compatible with the ATS01N222QN's bottom-mount clip; verify available height of 6.06 inches minimum in enclosure
  • Contactor (optional): Some panel designs include a line contactor upstream for remote isolation; verify contactor current rating matches or exceeds 22A
  • Asynchronous induction motor (7.5-11 kW, 380-415V, 22A or less FLA): The driven load; nameplate verification is the critical pre-order step

Wrong-Part Prevention: 8 Checks Before You Order

Before submitting a purchase order for the ATS01N222QN, work through each of the following checks against your motor nameplate and panel design documents:

  1. Verify facility 3-phase supply is 380-415V AC (not 220V single-phase or 480V/600V).
  2. Confirm motor nameplate full-load current does not exceed 22A.
  3. Check motor power is 7.5-11 kW rated (not higher, not lower than the model supports).
  4. Verify motor is asynchronous/induction type (not synchronous or DC).
  5. Confirm existing control panel has available DIN rail space; physical dimensions are 6.06 in H x 1.77 in W x 5.16 in D.
  6. Check that external overload relay or upstream breaker is NOT already controlling this motor; soft starter provides built-in protection but requires proper coordination.
  7. Verify no requirement for remote monitoring or communication; this base model has no Modbus or Ethernet interfaces.
  8. Confirm supply breaker protects the soft starter itself (soft starter is not a circuit breaker; external protection is required).

If any of these checks raises a flag, contact the LeadTime.ca team before ordering — reach the technical team here for specification support and to confirm the correct model for your application. Alternatively, review the ATS01N222QN product page for full specification documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ATS01N222QN replace the need for an external overload relay?

In many standard applications, yes — the built-in overload protection, phase loss detection, and under-voltage protection functions eliminate the need for a separate standalone protective relay. However, the soft starter does not replace the upstream circuit breaker; a correctly rated 3-pole breaker is still required upstream to protect the soft starter input against fault conditions. Verify coordination with your facility electrician before removing any existing protection devices from the circuit.

My facility supply is 400V. Is the ATS01N222QN compatible?

Yes. The ATS01N222QN is rated for 380-415V AC, which covers 380V, 400V, and 415V 3-phase supplies at 50 or 60 Hz. All three voltages fall within the specified operating range. If your facility supply is outside this band — particularly 220V single-phase, 440V, 480V, or 600V — this model is not compatible and a different variant is required.

What happens if my motor's full-load current is right at 22A? Is there headroom?

The 22A rating is the nominal maximum current for this model. Operating continuously at the rated limit is acceptable under normal conditions, but leaves no margin for motor derating, ambient temperature effects, or current peaks during starting. If your motor nameplate shows exactly 22A FLA, evaluate whether the application involves repeated starts, high-ambient-temperature enclosures, or duty cycles that could push operating current above nominal — if any of those apply, stepping up to the 32A model (ATS01N332QN) is the more conservative and reliable choice.

Can I use this soft starter for a single-phase motor?

No. The ATS01N222QN is rated for 3-phase asynchronous induction motors only. The device manages a 3-phase voltage ramp across all three supply phases simultaneously; it is not configured for single-phase motor starting and must not be applied to single-phase loads.

Does the ramp time setting affect the motor protection functions?

The ramp time — adjustable between 1 and 10 seconds — controls the voltage acceleration curve during motor start. The overload, phase loss, and under-voltage protection functions remain active throughout the ramp and the run phase regardless of the ramp time setting. Setting an excessively short ramp time for a high-inertia load such as a large pump will increase the current drawn during start and may cause the overload function to trip; this is an indication to increase ramp time rather than a device fault.

Is the ATS01N222QN available with Modbus or other communication options?

No. The ATS01N222QN is a base-level Altistart 01 model with no communication interfaces. If remote monitoring, diagnostics, or Modbus/Ethernet connectivity is required, the Altistart 04 series offers these capabilities. Confirming this before ordering prevents the common mistake of receiving a device that cannot integrate with an existing SCADA or BMS architecture.

Why Order the ATS01N222QN Through LeadTime.ca

  • Ships worldwide — not limited to any single region or country
  • Specification cross-check before shipping: the team verifies motor current and voltage match before the order is confirmed, reducing the most common source of returns and project delays
  • Hard-to-find and time-sensitive parts sourced through established industrial automation supplier relationships
  • Volume pricing available for project quantities — contact for current pricing on multi-unit orders
  • Technical support available for commissioning questions and warranty coordination with Schneider Electric

ATS01N222QN At-a-Glance Summary

  • Product family: Altistart 01 (ATS01 series), Schneider Electric
  • Current rating: 22A nominal maximum
  • Motor power range: 7.5-11 kW (3-phase asynchronous induction motor)
  • Supply voltage: 380-415V AC, 3-phase, 50/60 Hz
  • Ramp time: Adjustable 1-10 seconds
  • Operating temperature: -10 to +40°C; storage -20 to +70°C
  • Humidity: Up to 95% non-condensing
  • Protection: Built-in overload, phase loss detection, under-voltage protection
  • IP rating: IP20 — panel mount required
  • Mounting: DIN rail (35 mm top-hat profile), screw terminals
  • Physical size: 6.06 in H x 1.77 in W x 5.16 in D; weight 0.66 kg
  • Standards: CISPR 11, IEC 60947-4-2, IEC 61000-4-12, EN 50082-1, IEC 1000-3-2, EN/IEC 60947-4-2
  • Communication: None — no Modbus or Ethernet on this base model
  • External circuit breaker: Required upstream — the ATS01N222QN is not a circuit breaker
  • Typical applications: Pump stations, HVAC fans, industrial compressors, conveyor systems, general 7.5-11 kW motor retrofits

You may also be interested in: