The Schneider Electric ATS48D38YS316 is a soft starter from the Altistart 48 range, designed for three-phase asynchronous motors. It sits between the supply and the motor, ramping voltage during start to reduce inrush current and mechanical shock, then switches to full voltage after start. The AC-53A utilization category means it is rated for frequent starts and stops typical of pump, fan, and conveyor applications — the soft starter handles the starting duty, and an external bypass contactor (optional, per the design) carries the continuous current after start.
Supply voltage range is 208...690 V AC at 50/60 Hz, covering standard low-voltage networks worldwide — 208 V, 230 V, 400 V, 460 V, 575 V, 690 V. The motor power tables (in the spec) show matched kW/hp ratings for standard and severe-duty applications across those voltages; for example, at 400 V it handles 18.5 kW standard duty or 15 kW severe duty. Severe duty means a higher starting torque demand (typically for loaded conveyors or crushers), so the soft starter is sized larger for the same motor frame. Communication is Modbus over RS485 multidrop, with selectable baud rates of 4800, 9600, or 19200 bps via the RJ45 connector. This lets it integrate directly with a PLC or SCADA system for start/stop commands, status monitoring, and parameter adjustment — no additional gateway needed for Modbus networks. Built-in protections include motor thermal protection (via PTC input), phase failure detection, and starter thermal protection. The PTC input accepts a standard PTC thermistor at 750 Ω at 25 °C, so a motor with embedded PTC can be wired directly without an external relay.