What type of starter should be used to prevent a sudden voltage drop when a compressor starts?

A reduced voltage starter is the appropriate choice for preventing a sudden voltage drop when a compressor starts. When electric motors, such as those used in refrigeration compressors, are powered on, they can draw significantly more current than their normal operating level, particularly during the starting phase. This high inrush current can cause a sudden drop in voltage, which may negatively impact other equipment on the same electrical supply.

Using a reduced voltage starter allows the motor to start with a lower voltage, gradually increasing to full voltage as the motor accelerates to its operational speed. This controlled voltage application minimizes the initial current spike, thereby reducing the risk of voltage drops across the electrical supply system. Ultimately, this results in smoother operation and less strain on both the motor and the electrical infrastructure.

While full voltage starters engage the motor at full voltage immediately, which can lead to disruptive voltage drops, soft starters similarly manage motor starts to curb inrush current but focus on soft acceleration rather than a specific reduced voltage. Star-delta starters, on the other hand, are utilized for larger motors and shift between star and delta configurations to manage starting current, but they are not as commonly applied in standard residential and commercial compressor applications. Thus, reduced voltage starters are the optimal choice for mitigating the issues associated with