Schneider Electric ATS48C59Q Altistart 48 Soft Starter — 590A, 230-415V AC

08 Jul, 2026
Posted by: Mehul Vadher

Condition: Used

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Introduction

Motor starting represents one of the most demanding electrical events in industrial power systems. The inrush current drawn by a direct-on-line (DOL) started motor can reach six to eight times the motor's full-load current, placing severe mechanical stress on couplings, gearboxes, and driven equipment while causing voltage dips that affect other connected loads. The Schneider Electric ATS48C59Q Altistart 48 Soft Starter addresses these challenges through sophisticated controlled starting technology, delivering smooth, programmable acceleration that extends equipment life and improves power quality.

Available now from Aeliya Marine Tech, this used ATS48C59Q soft starter offers a rated current of 590 amps at voltage ranges from 230V to 415V AC, making it suitable for some of the largest three-phase squirrel cage induction motors found in industrial facilities. With advanced features including TCS torque control, INTELE dynamic braking, and integrated Modbus RTU communications, this unit provides a complete motor starting solution for heavy-duty applications.

This comprehensive article examines the ATS48C59Q's technical specifications, advanced control features, application suitability, and configuration requirements to help you determine if this soft starter is the right solution for your motor control application.

Product Overview

The Altistart 48 series from Schneider Electric represents the company's premier offering in the large soft starter market, bridging the gap between basic reduced-voltage starters and full variable frequency drives. The ATS48C59Q is among the higher current ratings in the range, designed for motors up to approximately 315 kW at 400V depending on application duty and starting requirements.

The "C59" in the model designation indicates the 590A current rating with line contactor control, while the "Q" suffix specifies the voltage class (230-415V, 50/60Hz). The unit employs six thyristors (SCRs) in a three-phase antiparallel configuration to gradually ramp the motor terminal voltage from a programmable initial value up to full line voltage over a user-defined acceleration time.

Unlike simple voltage ramp starters, the ATS48 incorporates Schneider's proprietary TCS (Torque Control System) algorithm, which controls motor torque directly rather than just voltage. This approach provides significantly smoother starting characteristics, particularly for high-inertia loads where maintaining constant acceleration torque is critical to achieving acceptable start times without excessive mechanical stress.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value
Product Model	ATS48C59Q
Manufacturer	Schneider Electric
Series	Altistart 48
Rated Current	590 A
Voltage Range	230-415V AC (3-phase)
Frequency	50/60 Hz
Safety Standard	IEC 60947-4-2
Torque Control	TCS (Torque Control System)
Braking Function	INTELE dynamic braking
Communication	Modbus RTU (integrated)
Display	3-digit LCD with navigation
Weight	47.56 Kg
Condition	Used, Fully Tested

Key Features & Benefits

Torque Control System (TCS): Schneider's patented TCS algorithm regulates motor torque throughout the start sequence, providing smooth acceleration independent of load variations. This is particularly valuable for high-inertia applications like centrifuges, crushers, and large fans.
INTELE Dynamic Braking: The integrated INTELE braking function provides controlled deceleration by injecting DC current into the motor windings during stopping. This reduces stopping times for high-inertia loads without requiring external braking resistors or mechanical brakes.
590A Current Rating: With one of the highest current ratings in the Altistart 48 range, this unit can start motors up to approximately 315 kW at 400V, covering the vast majority of large industrial motor applications.
Wide Voltage Range: The 230-415V operating range accommodates both 380V and 415V standard industrial supply voltages used across different regions, providing flexibility for international projects.
Integrated Modbus RTU: Built-in RS485 serial communication with Modbus RTU protocol enables remote monitoring and control from PLCs, SCADA systems, and building management systems without requiring additional communication modules.
IEC 60947-4-2 Compliance: The starter is designed and tested to the IEC 60947-4-2 standard for AC semiconductor motor controllers and starters, ensuring safety and performance validation.
3-Digit LCD Display: The integrated display and navigation keypad provide local access to all parameters, fault diagnostics, and operating status without requiring external programming tools.
Comprehensive Protection: Built-in motor protection functions include thermal overload (Class 10/15/20/30 selectable), phase loss, phase reversal, thyristor overload, and undercurrent detection.
Cascade Starting: The ATS48 supports cascade starting of multiple motors for applications requiring staged capacity such as HVAC systems and pumping stations.

Industrial Applications

Centrifugal Pumps and Compressors

Large centrifugal pumps in water treatment, oil and gas, and process industries benefit significantly from soft starting. The gradual pressure build-up eliminates water hammer effects in piping systems while reducing starting current to acceptable levels for facility electrical distribution systems. The TCS algorithm maintains optimal acceleration torque even as pump load increases with the square of speed.

Fans and Blowers

HVAC systems, combustion air blowers, and process ventilation fans represent high-inertia loads where the fan wheel stores significant kinetic energy. The Altistart 48's torque control provides smooth acceleration to full speed without excessive mechanical stress on bearings and drive couplings. The INTELE braking function can also reduce coast-down times for emergency shutdown applications.

Conveyors and Crushers

Material handling conveyors and mining crushers often experience variable loading during starting. The TCS system adapts the applied torque to actual load conditions, preventing belt slippage on conveyors while providing the high breakaway torque needed to start crushers under load. Soft starting also extends the life of mechanical components in these severe-duty applications.

Marine and Offshore

Onboard ship systems including ballast pumps, fire pumps, and ventilation fans must start reliably from limited-capacity shipboard generators. The ATS48's controlled starting limits inrush current to levels that shipboard power plants can accommodate without voltage collapse. The unit's robust construction also withstands the vibration and environmental conditions typical of marine installations.

Schneider ATS48C59Q — Available Now

⚠ Schneider ATS48C59Q — Available Now 590A Altistart 48 soft starter with TCS torque control, INTELE braking & Modbus RTU. Fully tested.

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Product Configuration & Setup

Configuring the ATS48C59Q involves setting parameters to match the motor and load characteristics. The integrated display and navigation keypad provide access to all configuration menus, with parameters organized into logical groups for motor data, start/stop control, protection settings, and communication.

The minimum required configuration includes entering the motor full-load current (In), selecting the application type (standard, severe, high inertia), and setting the initial starting torque (typically 30-50% of rated torque) and acceleration ramp time. The TCS algorithm automatically optimizes torque delivery based on these parameters.

The INTELE braking function requires setting the braking torque level and maximum braking time. Care must be taken not to exceed the motor's thermal capacity during braking, particularly for repeated start/stop cycles. For continuous braking duty, external braking resistors or mechanical brakes may be more appropriate.

Modbus RTU communication configuration involves setting the unit address, baud rate, parity, and stop bits to match the master controller (PLC or SCADA). Once configured, all parameters can be read and written remotely, and real-time status information including current, voltage, power, and thermal state can be monitored continuously.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What size motor can the ATS48C59Q start?

A: The ATS48C59Q is rated for 590A and can typically start motors up to approximately 315 kW at 400V AC in standard duty applications (Class 10). The actual motor size depends on starting characteristics, duty cycle, and ambient temperature. For severe duty or high-inertia applications, the maximum motor size may be reduced.

Q: What is the difference between TCS and standard voltage ramp starting?

A: Standard voltage ramp starters simply increase the output voltage over time, which can result in insufficient torque at low speeds and excessive torque at higher speeds. TCS (Torque Control System) actively regulates motor torque, providing consistent acceleration torque throughout the start regardless of load variations. This results in smoother starting and shorter start times for high-inertia loads.

Q: Does the ATS48C59Q provide variable speed control?

A: No, the ATS48 is a soft starter, not a variable frequency drive (VFD). It controls motor starting and stopping by regulating voltage, but the motor always operates at line frequency during running. For applications requiring variable speed operation, a VFD such as the Mitsubishi FR-A740 series would be required.

Q: What testing does Aeliya Marine Tech perform on used ATS48 units?

A: Each ATS48C59Q undergoes comprehensive testing including insulation testing, thyristor firing verification, control circuit functional testing, display and keypad operation, and communication port verification. We also verify that the unit can power on without fault indications and that all factory-default parameters can be loaded successfully.

Q: Is a bypass contactor required with the ATS48C59Q?

A: A bypass contactor is recommended for continuous-duty applications where the motor runs for extended periods. The bypass contactor shunts the thyristors during running, eliminating heat generation and improving efficiency. The ATS48C59Q includes control outputs for automatic bypass contactor operation. Short-cycle applications may not require a bypass contactor.

External Technical Resources

For additional information about Schneider Electric soft starter technology and motor control principles, visit these external resources:

Schneider Electric Official Website — Product documentation, technical datasheets, and software downloads for Altistart soft starters and motor control products.
Motor Soft Starter — Technical overview of soft starter technology, comparison with VFDs, and application principles.

Why Choose Aeliya Marine Tech

Selecting the right industrial automation supplier is as important as selecting the right product. Aeliya Marine Tech offers distinct advantages that have made us a preferred partner for maintenance organizations and OEMs worldwide:

Verified Product Quality: Every used product undergoes thorough bench testing before listing, with defects identified and repaired by qualified technicians. We don't sell untested or non-functional items.
Substantial Cost Savings: Used industrial automation components from Aeliya Marine Tech typically cost 40-70% less than new equivalents, enabling significant maintenance budget optimization without compromising reliability.
30-Day Warranty Protection: Our standard 30-day replacement warranty covers all products, providing you with recourse in the unlikely event of a failure or DOA situation.
Technical Consultation: Our experienced team can advise on product compatibility, replacement alternatives, and application-specific configuration to ensure your project success.
Global Delivery: We ship to customers worldwide with careful packaging designed to protect heavy electrical equipment during international transit.

The Schneider Electric ATS48C59Q Altistart 48 Soft Starter combines advanced torque control technology with robust 590A power handling in a proven, field-tested package. Contact Aeliya Marine Tech today to discuss your motor starting requirements and secure this high-performance soft starter for your facility.

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590A Altistart 48 Soft Starter with TCS Torque Control, INTELE Braking & Modbus RTU

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