Soft start lets a three-phase motor speed up gently. It increases voltage step by step, instead of jumping to full power. This gives a smooth pressure rise.

• Less water hammer and hose “kick.”
• Protects seals, valves, and the pump head.
• Fewer breaker trips on weak mains or long cables.
• Works better with generators on mobile rigs.
• Quieter, safer starts for the operator.

• Long hose runs or multi-gun systems.
• Small nozzles that load the pump quickly.
• Cold starts or thick oil.
• Sites with unstable power or frequent nuisance trips.
• Trailer units that start and stop many times per day.

• Star-delta reduces current, but has a “switch” jolt at changeover.
• Soft start ramps smoothly with no changeover shock.
• If you want gentler pressure and fewer trips, choose soft start.
• If budget is tight and starts are rare on stiff mains, star-delta can work.

• Ramp time: start with 2–5 seconds.
• Current limit: ~250–300% of motor FLA (adjust if start is too slow/fast).
• Kick-start: small boost only if the pump needs a nudge.
• Bypass: use the soft starter’s bypass so it runs cool at full speed.
• Protections: enable phase loss/imbalance and over/under-voltage.
• Interlocks: wire low-water/low-flow switches to prevent dry-run.

• High-pressure seals and packings.
• Check valves and unloader valves.
• Hoses, fittings, gauges, and manifolds.

• High-pressure seals and packings.
• Check valves and unloader valves.
• Hoses, fittings, gauges, and manifolds.

Q: Will soft start reduce water hammer?
A: Yes. Pressure rises smoothly, so valves and hoses are not hit at once.

Q: Do I need a special motor?
A: No. A standard three-phase motor sized for your pump is fine.

Q: Will it save money?
A: Usually yes. Fewer seal changes, fewer leaks, less downtime.

Q: Soft start or VFD?
A: Use soft start if you run at one speed and just want a gentle start. Choose a VFD if you also need adjustable pressure/flow.

• Motor kW/HP, voltage, and FLA.
• Power source (mains vs. generator) and breaker size.
• Hose length and nozzle size.
• Starts per hour (soft start is better for frequent starts).
• Enclosure/IP rating and ventilation.

• Sized for your motor current and voltage
• Adjustable ramp time and current limit
• Built-in bypass contactor
• Basic protections (phase loss/imbalance, over/under-voltage)
• Terminals for low-water/low-flow interlocks
• Clear quick-start guide or presets for “pump” duty

Soft start is a simple upgrade that makes high-pressure washers easier on equipment, safer to use, and friendlier to the power supply. If your system has long hoses, uses a generator, or starts often, soft start is usually the best choice.