What is a Soft Starter Panel? | Klima Global UAE

A soft starter panel is an electrical device used to gradually ramp up the voltage supplied to an electric motor, allowing smooth acceleration and minimizing mechanical stress. Unlike traditional starters, soft starters reduce current inrush and torque during startup, which prolongs motor life and enhances system stability. For a full comparison of starter types including DOL and VFD systems, explore our starter panel comparison guide

Soft starter panels are commonly used in HVAC systems, water pumps, and compressors—especially in environments where high starting torque may damage connected equipment or consume excessive energy. When your system calls for precise speed modulation instead, see our VFD use cases to determine if they offer better control.

At Klima Global, we design DEWA-compliant soft starter panels for diverse commercial and industrial HVAC applications across the UAE, as part of our broader GCC-wide control panel solutions.

If your project involves variable load HVAC applications, soft starters are an affordable, compact alternative when speed control is not required.

How Does a Soft Starter Panel Work?

A soft starter panel typically includes:

• Thyristors or SCRs that control voltage input

• Bypass contactors that minimize power loss after startup

• Protection relays for overload, phase failure, and short circuits

During startup, the panel slowly increases voltage to the motor. Once the motor reaches its nominal speed, the bypass contactor activates, allowing full voltage operation with minimal loss.

Benefits of Using a Soft Starter Panel in HVAC Systems

• Reduced Electrical Stress: Limits inrush current, preventing voltage dips

• Extended Equipment Life: Smooth starts reduce wear on belts, bearings, and shafts

• Energy Efficiency: Lower starting current reduces peak demand charges

• Compact Design: Ideal for limited-space installations

• Cost-Effective: More affordable than VFD systems when speed control is not required

Ideal Applications for Soft Starter Panel

For projects involving multi-motor coordination or BMS integration, a PLC control panel may work better alongside soft starters.

• Air Handling Units (AHUs)

• Chilled Water Pumps

• Compressor Motors

• Cooling Towers

• Ventilation Fans

In large facilities with centralized HVAC systems, a power feeder panel may be used in conjunction with soft starters for balanced load distribution.

Klima Global offers tailored soft starter solutions based on motor capacity, load type, and duty cycle—ensuring reliable starts in any application.

Not sure whether your building needs a soft starter, VFD, or hybrid approach? Use our HVAC control panel selection guide to compare based on load type and building design.

Compliance and Safety Features

All Klima Global soft starter panels comply with:

• DEWA & ADDC regulations

• IEC 60947 standards

• ISO 9001 quality protocols

Safety Features:

• Overload and phase failure protection

• Emergency stop mechanism

• Pre-wired and FAT-tested before delivery

Need more advanced control and logic? Consider upgrading to a PLC-based HVAC control panel for programmable automation.

Comparison: Soft Starter vs DOL vs VFD

For buildings with multiple motor zones or retrofits, you might also need a main HVAC control panel to manage diverse load requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions