Panel building with Siemens S7-1500 PLC
- Controlled engine start
- Design in accordance with NEN-
- Efficient and low maintenance
Efficient motor control and controlled startup
A control box with soft starter motors provides smooth and energy-efficient starting of electric motors. By limiting starting current and reducing mechanical stress, the soft starter extends the life of both motor and system. Kwadrant IA designs and builds panel building solutions in which softstarters are seamlessly integrated, tailored to industrial applications within the NEN-EN 61439 and NEN 1010 standards. This guarantees safe, reliable and durable drive systems for a variety of industries.
Panel Building Pioneers for Mechanical Engineering
With the precision of a watchmaker and the agility of an acrobat, Kwadrant IA is committed to creating custom electrical panels for mechanical engineering. As a resilient player in panel building, we move quickly without sacrificing quality or durability. Step into our world of innovation and discover how we can take your mechanical engineering projects to the next level.
What are softstarters in panel building
A soft starter is an electronic component that gradually increases voltage when starting a motor. Instead of an immediate start-up, which causes a high start-up current, the soft starter provides a smooth build-up of voltage. This prevents mechanical shocks, extends the life of drives and reduces peak loads on the power grid.
Within panel building, Kwadrant IA integrates softstarters into custom control cabinets designed in EPLAN P8/Pro Panel and built in accordance with NEN-EN 61439. As a result, motors are not only better protected, but the entire drive train functions more efficiently and reliably.
Important standards and guidelines
NEN-EN 61439
This standard ensures the safety and reliability of electrical distribution equipment. Panel builders must demonstrate that the cabinet meets this directive thermally, mechanically and electrically. Kwadrant IA applies this standard to every design and always provides a test report and declaration of conformity.
IEC 60947-4-2
This international standard describes requirements for electronic motor controllers, including softstarters. It defines test procedures, thermal limits and electrical performance to ensure safe operation.
NEN 1010
The basic standard for electrical safety in installations. Among other things, this guideline defines the proper sizing of cables, protective devices and grounding.
CONTACT US
Applications in industry
Softstarters are used in a variety of industries where controlled motor control is essential.
Examples include:
- Water management: Pumping with gradual starts to avoid pressure shocks.
- Food & beverage: Transport and mixing systems with limited mechanical stress.
- HVAC installations: fans and compressors with reduced inrush current.
- Bulk handling and logistics: Conveyor belts that run smoothly.
- Marine and offshore: Drives with reliable starting under variable loads.
In these applications, softstarters contribute to lower maintenance costs, reduced wear and tear and more stable energy consumption.
Advantages of panel building with softstarters
- Limited starting current: Prevents voltage dips and protects electrical networks.
- Lower wear: Less mechanical stress on engine and driveline.
- Energy efficient: optimal torque control reduces peak consumption.
- Low maintenance: easy operation and monitoring via HMI or PLC.
- Flexibly applicable: suitable for a variety of powers and applications.
Kwadrant IA combines these advantages with high-level engineering to make each panel technically reliable and future-proof.
The process from design to commissioning
- Design and engineering. – Development of electrical schematics in EPLAN, tailored to motor powers and system configuration.
- Construction and assembly – Panel assembly in our own workshop, wiring and protection in accordance with NEN 1010.
- Testing phase (FAT/SAT). – Each cabinet is fully tested for operation, thermal stability and electrical safety.
- Installation and cabling – Field wiring and connection by experienced technicians with attention to grid quality.
- Commissioning – Inspection, fine-tuning and delivery including test report and declaration of conformity.
This structured approach assures customers of a sustainable, safe and energy-efficient motor control solution.
Years of experience in the field of industrial automation
Industrial automation with international standards
Industrial automation requires more than just a correctly constructed panel. We start with the architecture of the system and make conscious choices in component selection, standardization and scalability. By fully mastering engineering, panel construction and integration, we realize control systems that perform reliably in demanding industrial environments. From modular construction to international compliance, every detail is focused on quality, longevity and manageable Total Cost of Ownership.
We do not build standard solutions, but technically sound systems that match the complexity of modern mechanical engineering.
Kwadrant IA as your partner for panel construction with softstarters
Kwadrant IA designs and builds control cabinets with softstarters for a variety of industrial applications. Our specialists combine in-depth knowledge of hardware engineering, motor control and energy efficiency to deliver systems that are safe, reliable and low maintenance. Each panel is designed according to NEN-EN 61439 and built with high quality components, tested via FAT/SAT and provided with a declaration of conformity.
Whether for pump systems, fans or production lines, Kwadrant IA ensures a stable drive and longer life of motors.
Contact us for technical advice or a free quote.
Frequently asked questions about Panel construction with Softstarter motors
What is the advantage of soft starters in panel building?
A soft starter limits the starting current and prevents mechanical shocks when starting motors. This reduces wear and tear, lowers maintenance costs and extends plant life.
What is the difference between a softstarter and an inverter?
A softstarter controls only the start-up phase of the motor, while an inverter also adjusts the speed during operation. Softstarters are simpler, cheaper and more energy-efficient at fixed speeds.
Are soft starters suitable for heavy industrial applications?
Yes, soft starters are widely used with heavy-duty motors, such as pumps and compressors. Their robust design allows them to safely limit high starting currents without power loss.
What standards apply to panel construction with softstarters?
Kwadrant IA works according to NEN-EN 61439 for electrical safety, NEN 1010 for installation requirements and IEC 60947-4-2 for softstarter specifications. For exports, UL 508A can also be applied.
Can soft starters be used in explosion-proof environments?
Yes, provided the control cabinet is constructed in accordance with ATEX 114 (2014/34/EU). Kwadrant IA supplies explosion-proof panels for zones 1 and 2, suitable for gas and dust environments.
