Thread: Soft Start
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Bob Minchin[_4_] Bob Minchin[_4_] is offline
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Default Soft Start

Steve Walker wrote:
On Thu, 05 May 2011 19:39:55 +0100, Roger Mills wrote:

Anyone know whether it's possible to add soft start to a tool that
wasn't born with it - maybe by using some external plug-in wizardry?

I have a Lidl compressor which, according to my power meter, takes about
750 watts[1] when running.

I tried to run it today from my Honda 2kW (peak - 1.6kW continuous)
inverter-based generator, and the genny didn't want to know - presumably
because of the high start-up current.

Would a soft start help and, if so, can it be retro-fitted?

[1] Probably 1000VA with a non-unity power factor because the indicated
current was about 4 amps


Does it start ok when there is no pressure in the receiver? If so then you
could add a three port solenoid operated valve between the compressor and
the receiver. The valve can vent the compressor output to atmosphere when
the motor power is removed and re-connect the compressor output to the
receiver a few seconds after the motor is powered up. It wouldn't be cheap
though.

SteveW

Aldi/Lidl type compressors I have seen already have a dump valve
arrangement fitted.

Bob