What is the primary characteristic of a hard start for motors?

The primary characteristic of a hard start for motors is that it quickly supplies full voltage to the motor. This means that when the motor is started, it receives its rated voltage immediately, leading to a rapid increase in current flow and torque output. This approach allows for quick acceleration to the intended operational speed, making it suitable for applications where immediate power is required.

Utilizing full voltage right at the start results in a significant surge of inrush current, which can be several times higher than the motor’s full-load current. This can lead to high starting torque, beneficial in applications like fans or pumps where heavy initial loads need to be overcome.

While this method proves effective in certain situations, it can also cause mechanical stress on the motor and connected machinery and may lead to electrical issues in a system due to the sudden demand for high current. Additionally, this approach does not minimize inrush current; rather it maximizes it, which differentiates it from other more controlled starting methods designed to mitigate these effects.