When requesting a soft starter quotation, providing complete motor and application information can help the supplier select the correct model and prepare a more accurate quotation.
A soft starter RFQ should include more than motor power. Motor voltage, rated current, load type, starting conditions and project requirements may all affect soft starter selection.
This guide provides a practical soft starter RFQ checklist for buyers, EPC contractors, OEMs and industrial customers.
1. Motor Power
Motor power is one of the basic parameters required for a soft starter RFQ.
Buyers should provide the rated motor power shown on the motor nameplate, usually in kW.
For example:
Motor power: 160 kW
However, motor power alone is not sufficient for selecting a soft starter. Voltage and rated current should also be provided.
2. Motor Rated Voltage
The supplier needs to know the motor rated voltage to determine the appropriate soft starter voltage level.
Typical industrial projects may use low-voltage or medium-voltage motors.
When sending a soft starter RFQ, provide the exact voltage shown on the motor nameplate.
For example:
Rated voltage: 380 V
or
Rated voltage: 10 kV
3. Motor Rated Current
Rated current is another important parameter for soft starter selection.
Two motors with similar power ratings may have different rated currents depending on motor design and operating conditions.
Therefore, buyers should provide:
Rated current: ___ A
Providing a photo of the motor nameplate can also help the soft starter supplier confirm the motor parameters.
4. Load Type
The supplier also needs to know what equipment the motor drives.
Common applications include:
- Pump
- Fan
- Compressor
- Conveyor
- Crusher
- Ball mill
Different loads have different starting characteristics.
For example, a pump and a crusher with similar motor power may require different starting configurations because their load characteristics are different.
Therefore, the load type should always be included in a soft starter RFQ.
5. Starting Conditions
Starting conditions can directly affect soft starter selection.
Before requesting a quotation, buyers should confirm:
- Starting torque
- Starting time
- Starting frequency
- Load inertia
- Loaded or unloaded starting
Heavy-duty applications may require different starting capabilities from normal-load applications.
Providing this information helps the supplier evaluate whether the proposed industrial soft starter is suitable for the actual operating conditions.
6. Power Supply and Frequency
The soft starter RFQ should also specify the power supply conditions.
Buyers should provide:
Supply voltage
Frequency
Three-phase power supply information
For example:
Supply voltage: 380 V
Frequency: 50 Hz
For overseas projects, confirming the power supply frequency is especially important because different markets may use different electrical standards.
7. Communication and Control Requirements
If the soft starter will be connected to a PLC, DCS or other control system, communication requirements should be included in the RFQ.
Buyers should specify whether the project requires:
Communication interface
PLC connection
Remote monitoring
Control signals
Other communication requirements
Providing these requirements before quotation can reduce configuration changes later in the project.
8. Protection and Cabinet Requirements
Some projects may have specific requirements for motor protection, cabinet configuration or installation.
The soft starter supplier may need information about:
- Required protection functions
- Cabinet requirements
- Installation environment
- Indoor or outdoor installation
- Ambient conditions
- Special project requirements
For medium-voltage projects, cabinet and system requirements should be confirmed in greater detail.
Soft Starter RFQ ChecklistBefore sending an inquiry to a supplier, buyers can prepare the following information:
A complete soft starter RFQ allows the supplier to understand the motor, load and project requirements before recommending a product.
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FAQ
Q: What information is required for a soft starter quotation?
A: A soft starter quotation normally requires motor power, rated voltage, rated current, frequency, load type and starting conditions. Communication, protection, cabinet and environmental requirements should also be provided when applicable.
Q: Is motor power enough for a soft starter RFQ?
A: No. Motor power is only one parameter. Rated voltage, rated current and actual starting conditions are also important for selecting the appropriate soft starter.
Q: Should I send the motor nameplate to the soft starter supplier?
A: Yes. Providing motor nameplate information can help the supplier confirm key electrical parameters and reduce errors during model selection.
