Motor starting methods

Motor starting-method record terms for Australian starting-current and voltage-dip worksheets.

  • Motors and transformers · Terminology
  • Medium-sensitivity table
  • Last checked 13 July 2026

Motor starting methods and current behaviour

Define starting-method record terms without selecting a starter or certifying a motor-starting design.

Motor starting methods
MethodRecordUsed withBoundary
Direct on lineDOL or across-the-line start where the project uses that method.Starting-current and voltage-dip checksActual starting multiple depends on motor and supply data.
Star-deltaStarter method and transition assumptions where known.Starting-current reviewTransition behaviour needs starter and motor data.
Soft starterRamp or current-limit setting where available.Voltage-dip and generator-starting recordsUse product settings rather than generic assumptions.
Variable speed driveDrive-fed motor context and supply-side notes.Load, harmonic and starting recordsDrive behaviour is product and settings dependent.
Auto-transformer or reduced-voltage startReduced-voltage method and tap/setting if documented.Starting-current worksheetsProject equipment data controls interpretation.
  • Use this table to keep starting-method assumptions visible.
  • Starter choice and settings require product, supply and project review.

Where starting context affects voltage-dip checks

Use the starting method to frame expected inrush and voltage-dip behaviour before checking the actual motor and supply record.

Limits of starting-method terminology
ItemValue
PurposeDefine starting-method record terms without selecting a starter or certifying a motor-starting design.
How to use the sourceTerm table only; starting-current and voltage-dip arithmetic lives on calculator pages.
Standards and project contextAustralian project context; manufacturer instructions, supply authority and project requirements govern starter selection.
Where judgement is still neededUse this table for lookup, labelling or worksheet context; do not treat it as a project-specific calculation result.
Before relying on itConfirm current standards, local authority requirements, DNSP conditions, project documents and manufacturer data before relying on a decision.

Product record basis for starting methods

Keep the product or project source, checked date and installation scope visible when using a starting method.

Motor starting methods source basis
ItemValue
SourceAUWiring motor starting-current and voltage-dip calculator field models.
Source typeProject or product record model
Derivation basisAUWiring terminology table for motor-starting records; manufacturer data and starter selection rules are not reproduced.
Last checked2026-07-13
Review intervalAnnual or when motor calculators, starting-method wording or product-record practice changes.
Review triggerCalculator field change, product-data convention change, starter terminology change or project feedback.
Version usedR22-2026-07-13
Australian applicationAustralia; motor product data, starter type, supply constraints and project requirements can override general notes.