ABB PSE Softstarters

• Voltage ramp and torque control provide different ways to manage starting and stopping. The appropriate settings depend on the driven load.
• Current limiting helps control starting current; sufficient accelerating torque and the permitted starting duty must also be checked.
• Built-in bypass reduces losses after starting. Electronic overload protection requires correct motor-current and trip settings.

PSE Range & Historical Versions

The reference table runs from PSE18 to PSE370 designations. ABB’s historical catalogue presents normal-start and heavy-duty selection tables separately: the permissible motor loading changes with duty. A type designation is not a universal motor-current or power rating.

ABB’s current PSE promotion describes a new generation with built-in Modbus RTU. Do not assume that every historical code on this page has that communication interface. Confirm generation, hardware details, firmware and required communication option from the unit’s full identification and manual.

Electrical, Protection & Installation Checks

Check main supply voltage and frequency separately from control supply. Match the motor nameplate current, load characteristics, acceleration/stopping time, starts per hour and ambient conditions to the applicable selection table. Confirm connection arrangement before applying any motor rating; do not transfer inside-delta ratings from another softstarter family.

ABB documents overload, underload and locked-rotor protection for applicable PSE versions. Confirm available functions and settings in the matching manual. Upstream short-circuit protection and the required coordination level remain separate selection tasks.

Use the relevant IEC/EN 60947-4-2 and regional approval data for the exact version. Check cooling clearances, enclosure conditions, mounting, control signals and required keypad or communication accessories. Do not combine IEC kW/current and UL hp/FLA limits.

Choosing a PSE Model & Requesting a Quote

Provide the complete model and ABB Order Code / Article Number, quantity and destination country. Include motor nameplate, supply and control voltage, load, starting duty, installation environment and required control/communication functions. For an existing unit, add nameplate photos and hardware/firmware information where available.

Contact us for a quote. The PSR / PSRC page explains a different functional and application range; selection must be checked independently.

Technical references: ABB historical softstarter catalogue, Rev. L and ABB current PSE overview. Historical code-specific specifications are retained for verification, without assumptions about status or replacement.