Which statement about reduced voltage starters is true?

Which statement about reduced voltage starters is true?

• A. They do not reduce starting current.
• B. They use only DC motors.
• C. They provide no benefit in reducing inrush current.
• D. They help reduce starting current compared to across-the-line starting.

Answer: (D)

Reduced voltage starters limit the voltage applied to a motor during startup, which in turn lowers the current the motor draws and reduces inrush. Because motor current in the starting transient is largely driven by the applied voltage, supplying less voltage means less starting current and smoother acceleration. That’s why the statement about reduced voltage starters helping to reduce starting current compared with across-the-line starting is correct. These starters—whether using autotransformers, resistors, or soft-start electronics—are designed to limit electrical stress on the supply and on the motor during start, which is especially helpful in HVAC where voltage dips and peak demand matter. The other ideas don’t fit: reduced voltage starters are used with AC motors, not exclusively DC motors; they do provide a benefit in reducing inrush current; and they do lower starting current compared to applying full voltage.

Reduced voltage starters limit the voltage applied to a motor during startup, which in turn lowers the current the motor draws and reduces inrush. Because motor current in the starting transient is largely driven by the applied voltage, supplying less voltage means less starting current and smoother acceleration.

That’s why the statement about reduced voltage starters helping to reduce starting current compared with across-the-line starting is correct. These starters—whether using autotransformers, resistors, or soft-start electronics—are designed to limit electrical stress on the supply and on the motor during start, which is especially helpful in HVAC where voltage dips and peak demand matter.

The other ideas don’t fit: reduced voltage starters are used with AC motors, not exclusively DC motors; they do provide a benefit in reducing inrush current; and they do lower starting current compared to applying full voltage.