Motor Control Solutions for Industrial and Material Handling Equipment

Our name, PE®or Power Electronics® International, Inc.® is synonymous with quality, heavy-duty VFDs and motor control equipment.

Smooth-Move® 2 Models (Two-Speed Models)

Top-down view of a Smooth-Move® 2 (“L” frame size).

Two-Speed transitional A.C. soft-start models; reduced torque control.

Do you need a soft-start that works with a single-speed motor? See our Smooth-Move® 1 Models.

View Smooth-Move® 1 Models

For use with twp-speed, 3-phase A.C. inductor motors. Soft-starting and low/high speed transitioning; reduced torque control.

Available Models by Voltage (+/- to open/close)

Model (Click to view product page)Max HP (kW) @ 208-230VACMax HP (kW) @ 460VACMax Amps (FLA)Select Control Voltage and Line Frequency Options
SM4A2L1 HP (0.75 kW)2 HP (1.5 kW)4.0 A
SM5A2L1.5 HP (1.1 kW)3 HP (2.2 kW)5.0 A
SM8A2L2.5 HP (1.8 kW)5 HP (4 kW)8.0 A

Select from these models if 575V is needed.

Model (Click to view product page)Max HP (kW) @ 208-230VACMax HP (kW) @ 460VACMax HP (kW) @ 575VACMax Amps (FLA)Select Control Voltage and Line Frequency Options
SM4A2L571 HP (0.75 kW)2 HP (1.5 kW)3 HP (2.2 kW)4.0 A
SM5A2L571.5 HP (1.1 kW)3 HP (2.2 kW)3 HP (2.2 kW)5.0 A
SM8A2L572.5 HP (1.8 kW)5 HP (4 kW)5 HP (4 kW)8.0 A

About the Smooth-Move® 2 Models:

Upgrade your standard 3-phase two-speed A.C. induction motors with smooth starting, smooth reversing, smooth low-to-high speed, and smooth high-to-low speed, all with NO TIMERS! Through the control of all 3 phases for reduced mechanical and motor stress, you can practically eliminate breakage and wear on drive trains, gearing, belts, etc. The Smooth-Move® 2 offers an easy and quick upgrade for new or existing 2-speed equipment.

Two-Speed A.C. soft starts can be an electronic replacement for resistor ballasts, timers, fluid couplings, inductors and other electrical and mechanical systems used to “cushion start” 3-phase induction motors. The Smooth-Move® 2 will even smooth out the previously rough transition between speeds! The controller can be used with single or multiple motors up to the total full load amperage rating of the model (see above tables). Smooth reversing is accomplished with a reversing contactor.

The Smooth-Move 2 allows you to adjust the starting torque (ACCEL) of the motor, the transitional torque control between the two speeds (DECEL), as well as the length of the time to reach full motor torque/voltage (TIME). A unique patented system “senses” motor transitions, via the contactor coil control signals. Two-speed 2-winding motors or 2-speed consequent pole motors will operate smoothly in all transitions and speeds (see comparison graph of 2-speed motor characteristics with, and without the Smooth-Move® 2 installed).

ARC-ELIMINATION™ is an exclusive feature of the high-reliability Power Electronics soft-start controls. This feature eliminates the destructive arcing on the make & break of power contactors. With the Smooth-Move installed, the life of your contactors will be extended up to their mechanical limit, and IEC style contactors can now replace the more expensive NEMA style contactors in many applications. Additionally, the control will have very high reliability in tough applications. Only available from Power Electronics™ Intl.!

Product Features

  • Takes the “kick” out of 3-phase motor starting.
  • Phase loss protection on input.
  • ARC-ELIMINATION™ on contactor make-and-break extends contactor life up to the mechanical limit.
  • Automatic UNIVERSAL VAC selection: 208, 230, 385, 415, 440, 480, VAC in one unit (200 and 575VAC also available)
  • 110VAC Control Voltage input is standard – all other voltages available upon request
  • Unit is the size of a small contactor
  • TIME and TORQUE settings for motor softness.

Benefits

  • Easy to install and run
  • Use with reversing and non-reversing systems
  • Extend contactor life up to their mechanical limit
  • Higher reliability
  • Saves $ on machinery life and productivity

Important Notes

  • For single-speed A.C. motor soft-start control, view the Smooth-Move 1 series.
  • For soft-start applications with higher full-load-amp requirements (75HP+), view our BT Series of soft-starts.
  • Once you find the right Smooth-Move for your application, let us build you a completely customizable and turnkey control panel for your project! Call us today for a quote, or start your project here.

Meets FAR Buy American Act (BAA) USC41

Certification

  • Listed for U.S. and Canada

Product Downloads

Smooth-Move Instructions: Service and Adjustment (pdf)

FAQs

If you have a single-speed or two-speed 3-phase motor, make sure you are looking at the corresponding single-speed or two-speed control unit models. Standard Smooth-Move torque controllers can be used at nearly any 3-phase voltage (208 – 460VAC). Models ending with “57” have an extended voltage range of 208 – 575VAC. The controller can be used with single or multiple motors up to the total full load amp rating of the model. Use the product tables above to find the model that meets the FLA rating requirement of your motor(s). If your application requires higher amperage ratings than those listed here, view our BT Series of soft-starts.

If you are looking to reduce wear on your motor and connecting components due to starting “kicks”, a Smooth-Move® soft-start is a good economical option. However, as the name implies, a soft-start only helps with motor “starts”.

Also note that Smooth-Move controllers are not intended for use in hoisting applications – VFD or closed-loop motor control is required in these applications. Also, if you need to control your motor speed while running, if you need to control the deceleration of your motor, or if you need your system to be capable of more advanced programming, a VFD will likely be a better upgrade option. View our line-up of Micro-Speed products here.

Contact PE if you require any further help with selecting the correct soft-start or VFD for your application.

If you have a two-speed motor and you would like to upgrade to one of our Micro-Speed® VFDs for better speed control, you will need to hook up the PE® VFD to the motor’s high-speed windings only. In this case, be sure to size the VFD based on the high-speed winding HP/Amp rating.

If you plan on using a Smooth-Move® or BT™ soft-start unit with this motor, be sure to select a model that works with two-speed motors.