In industrial settings where efficiency and reliability are paramount, choosing the right motor control solution can make all the difference in operational performance. While traditional motor starters provide basic functionality and frequency converters offer advanced capabilities, many operations need something in between—a solution that combines simplicity with versatility.

Phoenix Contact's CONTACTRON Speed Starters CSS series fill this critical gap, delivering intelligent motor control without the complexity of full-featured variable frequency drives. Available in multiple configurations to match specific application requirements, these versatile devices support motors ranging from 0.25 kW (CSS 0.25-1/3, part #1201132) up to 1.5 kW (CSS 1.5-3/3, part #1201650).

The Middle Ground in Motor Control Technology

For years, industrial operators faced a difficult choice: use simple motor starters with limited functionality or invest in complex frequency converters requiring extensive programming and configuration. The CONTACTRON Speed Starter elegantly solves this dilemma by offering:

• Variable speed control for motors between 0.25 kW and 1.5 kW
• Soft start and stop capabilities to reduce mechanical stress
• Reversing functionality for bidirectional operations
• Integrated safety features meeting SIL 3/PLe standards
• Flexible voltage options for both 230V AC (single-phase) and 480V AC (three-phase) installations

What truly sets these devices apart is how they combine these advanced features in an intuitive package that doesn't require specialized programming knowledge. The CSS series is available with optional integrated EMC filters, such as the CSS 0.75-3/3-EMC (part #1201829), providing additional protection against electromagnetic interference in sensitive environments.

Key Benefits That Drive Operational Excellence

Intuitive Operation Without Programming Headaches

Unlike complex frequency converters that require specialized knowledge and software, CONTACTRON Speed Starters feature a straightforward user interface with rotary switches and push buttons. This design allows technicians to configure and adjust settings directly on the device—no laptop or programming software needed.

This simplicity drastically reduces commissioning time while minimizing the potential for configuration errors. Even staff with limited technical expertise can confidently adjust motor parameters when operational needs change.

Space-Saving Design for Modern Control Cabinets

Control cabinet space comes at a premium in most industrial environments. The CONTACTRON Speed Starter addresses this challenge with its remarkably compact form factor, measuring just 35 mm in width. This space efficiency allows for:

• Higher density installation in existing control cabinets
• Smaller cabinet footprints for new installations
• Reduced overall equipment footprint

Despite its small size, the device doesn't compromise on functionality or performance, delivering powerful motor control capabilities where space constraints would otherwise force difficult tradeoffs.

Built-In Safety That Meets the Highest Standards

Safety can never be an afterthought in industrial automation. The CONTACTRON Speed Starters integrate critical safety functionality directly into their design, featuring built-in Safe Torque Off (STO) capability that achieves SIL 3/PLe safety ratings without requiring additional equipment. Every model in the CSS series, from the compact CSS 0.25-3/3 (part #1201679) to the higher-powered CSS 1.5-1/3 (part #1201511), includes this vital safety feature as standard.

This integration eliminates the need for separate safety contactors, resulting in:

• Reduced component count and wiring complexity
• Lower installation and maintenance costs
• Simplified compliance with machinery safety regulations
• Enhanced protection for both operators and equipment

Real-World Performance Improvements

The practical benefits of these advanced starters extend throughout operations:

• Extended motor life: Soft starting and stopping significantly reduces mechanical shock and wear on motors, couplings, and driven equipment.
• Energy efficiency: The ability to run motors at optimized speeds rather than constantly at full power leads to substantial energy savings—particularly important in applications like pumps and fans where power consumption scales exponentially with speed.
• Reduced maintenance: Lower mechanical stress means fewer breakdowns and extended service intervals for motors and driven equipment.
• Process optimization: Fine-tuned speed control allows for more precise operation and improved product quality in many applications.

CONTACTRON CSS Series Quick Reference

* All models include configurable motor protection, analog input, and STO function up to SIL 3/PL e

Ideal Applications Across Industries

CONTACTRON Speed Starters excel in numerous applications where basic on/off control is insufficient but full variable frequency drives would be excessive:

Material Handling Systems

For conveyor belts and transport systems, these starters provide controlled acceleration that prevents product damage while offering the speed adjustments needed to synchronize with upstream and downstream processes. The CSS 0.75-1/3 (part #1201509) is particularly well-suited for smaller conveyor applications.

Pumps and Fluid Management

In pumping applications, soft starting prevents water hammer effects while variable speed capability allows for precise flow control based on demand—all without complex programming. For larger pump systems, the CSS 1.5-3/3 (part #1201650) provides the necessary power with three-phase compatibility.

HVAC Systems

Fans and blowers benefit from the ability to optimize airflow rates while minimizing energy consumption, with the added advantage of quieter operation during speed transitions. The CSS 0.55-3/3-EMC (part #1201828) with its integrated EMC filter is ideal for sensitive HVAC control environments.

Food and Beverage Processing

Gentle acceleration and precise speed control protect delicate products and ingredients while maintaining consistency in critical processes. The CSS 0.37-1/3-EMC (part #1201600) provides the clean operation required in food-grade environments.

Additional EMC-Filtered Models

For installations requiring enhanced electromagnetic compatibility, several EMC-filtered variants are available that aren't listed in the table above:

• CSS 0.55-1/3-EMC (part #1201602) - 230V AC single-phase, 0.55 kW
• CSS 0.75-1/3-EMC (part #1201613) - 230V AC single-phase, 0.75 kW
• CSS 0.37-3/3-EMC (part #1201825) - 480V AC three-phase, 0.37 kW

EMC-Protected Variants for Sensitive Environments

In applications where electromagnetic compatibility is critical, Phoenix Contact offers EMC-filtered variants of the CONTACTRON Speed Starters. Models like the CSS 1.5-1/3-EMC (part #1201642) and CSS 1.5-3/3-EMC (part #1201696) include integrated EMC filters that reduce electromagnetic emissions, making them ideal for:

• Medical equipment installations
• Laboratory environments
• Precision manufacturing
• Installations near sensitive measuring equipment
• Applications requiring compliance with strict EMC regulations

These EMC-filtered variants maintain all the functionality of the standard models while providing an additional layer of protection against electromagnetic interference.

The Practical Choice for Modern Operations

Phoenix Contact's CONTACTRON Speed Starters represent the optimal balance between functional simplicity and operational flexibility. They deliver the essential benefits of variable speed control without the complexity and cost of full-featured drives, making them the ideal solution for countless industrial applications.

By combining ease of use, compact design, integrated safety, and process-optimizing capabilities in a single device, CONTACTRON Speed Starters help operations improve efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance overall performance without requiring specialized expertise or extensive reengineering.

Whether you're upgrading existing equipment or designing new systems, these innovative devices provide a forward-thinking motor control solution that addresses both current needs and future challenges in industrial automation. With a comprehensive range of models from the CSS 0.25-1/3 (part #1201132) to the CSS 1.5-3/3-EMC (part #1201696), Phoenix Contact ensures there's a perfect CONTACTRON Speed Starter for virtually any motor control application.