Overview
The QFE Soft Starter is Fairford’s ultimate range of energy optimising Soft Starters which will meet any possible requirement; its rugged engineering and outstanding overload protection is particularly suitable where you need to start a motor under heavy load.
The easy-to-use keypad and high visibility LCD multi-character display are just two of the features which make this soft Starter the ideal choice for any application and places this unit way ahead of the competition.
Features and Benefits
Automatic Set-Up
Caters for the starting and stopping ramp profile for a specific application with no further adjustment needed, pluss programming of all the relays, inputs and outputs.
Patented “Fairford System” of Energy Optimising
Improves partial load power factor (Cos Phi) saving energy, carbon emmissions from the generating source and cost on lightly loaded applications.
Manual Adjustment
Enables the Soft Starter to be rapidly tailored to any application, saving time.
Unit Records History of Last 5 Trips
Assists in determining causes of any failure, saving on investigating time.
Option of Modbus Comms and Remote Keypod
Operation Can be linked to a PLC for remote control using Modbus Comms. Using the Remote Keypod can add versatility to allow one keypod to control more, up to 8 units, saving on cost.
In The Delta Capability
Could allow a smaller unit to be used on an application, saving on cost.
Adjustable Over-Current “Shear Pin” Protection
Can significantly reduce the maintenance time in comparison to mechanical “Shear Pins”, reducing down time.
Adjustable Overload
Protects the Soft Starter against damage due to over currents and therefore replacement or repair costs.
Six Button Keypad, 2 Line 32 Character LCD Display
Saves time programming and fault-finding because it displays in English rather than short-codes.Start/Stop capability, continuous display of motor phase current and control status – starting, stopping, full volts, current limitation, overload indication and fault indication.
Smooth step-less acceleration of motors to full speed with reduction of inrush currents
Prevents or reduces breakages of belts, gears, chains, motor mountings and eliminates shock loading on equipment.
Optional Loads; Static Loads, Resistive (Heaters) and Inductive (Transformers)
Allows the unit to be used on a variety of differing applications so one unit is highly versatile and thereby saving money.
Product Options
Remote Keypod – For Fairford Soft Start Motor Controllers 
Modbus Comms – Fairford Modbus Communication Module 
Auxiliary Function Card – Two 0 – 10V Analogue OutputsOne 0 – 21V DC Input
One 4 – 20mA Input
One Thermister Input
Two Programmable Output Ralays
Two Programmable Input Relays
Technical Data
Current
9 – 1800A (4 – 1050kW @400V)
Operational Voltage
230 – 460 VAC rms (-15% +10%)
400 – 575 VAC rms (-15% +10%)
500 – 690 VAC rms (-15% +10%)
Rated Frequency
50 – 60 Hz +/-2 Hz
Start Time
1 to 255 Seconds
Stop Time
0 to 255 Seconds
Ambient Temperature
0°C to 40°C.
Above 40°C de-rate linearly by 2% FLC per °C to a maximum of 60°C
Altitude
1000m
Above 1000m de-rate by 1% FLC per 100m to a maximum of 2000m
Index Rating
QFE 9 to QFE 105:
AC53a: 5-4:99-10
AC53a: 3-35:99-10
QFE 146 to QFE 202:
AC53a: 4-6:99-10
AC53a: 3-35:99-10
QFE 242 to QFE 900:
AC53a: 4-6:60-3
AC53a: 3-35:60-3
Ingress Protection
IP20 or IP00
Design Standards
IEC 60947-4-2;EN 60947-4-2 ‘AC Semiconductor Motor Controllers and Starters’.
QFE and QFE-G bearing the UL Listing mark are UL Listed to U.S. and Canadian safety standards.
Manuals
QFE Brochure This is a brochure detailing the sales highlights of the QFE Soft Starter Range.
QFE Basic Guide This is the quick start guide for the QFE range of Soft Starters describing their basic use and operation.
QFE Full Manual This document contains detailed information on the QFE range of Soft starters.
Communications Card Brochure This is a brochure detailing the sales highlights of the Modbus Communications Card.
Keypod Brochure This is a brochure detailing the sales highlights of the Remote Keypod.
