Patent ID: 8598836

Claim:
A star-delta multi-level starter for an AC induction motor, said induction motor having phase motor windings having beginning taps and ending saps, wherein said starter comprising: a. a three-phase electric power circuit comprising: i. input terminals for connecting to an AC power source; ii. output terminals for connecting to said beginning taps of said motor windings and for connecting to said ending taps of said motor windings, for providing a motor system, iii. a plurality of three-phase contactors comprising power contacts, a coil and a signal contact, said contactors each having an opened position and a closed position; iv. a three-phase power limiting device adapted to change the power supplied to said windings of said induction motor; b. a control circuit, adapted to control said positions of said contactors, monitor parameters of said motor, and change positions of said contactors in accordance with said parameters of said motor; wherein said multi-level starter allows for multiple levels of motor power consumption, by controlling said positions of said contactors by means of said control circuit.