Choosing a motor soft starter isn't as simple as grabbing the cheapest module. You have to match the starter to your motor's phase, current, voltage, and physical setup. The two starters in this head-to-head sit at opposite ends of that spectrum: one is a new, single-phase module sized for a 2kW motor; the other is a used, three-phase unit rated for 147A with a 120V coil and an included contactor.
Quick Verdict
If you're working with a 2kW single-phase motor and want to keep costs down, the Single Phase Motor Soft Starter is the clear pick at $50.99. If you have a 147A three-phase motor that needs a 120V coil, the Sprecher Schuh PCXXE PCE-147-600V-120V is the heavy-duty solution at $999.99. The $949.00 spread between them reflects two entirely different applications, not a difference in quality.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | Single Phase Motor Soft Starter | Sprecher Schuh PCXXE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $50.99 | $999.99 |
| Condition | New | Used |
| Phase | Single-phase | Three-phase |
| Current rating | 147A | |
| Power rating | 2kW | |
| Coil voltage | 120V | |
| Included part | Allen Bradley 100-E80KD00 contactor |
Where Each Product Wins
- The Single Phase Motor Soft Starter wins on price, new condition, and simplicity for single-phase setups. It's an easy way to add a soft-start ramp to a small motor.
- The Sprecher Schuh PCXXE wins on current capacity, three-phase compatibility, and the included Allen Bradley contactor. It's built for industrial-scale three-phase machinery.
If your motor is single-phase and modest, the small module is all you need; if it's three-phase and draws serious current, the Sprecher Schuh is the one. The decision basically comes down to the motor's phase and current draw. Match the starter to those two numbers, and the budget follows.
Product Notes
Single Phase Motor Soft Starter
If your project centers on a single-phase motor, this starter module is a low-risk way to add soft-start behavior. It's new out of the box and costs far less than a three-phase unit. The module includes an adjustable start potentiometer, and the maximum soft-start duration is 30 seconds. For a 220V or 380V supply, you can set a lower starting voltage and let the motor accelerate smoothly instead of slamming to full speed. That kind of control helps reduce stress on the motor at startup. The limitation is scope: this module is designed for single-phase power and a 2kW class motor, so it cannot drive the three-phase, 147A loads that the Sprecher Schuh handles. If your motor is larger or runs on three phases, this starter won't be enough.
Sprecher Schuh PCXXE PCE-147-600V-120V
The Sprecher Schuh PCXXE is for engineers and technicians who need a serious three-phase motor starter. It's rated for 147A and a 120V coil, and it comes with an Allen Bradley 100-E80KD00 contactor as part of the package. The unit is used but was removed in working condition, so it's a practical option for industrial maintenance work where a three-phase starter of this size is needed. With the included contactor, you're getting a more complete starter assembly, not just a standalone module. The drawback is the price, which is far above the simple module, and the used status means you accept some uncertainty in exchange for high-current capability. For a small single-phase motor, this starter is complete overkill.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the Single Phase Motor Soft Starter when you have a small single-phase motor and want a new, straightforward start-up module that you can adjust. Choose the Sprecher Schuh PCXXE when you need a heavy-duty three-phase starter with a 120V coil and the budget for a used industrial component. The right starter is the one that matches the motor you're starting, not the one with the lower sticker price.
