VKS8000
Candidate with built-in bypass and advanced start/stop options; selection is based on motor FLA and starting duty, not motor kW alone.
Open technical pageProcess soft starter
Schneider ATS480 and Veikong VKS8000: process soft-starter selection
Compare ATS480 and VKS8000 by normal/heavy duty, torque control, braking, bypass, motor sensors, network, cybersecurity and generator conditions.
Short answer
What does this page recommend?
A technical alternative, not a drop-in substitute
VKS8000 can be assessed for controlled starting/stopping of normal- or heavy-duty process motors. ATS480's 17–1200 A scope, dynamic braking/DC injection, network, multi-motor or cybersecurity functions cannot be attributed to VKS8000 without official Veikong evidence.
Veikong
ProControl products to evaluate first
The exact configuration is selected after engineering review.
VKS6000
More basic soft-starter family; current, duty cycle, bypass architecture and protection scope are verified before design.
Open technical pageTechnical comparison
Similar requirement, different architecture
The table explains product architectures; it is not an exact order-code selection.
| Validation area | Schneider Altivar Soft Starter ATS480 | Veikong / ProControl candidate |
|---|---|---|
| Current and duty | ATS480 is published with 17–1200 A, 208–690 V and normal/heavy-duty selection. | VKS8000 is sized from its current/voltage table, motor FLA, starting time and starts per hour; the same ampere label is insufficient. |
| Torque and current control | ATS480 offers torque, voltage and current-limit management for starting/stopping. | VKS8000 is tuned on the load with voltage, current-limit, torque and adaptive modes; parameter names do not guarantee the same dynamic response. |
| Braking and stopping | ATS480 publishes stopping options such as dynamic braking and DC injection. | Documented VKS8000 soft-stop/pump-stop options are used; where fast or DC braking is needed, a separate starter/braking solution is designed. |
| Sensors and thermal model | ATS480 can use thermal protection and motor-sensor options such as PTC/PT100 in the project architecture. | VKS8000 temperature-input type, range, wiring and trip behaviour are verified from the exact-model manual. |
| Network and cybersecurity | ATS480 publishes Modbus plus options such as PROFINET, PROFIBUS and EtherNet/IP, along with cybersecurity features. | Only verified VKS8000 protocols are used; account management or IEC 62443-like features are not stated as equivalent when undocumented. |
| Generator and multiple motors | ATS480 can be applied with special functions in generator-tolerance and certain multi-motor/process scenarios. | For VKS8000, short-circuit power, voltage dip, starter sequencing and each motor's protection are calculated separately; cascade equivalence is not assumed. |
Suitable scenario
When is it worth evaluating?
- Crusher, mill and high-inertia conveyor starts
- Controlled-stop retrofits at pump stations
- Standalone process panels where Modbus and local HMI are sufficient
Migration gate
Before making a decision
- Export ATS480 current, voltage, normal/heavy-duty and motor-sensor codes.
- Calculate load torque, inertia, start/stop time and mains voltage dip.
- Identify use of dynamic braking, DC injection, inside-delta and multiple motors.
- Compare required network and cybersecurity conditions against VKS8000 evidence.
- Run hot/cold start, controlled-stop and protection tests on site, including generator supply.
Frequently asked
Clear answers about alternatives and migration
Is this a drop-in replacement?
No. It is not a direct substitute until exact model, electrical, protocol-role, mechanical, software and certification checks pass.
What should I provide for selection?
The exact existing code, diagram or I/O list, PLC/network data, supply, environment and special functions in use.
Are ATS480 cybersecurity features met by a VKS8000 Modbus connection?
No. A working protocol alone does not meet security targets such as user management, secure update, event logging or IEC 62443. Network risk is assessed separately.
Official manufacturer sources: Schneider Altivar Soft Starter ATS480 official page · Schneider ATS480 official catalogue · Veikong VKS8000 official product page · Veikong VKS8000 official catalogue
This content compares manufacturer-published data under the same project requirement; it does not guarantee direct substitution or project compatibility. ProControl engineering must validate exact model, revision, protocol, electrical, safety and environmental conditions.
Validate the match with an engineer
Share the exact existing code, I/O list, network and environment so we can identify the right solution without assumptions.