Air Compressor VFD & Soft Starter | Global Supply — SimplyBuy
Application Solution

Air Compressor
Control Components
Original. Certified.
Shipped Globally.

Complete control BOM for screw, piston and centrifugal compressors. Schneider, Siemens, Danfoss, ABB — original stock, IEC certified, DDP to 50+ countries. Quote in 12 hours.

12hQuote Response
100+Global Brands
50+Countries DDP
624Products In Stock
Recommended Product Stack
VFD / AC Drive
Variable speed control — up to 35% energy savings for screw compressors
Schneider · Danfoss · Siemens · ABB
🔄
Soft Starter
Eliminates 6–8× inrush current — ideal for piston compressors
ABB PSE · Schneider Altistart · Siemens 3RW
🛡️
Motor Protector / MPCB
Overload & short-circuit protection, adjustable trip current
Schneider GV2ME · LRD · Siemens 3RU2
📡
Pressure Sensor
Closed-loop VFD feedback · IP65/IP67 rated
Sick · Omron E8F2 · Schneider XMLA
🔰
Safety Relay
Emergency stop & safety circuit monitoring — SIL2 rated
Schneider · Pilz · Siemens 3SK
Why It Matters

Why Your Compressor Needs a VFD or Soft Starter

6–8×
Inrush current spike with DOL direct-on-line start
35%
Energy reduction with VFD on variable-demand screw compressors
2–3×
Max startup current with soft starter vs 6–8× DOL
↓40%
Mechanical wear reduction on couplings and bearings

Running an air compressor on a direct-on-line (DOL) starter means absorbing a brutal startup surge every cycle. At 6–8× full-load current, that spike stresses motor windings, shortens bearing life, and adds unnecessary wear to belts, couplings and valves.

Switching to a VFD changes the equation. For screw compressors running under variable demand, VFD speed control cuts energy consumption by 20–35% by matching motor output to actual air requirement.

For fixed-speed applications like piston compressors, a soft starter delivers a gentler answer: controlled ramp-up that eliminates mechanical shock and reduces peak demand charges.

✗ DOL Direct Start
✓ VFD / Soft Starter
Startup Current6–8× full-load amps
Startup CurrentSoft: 2–3× FLA / VFD: smooth ramp
Mechanical WearHigh shock on every start
Mechanical WearMinimal — extends motor life
EnergyNo savings, always full-speed
EnergyUp to 35% savings (VFD)
Select Your Application

What Type of Compressor Are You Controlling?

Each compressor type has a different optimal control solution. Click to select yours.

🔩
Screw Compressor
VFD Recommended

Variable-load operation. VFD speed control delivers maximum energy savings by matching motor output to air demand in real time.

🔄
Piston / Reciprocating
Soft Starter

Fixed-speed application. Soft starter eliminates high inrush current and mechanical shock — cost-effective DOL replacement.

💨
Centrifugal Compressor
High-Power VFD

Large-scale industrial use. Precision speed control at high power ranges with built-in harmonic filtering capability.

🔧
Retrofit / DOL Upgrade
Soft Starter or VFD

Replacing direct-on-line starters? We supply retrofit kits with full wiring documentation, original brand, ready to install.

Core Components

Recommended Product Stack

Five product categories — every piece you need for a complete air compressor control system.

VFD AC Drive Schneider Altivar
01 — VFD / AC Drive
Variable Frequency Drive

Variable speed control for screw compressors. 20–35% energy reduction by matching motor output to pressure demand. Works with closed-loop pressure sensor feedback.

Schneider AltivarDanfoss FC102Siemens G120ABB ACS880
View VFD Products
Soft Starter ABB
02 — Soft Starter
Motor Soft Starter

Limits inrush current to 2–3× FLA vs 6–8× for DOL. Ideal for piston compressors and fixed-speed applications. Reduces mechanical shock, extends motor and drivetrain life.

Schneider AltistartABB PSESiemens 3RW
View Soft Starters
Motor Protection Relay
03 — Motor Protector / MPCB
Motor Protector

Thermal overload relay and MPCB for compressor motor protection. Adjustable trip current, manual or automatic reset. MPCBs combine contactor and protection in one unit.

Schneider GV2MESchneider LRDSiemens 3RU2
View Motor Protectors
Pressure Sensor
04 — Pressure Sensor
Pressure Sensor

Real-time pressure feedback to VFD for closed-loop control — the key to maximum energy efficiency in screw compressors. IP65/IP67 rated for harsh industrial environments.

SickOmron E8F2Schneider XMLA
View Pressure Sensors
Safety Relay
05 — Safety Relay
Safety Relay

Emergency stop monitoring and safety circuit control for compressor systems. SIL2 rated for industrial safety requirements. Monitors E-stop, light curtains and door switches.

SchneiderPilzSiemens 3SK
View Safety Relays
624+
Products In Stock
Browse the full air compressor control catalog — VFDs, soft starters, motor protectors, sensors, relays and more from 10+ global brands.
View All Products
★ For Traders & Resellers

How to Source Air Compressor Control Components

80% of our customers are traders and resellers. No complex forms, no registration — here's how it works.

1
Send Your Model List or BOM

Email or WhatsApp a simple list — brand, model number, quantity. No special format required. If you don't know the exact model, send your motor spec (kW, voltage, type) and we'll recommend the right product.

2
Receive Competitive Quote Within 12 Hours

We confirm availability, unit pricing, lead time and DDP shipping cost to your country — all in one quote. No hidden fees. Duties and customs clearance included in DDP price.

3
Confirm & We Ship DDP

We consolidate all items — regardless of brand — into one shipment. One invoice. One tracking number. Delivered door-to-door with all customs handled.

Key Commitments for Traders
Mix brands, one PO — Schneider + Siemens + Danfoss on a single purchase order, one invoice, one shipment.
No minimum order — 1 piece or 500 pieces, same process and same service.
DDP to your country — We handle all import duties, taxes and customs clearance.
100% original stock — All products from authorized channels, original factory packaging.
Selection Guide

VFD vs Soft Starter — Which Do You Need?

The right choice depends on your compressor type and operating profile.

FeatureVFD (Variable Frequency Drive)Soft Starter
Speed control✓ Full variable speed — 0 to 100% RPM✗ Fixed speed after startup only
Energy savingUp to 35% in variable-demand applicationsMinimal — startup phase only
Best forScrew compressors, centrifugal, variable-loadPiston compressors, fixed-speed apps
Startup currentSmooth ramp — zero inrush spikeLimited to 2–3× FLA (vs 6–8× DOL)
CostHigher upfront — strong ROI within 1–2 yearsLower upfront — simple protection
Recommended brandsSchneider Altivar · Danfoss FC102 · Siemens G120 · ABB ACS880Schneider Altistart · ABB PSE · Siemens 3RW
Not sure which is right? Send us your motor specs — kW, voltage, compressor type — and our team gives you a free recommendation within 12 hours. Request free recommendation
Original stock from 10+ global brands · IEC / CE / UL certified
SCHNEIDER
SIEMENS
DANFOSS
ABB
MITSUBISHI
OMRON
YASKAWA
CHINT
DELTA
SICK
✓ IEC 60947✓ CE Marked ✓ Original Factory Packaging✓ Anti-Counterfeit Verified ✓ UL Listed Available
★ Typical Supply Cases

How Traders Work With Us

Three common supply scenarios from our real trader customers across different markets.

Case 01
Screw Compressor OEM Export — Southeast Asia
BuyerEquipment trader, Vietnam — sourcing for a local compressor manufacturer
Requirement20× Danfoss FC102 VFD (7.5–37kW) + 20× Schneider TeSys LC1-D contactors + overload relays
ChallengeTwo different brands, tight lead time, DDP to Ho Chi Minh City
ResultMixed-brand BOM consolidated, one shipment. DDP delivered in 9 working days.
Case 02
Industrial Air Station Upgrade — Middle East
BuyerProject contractor, UAE — upgrading central air station for a manufacturing facility
Requirement8× Siemens 3RW soft starters (55–110kW) + MPCB + thermal overload relays, full BOM
ChallengeLarger-rating soft starters, DDP Dubai with customs clearance handled
ResultFull BOM from verified Siemens stock. DDP Dubai, customs handled, 12 working days.
Case 03
DOL to Soft Starter Retrofit — South America
BuyerAutomation reseller, Brazil — DOL-to-soft-starter retrofit across 6 piston compressors
Requirement6× ABB PSE Series soft starters (18.5–45kW) + wiring accessories, IEC certified
ChallengeSpecific ABB PSE ratings, IEC certification documents, DDP São Paulo
ResultOriginal ABB PSE stock, full IEC documentation, DDP São Paulo in 11 working days.

Have a similar requirement? Send us your compressor specs — we'll put together a sourcing plan within 12 hours.

Get Your Quote
Why SimplyBuy

Why Industrial Traders Choose Us

100% Original Stock

All products from authorized channels, original factory packaging, full traceability on every order.

12-Hour Quote Response

Send your BOM or model numbers — receive a competitive quote within 12 hours, every business day.

🌍

DDP Global Shipping

Duties, taxes and customs clearance included. We ship to Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, South America.

📦

Multi-Brand, Single PO

Mix Schneider, Siemens, Danfoss on one order — one invoice, one shipment, one contact.

Resource Center

Product Datasheets & Technical Documents

Download original manufacturer datasheets. All documents provided by SimplyBuy Global.

ABB
ACS510 Standard Drive — 1.1 kW to 160 kW
380–480 V · Frame sizes R1–R6 · IP21 / IP54 · Full type code reference table & dimensions
PDF · 2 pages Download
Schneider Electric
ComPacT NSX 100 / 160 / 250 — Circuit Breaker Catalog
25 kA – 200 kA at 380/415 V · TM-D & MicroLogic trip units · 3P & 4P configurations
PDF · 9 pages Download
Schneider Electric
Compact NSX Series — Accessories & Part Numbers
Motor operating mechanism · Voltage trip coil MX / MN · Rotary handle · Vigi add-on module · Auxiliary contacts
PDF · 2 pages Download
Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
1734 POINT I/O Modules — Catalog Guide
DeviceNet · EtherNet/IP · ControlNet · PROFIBUS · Digital & Analog I/O · Safety modules
PDF · 2 pages Download
Need a datasheet for a specific model not listed here? Email us — we'll send it within 24 hours.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What size VFD do I need for my compressor motor?

Select a VFD with current rating ≥ the motor's full-load amp (FLA) rating. For screw compressors with variable load, a VFD rated to 110–120% of motor FLA provides safe headroom.

Can I use a soft starter instead of a VFD for a screw compressor?

A soft starter controls the startup ramp but does not adjust speed during operation. For screw compressors under variable demand, a VFD delivers significantly better energy savings.

Do your products come with CE and IEC certification?

Yes. All products carry the original manufacturer's certification — IEC 60947 for switchgear and control gear, CE marking for European compliance.

Can you ship DDP to my country?

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is our standard offering. We cover import duties, VAT and customs clearance. We ship regularly to 40+ countries.

CONTACT US

Looking for a reliable industrial sensor manufacturer or trusted industrial sensor distributor?

SimplyBuy is your ideal choice!

We specialize in providing original and brand-new electrical control and automation products, covering renowned brands such as Schneider, Siemens, Mitsubishi, ABB, and Omron relay distributors. Whether you need a quick quote, technical support, or customized solutions, we respond within 12 hours to help your projects proceed smoothly.

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