There are a number of factors that determine a motor starter's price, including the amps the unit can handle, the type of motor the starter is for, and any special features built into the unit, like improved overload protection. Additional considerations include whether the starter is a normal or industrial model, and if will handle single or multiple motors. Outboard motor starters also tend to be more expensive.

For some applications a custom motor starter may be best. These are usually more expensive, because they require design and testing services in addition to custom manufacturing. If you'd like to learn more about motor starters pricing and costs, consider the following:

1. Buy an electric motor starter for machinery and robotics motors.
2. Purchase car and motorcycle starters without extra features and add on only the features you need.
3. Invest in industrial motor starters, which are more expensive, but can start multiple motors.
   

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Purchase electrical motor starters for machinery and robotics

Some manufacturing machinery and robotics applications use electric motor starters, often slip ring motor starters. The price of these can vary, depending on the amps required and features like motor starting circuit enclosures, reset buttons and overload relay. The cost of an electric motor starter can range from $150 for a smaller model to $1,500 for a large model with extra features. Manufacturers of the larger or more elaborate models may require you to request pricing information. You also may need to pay installation costs for some models if you have no prior electrical experience.

I recommend: Request a quote for a feature packed electric motor starter from Benshaw, or purchase from the wide selection available at Power Quality and Drives.

Save on car and motorcycle starters by purchasing a la carte

Car and motorcycle starters can be used for mechanical work or transportation focused jobs, like delivery drivers. They tend to come with extra features or as part of a package. You can often get a car motor starter with car alarms or temperature sensors, or with a remote. These features cost extra however, and may not be things you would purchase without the starter. If you're looking for a good deal, try purchasing a car or motorcycle starter without all the bells and whistles. It may be harder to find, but it'll be less expensive in the long run. Expect to pay anywhere from $150.00 to $300.00 for a package deal, or $100 to $250 for just a starter.

I recommend: Check out the wide selection available at reduced prices from SlickCar.com, or order this no-frills model from Auto Alarm Pro.com.

Ask about bulk discounts when purchasing industrial motor starter circuits

Industrial motor starters are used for large equipment and machinery, including some manufacturing techniques. Some industrial starters can start and protect multiple machines at once, allowing you to save money by using one starter for several machines. Industrial starters are usually much more expensive, however. Sometimes, discounts are available when purchasing in bulk, so consider outfitting an entire factory or manufacturing operation at once to save money. Industrial motor starters can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the amps the model can handle, special features, and how many motors it can start.

I recommend: Choose from a wide range of competitively priced industrial motor starters at Drill Spot, or EMSCO, The Motor Control Shop.

An electric motor starter is the apparatus that starts an electric motor. In addition to starting the motor, the motor starter protects the motor itself from the spike in electrical current that flows through it when the motor starts. If there is too much power, the starter will sense it and stop the flow before it damages the motor's windings. Manufacturers make slip ring motor starters to start motors with a high inertia load or those that need a very high starting torque.

Motor starters contain the following parts:

1. A contactor that controls the flow of energy;

2. An overload relay that cuts the power if it rises to a level that could overheat the motor;

3. And optional circuitry to detect the power quality supplying the motor starter circuits.

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Replace your outboard motor starters

Even if the engine manufacturer no longer makes the part, you may be able to find a motor starter to fit your marine engine on the Internet. Find your motor's model number on a plate on the mounting bracket, or in older models look for a stamp on the crankcase.

I recommend: Buy starters for many brands of marine electrical motors at Motor City Remanufacturing. Find outboard starters for many brands of American-made outboard motors at MasterTech Marine.

Find electric motor starters for small engines

Electrical motor starters are an inexpensive part to replace in your tractor, all terrain vehicle (ATV) or rough terrain vehicle (RTV). Starters for scooters and other personal mobility devices are even less expensive.

I recommend: Scootercatalog.com sells electric motors and starters for small electric vehicles including mobility scooters and ATVs. Obtain starters and starter rebuild kits from SideBySideSports.com.

Buy motor starters for industrial motors

Buy new motor starters or cost-effective refurbished units. Manufacturers rebuild and test refurbished motor starters and ensure they conform to industry standards.

I recommend: Shop a full line of electric motor starters from many manufacturers at Bay Breakers. Search by manufacturer or catalog number for motor starters at Circuit Breaker Service.

Get motor starter information online

Many people often refer to starter motors as solenoids. A solenoid is actually the part of a starter motor that closes the circuit and activates the motor. There are various ways to wire a motor starter, depending on how many phases it has and whether it is a reversing or non-reversing motor.

I recommend: View a diagram and read information on automotive starter motors at Samarins.com. Learn how to wire a motor starter at AutomationDirect, or take an online course about motor starter circuits at Siemens.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Incorrect wiring can damage a motor starter circuit. Check with a professional or your vendor, if you are unsure how to wire it.
• •  Corroded connections can damage your electrical components. Keep wires and connections clean for best results and longer-lived components.

Motor starters protect and turn on electric motors through the use of circuitry that is wired to prevent damage and overload. Motor starters are important to the transportation, sports, industrial, marine and tourist industries. Motor starters can also be equipped with features such as car alarms, remotes and temperature sensors. These motor starters are a bit more expensive than standard starters. Learn about the basic motor starter and its components with the following key terms.

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Electric, outboard and industrial motor starters

Electric motor starters are used to start cars, motorcycles and similar vehicles. Outboard motor starters operate on small boats with propulsion systems, while industrial motor starters are employed to start big machinery and large pieces of equipment.

I recommend: Samarins gives an overview of an electric motor starter and how it works. A visual and diagram are included. AbsoluteAstronomy.com defines an outboard motor and covers its general uses, history and preventive maintenance for the motor and starter. Jayde Online gives detailed information about industrial motor starters, old and new.

Slip ring motor starter

Slip ring motor starters are used to start stagnant motors that need a higher starting rotation or torque.

I recommend: Bharat Electrical Motors describes the slip ring motor starter and how they operate. L M Photonics Ltd. reviews the slip ring motor starter and discusses its benefits.

Torque and torque control starters

Torque is a twisting force. Torque or higher starting rotation in motor starters eliminates the excess heat and wear damage caused by lock rotor currents. Torque control starters control acceleration and increase the life of the motor as well as lowering the cost of maintenance.

I recommend: Diseno-art.com explains torque. The Engineering ToolBox describes some standard torques used to classify electric motors such as starting torque, pull up torque, break down, full load and accelerating torque.

Contactor

A contactor simply starts or stops the flow of energy in a motor starter. The contactor controls the energy current.

I recommend: GlobalSpec describes contactors and how they work with motor starters.

Overload relays

An overload relay is an electrical switch or sensor in a motor starter that sends a signal for the contactor to open when the flow of current is too high. Overload relays basically protect a motor starter from overheating due to excessive current outflow.

I recommend: Electronics Manufacturers gives a basic overview of overload relays. EC&M gives tips on selecting the correct overload relay for the right motor starter.

Solenoid

A solenoid is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical movement. A solenoid is often thought to be a motor starter but it is actually the part of the starter that closes the circuit and activates the motor.

I recommend: wiseGEEK defines a solenoid and explains its use and function. Prestolite Electric discusses the motor starting system and the role of the solenoid. Defective solenoids and diagnostic tests for a faulty solenoid are covered.

Electric motor starters turn on electric motors using two separate parts, a contactor and an overload. Some newer motor starters may incorporate circuitry to detect power quality problems. The two main functions of a motor starter are switching the electrical connection that powers the motor and shutting a motor off to prevent damage in the event of a problem. Electric motor starters can sense a high surge of power and stop the outflow before the motor and parts are impaired.

Slip ring motor starters are also important. They are used to start stagnant motors that need a higher starting rotation or torque. Motor starters applications and uses are simple but can affect many types of operations. Consider the different uses of electrical motor starters.

1. An electric motor starter for cars and motorcycles is important for vocations involving transportation and sports.

2. Industrial motor starter circuits are vital for big machinery and jobs where using huge pieces of equipment are necessary.

3. Outboard motor starters are used for smaller boats with a propulsion system. The Coast Guard uses propulsion system boats as do those in the tourist industry.

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Find reliable electric motor starters for your car, truck or motorcycle

Vehicles used frequently in the transportation or sports industries need dependable and high caliber motor starters. Ask your distributor to recommend a longstanding quality starter for your business.

I recommend: Take a look at Allprouducts.com. They have an extremely large selection of motorcycle and automobile starters. Global Sources has an expansive, worldwide selection of electric motor starters. They also have smaller starters for ATVs, fans and heaters.

Locate cost effective and dependable industrial motor starting circuits

Industrial motor starters can be expensive due to the fact that they service heavy duty machinery. Search for starters that can do the job and remain profitable for your business.

I recommend: Visit GE Consumer & Electrical Distribution. They offer extra severe duty motor starter circuits as well as other industrial and motor supplies. Industrial Controls has replacement starters with many being sold at 50% below OEM prices. They have been in business since 1987.

Search for quality outboard motor starters that are reputable and safe

It is important to obtain a quality outboard motor for your business. Accidents can occur on the water and you want a starter that is reliable with a reputation for being durable. An outboard motor starter can be expensive so compare prices carefully without compromising quality.

I recommend: Check out Motorcityreman.com. They provide outboard motor starters by brand and offer free UPS ground shipping on large orders in the U.S. Don't forget to retrieve your OE numbers from your old unit to ensure a correct replacement. Iboats has an impressive website. You not only find motor starters, but motor starter information and service tips. They also offer access to discussion forums, classifieds and sale prices.