Choosing between a soft starter and a reduced-voltage autotransformer starter comes down to the starting current your motor draws. These two starters sit at opposite ends of the price spectrum, and the gap between them is a clue to how differently they are sized.
Quick verdict
The Sprecher Schuh PCXXE / PCE-147 is the pick for smaller three-phase motors. The Square D Size 5 is the choice when you need the extra starting capacity. The $3,750.01 price spread tells you how much the larger unit adds to the upfront cost.
At a glance
| Product | Price | Price level | Current / Power | Starting method | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprecher Schuh PCXXE / PCE-147 | $999.99 | 147A, 3-phase, 120V coil | Soft starter | Used | |
| Square D Size 5 | $4,750.00 | 200 HP, 250A | Autotransformer reduced voltage | Used |
Where each wins
The Sprecher Schuh wins on price and included hardware. It comes with the Allen Bradley 100-E80KD00 contactor, so you get the starter and the contactor in one package. The Square D Size 5 wins on capacity and starting method. It also uses a breaker rather than fused MCCBs. For small motor controls, the included contactor makes the Sprecher Schuh an easy package. For large motor controls, the Square D's breaker-style protection and reduced-voltage starting are the features that matter.
Product notes
Sprecher Schuh PCXXE / PCE-147
This soft starter is rated for 147A in three-phase circuits and uses a 120V coil. It ships with the Allen Bradley 100-E80KD00 contactor, so the starter and contactor come together. At $999.99, it is the lower-price entry in this head-to-head. The 147A rating is suited to motors that fit within that current draw. The limitation is the current ceiling: for motors that exceed 147A, this unit is undersized, and you would need to step up to a larger starter like the Square D Size 5. The included contactor saves you a separate purchase for a three-phase soft starter in the 147A class.
Square D Size 5
This Square D starter brings a 250A capacity and is rated at 200 HP, putting it in a different class from the Sprecher Schuh. The autotransformer provides reduced-voltage starting for larger motors. The unit is configured with a breaker rather than fused MCCBs, and it was manufactured in the United States. The drawback is the $4,750.00 price, which is the high end of this comparison. If your motor does not require 250A, that extra capacity is not working for you. This starter is aimed at installations that need 200 HP starting power.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Sprecher Schuh PCXXE / PCE-147 when your motor is on the smaller side and you want a soft starter with an included contactor, especially if the lower price aligns with your priorities. Choose the Square D Size 5 when your motor is a large unit that needs the heavier reduced-voltage starting method, and when the higher price is justified by the larger load. If you're not sure whether you need the extra capacity, the price spread is a strong reason to match the starter to the actual motor size.
