Soft starters take the slam out of motor startup by ramping voltage instead of hitting the line with full torque. That makes them a key piece in many soft starters motor controls, especially when you're protecting conveyors, pumps, or compressors from the mechanical shock of a direct-on-line start. The decision gets tricky when one unit is built for a 147-amp three-phase motor and the other for a 9-amp load on a 480V line. Before you pick, you also need to know whether your panel supplies a 120V coil signal or a 480V power feed, because those two units are not interchangeable.
Quick verdict
If your motor draws 147 amps and your control circuit runs on 120V, the Sprecher Schuh PCE-147 is the clear match. If you need a softer start for a lighter 9-amp motor on 480V, the Stellar SR22-09 gets the job done at a much lower price. The choice really comes down to how much current your motor needs and what control voltage your panel provides.
Comparison table
| Feature | Sprecher Schuh PCE-147 | Stellar SR22-09 |
| Price | USD 999.99 | USD 94.99 |
| Current rating | 147A | 9 FLA |
| Voltage / control | Three-phase, 120V coil | 480V AC input, 50/60Hz |
| Condition | Used | Used |
The two soft starters sit at opposite ends of the price and performance range, so the right pick depends less on brand and more on your motor's specific electrical needs.
Where each product wins
- Sprecher Schuh PCE-147 wins on current capacity. Its 147A rating is in a different class from the Stellar's 9A, so it's the only one here that can handle a large three-phase motor.
- Stellar SR22-09 wins on price for lighter loads. It's the lower-priced route to a 480V soft starter for a 9-amp motor.
Product notes
Sprecher Schuh PCXXE, PCE-147-600V-120V Motor Soft Starter
This used starter from Sprecher & Schuh is built around a 147A three-phase rating and a 120V coil. In plain terms, it's meant for a substantial motor where a smaller starter would be undersized. The listing also includes an Allen Bradley 100-E80KD00 contactor, so you get the soft starter plus a contactor in one purchase. The tradeoff is the higher price tag, and you'll need a 120V control circuit to fire the coil. If your panel already has that coil voltage, this unit becomes a practical choice for a big motor. Before wiring it in, match the 147A rating to your motor's full-load current to avoid undersizing or overbuying.
Stellar SR22-09 Soft Starter
This Stellar SR22-09 targets a 9-amp load with 480V AC input and 50/60Hz support. That makes it a straightforward fit for a small three-phase motor on a standard 480V line. It's also the less expensive unit here, with an upfront cost that won't make you wince. The catch is capacity. At 9 FLA, it cannot drive the same class of motor as the 147A Sprecher Schuh, so you need to know your motor's full-load amps before choosing it. If your motor draws more than 9A, this unit is not the one. On the plus side, its lower price leaves room in the budget for the rest of your motor control setup.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Sprecher Schuh PCE-147 when you're working with a large three-phase motor that needs 147A of starting capacity and you have a 120V coil control circuit. Choose the Stellar SR22-09 when your motor is a lighter 9-amp load on 480V and you want the lower-priced solution. Let the motor's full-load current and your control voltage lead the decision; the price gap simply reflects the two units sitting at different ends of the soft starter range. If your motor's current rating sits between 9A and 147A, neither product is the right match, so you'd need to look at other soft starters.
