The term fixed-speed drive refers to a motor which is continuously operated at its nominal speed. Fixed speeds are realized by switching devices such as SIRIUS contactors, motors or soft starters. Besides their favorable cost-performance ratio, these devices are particularly characterized by their low power loss. This results in minimized cooling expenditures in the service room or control cabinet. Soft, star-delta or special motor starters allow for soft motor start-up, which reduces electric and mechanical peak loads by up to 60%, thereby reducing the load on the motor, the application and the energy distribution network.