Ametherm SL10 5R003

Learn how to limit inrush current using NTC and PTC thermistors in this presentation by Ametherm.

Many applications today, including industrial machinery, power tools and other high current equipment, use limiting inrush current as a major design consideration to combat the problematic effects of inrush current.

Inrush current occurs when a system powers on and experiences a spike in current. This current can be substantially higher than standard operating current. If not properly managed, it can reduce the effective operating life and impose damage to equipment. For example, inrush current could disable a cooling fan, eventually leading to total system failure.

Applications that are switched on and off quickly, such as welding equipment, present a particular concern for limiting inrush current. The limiting inrush current circuit must reset instantaneously during each power on to protect the system. This further complicates the management of inrush current.

Inrush current often causes problems for transformers. This video will show you how to calculate the right inrush current limiter for your transformer in 7 simple steps.

What does inrush current have to do with DC motors? This video answers that question by discussing the cause of DC motor inrush current and how to prevent the inrush of current at startup from possibly damaging the DC motor with the use of Ametherm's Inrush Current Limiters. They start by explaining how a DC motor functions, its applications and key components, how inrush current factors in, how to solve the problem of inrush current, and how to select the right inrush current limiter for your application with three easy steps.