Method for starting a single-phase induction motor

A method for starting an electric motor, comprising:

• driving said electric motor at least in part and/or at least at times with two electric supply conductors;
• during a start-up interval of the start-up cycle for starting said electric motor from a shut-down state to an operational state, setting the frequency (fref) of the electric current for driving said electric motor to at least one frequency (fstart), and later to the operating frequency (frun) of said electric motor;
• wherein said at least one frequency (fstart) during the start-up interval and/or during the start-up cycle is at least in part and/or at least at times higher than said operating frequency (frun);
• measuring the electric current (I) consumed by said electric motor, and
• determining the success of the start-up interval and/or the start-up cycle by checking whether a decrease in the current drawn by the motor occurs in response to the change in frequency (fref) from the frequency (fstart) to the operating frequency (frun),
• wherein a decrease in the current drawn by the motor is indicative of the success of the start-up interval and/or start-up cycle to start the electric motor from the shut-down state to the operational state, and
• wherein, when said electric current for driving said electric motor is set to said at least one frequency (fstart), said electric motor is driven at least in part and/or at least at times in a maximum tolerable current limiting mode (Imax).