[Bassdeer]

Originally Posted by jrref

A soft start device is mainly used to limit the compressors starting current surge when you have a generator or other backup power device. Other than that, there is no "real" benefit except to lighten the load when your compressor starts up which may extend it's life. I've also seen these soft start devices go bad causing the compressor to not start.

A hard start device is usually used when your compressor is on "its way out" to give it a little more life.

jrref is spot on.