I just want to add that while a VFD will provide a soft-start, a soft-starter does not have to be a VFD. I have seen them shown with inverse parallel SCR symbols. You wouldn't see high voltage AC across a VFD output to an open disconnect because output devices are connected to a DC bus. You would see a large % of line voltage via snubbers on thyristors used to limit motor current and voltage. I didn't chime in before because I have never worked on one or seen a detailed schematic. An AB website shows various voltage and current profiles, not frequency. It also shows separate, in-line modules for each phase with a control unit sitting atop. That points to the likelyhood of series thyristors.
Joe
