Liquid starters are starters for slip ring induction motors using an electrolyte instead of a resistance conductor. Electrolytes are liquids that conduct electricity with the help of ions. This could be a brine solution that dissociates sodium and chlorine ions, for example: NaCl(s) → Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq). Liquid starters often use sodium hydrogen carbonate solutions NaHCO3 (sodium hydroxide solution). In this design, the resistance is reduced either by dipping electrodes into the electrolyte, the electrodes are approached to each other, or the electrolyte level between the electrodes is varied by circulating the electrolyte with a pump. As the concentration continually changes due to evaporation and dissociation of the water, liquid starters require continuous maintenance and control. However, they are comparably cheap. Rumor has it that large electrical engines have already been started by dipping sheet plates into a (sea water) port basin – something that apparently did not sit well with the fish.

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