Abstract: A reference value transmitter for a phase clipping or cutting control for starting a squirrel cage-asynchronous motor, comprising a start-up regulator for the upward regulation of a reference value transmitter- output voltage from a start-up voltage value which is constant during a primary start-up phase to a rated voltage value with a predetermined build-up speed during a terminal start-up phase. The start-up regulator is constructed for triggering the terminal start-up phase by means of a command signal and for the start-up regulator there is provided a command transmitter which contains a current measuring device for the motor current and a threshold value or limit indicator connected with the current measuring device for generating the command signal.