Abstract: A starting device and starting method for a single-phase induction motor, comprising: a stator (B) having a running coil (B1) and a starting coil (B2); a running switch (S1) and a starting switch (S2) which is conducted to an open condition upon completion of the motor start. The starting device comprises: a starting circuit (10) including a control unit (11) which receives, from a current sensor (RS), signals representative of the current level being supplied to the stator (B), said control unit (11) being connected to the running and the starting switches (S1 and S2), for instructing the open and closed conditions thereof, the open condition of the starting switch (S2) being defined when the ratio (K) between the present current level (Ia) supplied to the stator (B) and the starting current level (Ip), upon the closing of the starting and the running switches (S1 and S2), reaches a predetermined value (Km).