Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for connecting a static inverter to a free-running motor, wherein the inverter is supplied with D.C. power by a regulator-controlled rectifier. An oscillator connected to both the rectifier regulator and the inverter governs the frequency of the three-phase inverter output, while voltage feedback from the inverter output to the rectifier regulator is employed to establish a proper volts/hertz output characteristic in the inverter output waveform. During the connection process, a synchronizing circuit causes the oscillator to generate a high pulse rate signal which raises the inverter output frequency to a level above that associated with the rotational speed of the free-running motor. Simultaneously, the D.C. output of the rectifier is clamped by the current regulator to current-limit the inverter output. The inverter is subsequently connected to the free-running motor and the inverter output frequency is allowed to decrease gradually.