Schneider LC1E400 Contactor

The Schneider LC1E400 contactor is a 400A high-current AC contactor belonging to the EasyPact TVS series, specifically designed for industrial applications.

Detailed Specifications:

1. Basic Parameters

Pole Number: 3 poles

Rated Operating Voltage: Power circuit ≤ 690V AC 50/60Hz

Rated Operating Current:

– 400A under AC-3 utilization category (operating temperature ≤ 55°C, operating voltage ≤ 440V AC)

– 500A under AC-1 utilization category (operating temperature ≤ 40°C, operating voltage ≤ 440V AC)

Control Coil Voltage:

– Common specifications include 220V AC 50/60Hz (e.g., LC1E400M7N) and 110V AC 50/60Hz (e.g., LC1E400F7N)

Contact Configuration: 3NO (3 normally open) main contacts; some models are equipped with 1NO + 1NC auxiliary contacts

2. Performance Features

Conventional Thermal Current (Ith): 500A for power circuit at operating temperature ≤ 40°C

Rated Making & Breaking Capacity:

– Rated making capacity (Irms): 4000A

– Rated breaking capacity: 3200A (at operating voltage ≤ 380V AC), compliant with IEC 60947 standard

Electrical Life: 600,000 operations (AC-3), 250,000 operations (AC-1)

Mechanical Life: Up to 4,000,000 operations

3. Utilization Categories

AC-3 (Most Common): For starting and stopping squirrel-cage motors

AC-1: For controlling non-inductive or slightly inductive loads (e.g., resistance heating equipment)

4. Typical Application Scenarios

– Motor control systems (power range: 220kW@415V to 280kW@690V)

– AC load control with power factor ≥ 0.95

– Industrial automation equipment

– Main switch control for lighting systems

5. Installation & Wiring

– Mounting Method: Base mounting

– Control Circuit Wiring: Bolt-fastened, compatible with 1-4mm² flexible or rigid wires

– Power Circuit Wiring: Cable with lugs or terminal connection; terminal specification: 2×30x5mm, tightening torque: 35N·m

 Selection Guide for Schneider LC1E400 Contactor

The Schneider LC1E400 is a 400A high-current AC contactor in the EasyPact TVS series, suitable for industrial motor control and high-power load scenarios. Follow these steps for correct selection:

1. Determine Basic Parameters
2. Load Type & Utilization Category

AC-3 (Most Common): For starting and stopping squirrel-cage motors

AC-1: For non-inductive or slightly inductive loads (e.g., resistance heaters)

Selection Key Point: Choose the corresponding utilization category based on actual load. The LC1E400 has a rated current of 400A (AC-3) and 500A (AC-1).

2. Rated Operating Voltage

Main Circuit Voltage: ≤ 690V AC 50/60Hz

Selection Key Point: Contactor’s rated voltage ≥ maximum system voltage (recommended: 1.2× system voltage)

3. Rated Operating Current

LC1E400 Parameters: 400A (AC-3, ≤440V, ≤55°C); 500A (AC-1, ≤440V, ≤40°C)

Selection Formula: Contactor’s rated current ≥ Calculated load current × Safety factor (1.2~1.5 for motor loads)

Calculation Example:

– Rated current of a 400V, 200kW motor ≈ 361A (I=P/(√3×U×cosφ), cosφ=0.85)

– Selected current = 361A × 1.3 ≈ 469A. Therefore, the LC1E400 (400A) is insufficient; a larger model is required.

4. Control Coil Voltage

Common Specifications:

– LC1E400M7N: 220V AC 50/60Hz

– LC1E400F7N: 110V AC 50/60Hz

– LC1E400U7N: 240V AC 50/60Hz

Selection Key Point: Must match the control circuit voltage (allow ±10% fluctuation)

1. Complete Selection Process

Step 1: Confirm Load Type & Operating Conditions

– Is it a motor load (AC-3) or resistive load (AC-1)?

– Does the ambient temperature exceed 40°C? (Affects rated current)

– Is the starting frequency high? (Affects electrical life)

Step 2: Calculate or Confirm Load Current

Motor Load: Ie = Rated power (kW) × 1000 / (√3 × Ue × cosφ × η)

(Ue: Rated voltage; cosφ: Power factor; η: Efficiency)

Resistive Load: Ie = Rated power (kW) × 1000 / Ue

Step 3: Select Contactor Specifications

1. Current Rating: Choose a rating ≥ calculated current and ≥ 400A
2. Voltage Rating: Rated voltage ≥ maximum system voltage (e.g., 500V class for 380V systems)
3. Pole Selection: 3 poles for three-phase systems (LC1E400 default); 4 poles optional for special needs (e.g., LC1E40004 series)

Step 4: Select Control Coil Parameters

– Choose coil voltage based on control circuit power supply (e.g., 220V AC, 110V AC)

– Ensure frequency matching (50Hz or 60Hz)

Step 5: Select Auxiliary Contact Configuration

Standard Configuration: 3NO main contacts

Optional Auxiliary Contacts: 1NO + 1NC (e.g., LC1E400M7N) to meet control circuit requirements

– Add LA series auxiliary contact blocks if standard configuration is insufficient

III. Key Parameter Matching Principles

1. Current Matching

Motor Load: Ie (Contactor) ≥ Ie (Motor) × (1.2~1.5)

– Direct starting: Factor = 1.5

– Star-delta starting: Factor = 0.58

– Frequent starting/stopping or heavy load: Factor = 1.5~2.0

2. Voltage Matching

– Rated insulation voltage ≥ maximum system voltage

– Control coil voltage must match the control circuit

3. Utilization Category Matching

AC-3: Suitable for motor starting, running, and stopping (typical application of LC1E400)

– Power range: 220kW@415V to 280kW@690V

AC-1: Suitable for non-inductive loads (e.g., resistance furnaces, lighting) with higher current capacity (500A)

1. Selection Example

Scenario: Select a contactor to control a 380V, 250kW three-phase asynchronous motor (direct starting, frequent starting/stopping)

Calculation Steps:

1. Calculate motor rated current:

Ie = 250,000 / (√3 × 380 × 0.85 × 0.9) ≈ 495A

(Assume cosφ=0.85, η=0.9)

2. Determine safety factor: 1.5 for frequent starting/stopping

Selected current = 495A × 1.5 ≈ 743A

3. Conclusion: The LC1E400 (400A) is insufficient; a larger model (e.g., LC1E630) is recommended.
4. Correct Selection: LC1E630M7N (630A, 220V AC coil)
5. Selection Notes
6. Environmental Factors

– Derate rated current if ambient temperature > 40°C (≈5% derating per 10°C increase)

– Consider derating for altitudes > 2000m

2. Coordination with Protection Devices

– Circuit breaker rated current ≥ Contactor rated current

– Thermal relay setting current should match the motor rated current

3. Life Considerations

– Electrical life: 600,000 operations (AC-3), 250,000 operations (AC-1)

– Mechanical life: 4,000,000 operations

– Choose a higher-rated or special-purpose contactor for frequent operation scenarios

1. Summary

The core principles for selecting the Schneider LC1E400 contactor are “Voltage Matching, Current Margin, Category Compatibility, and Coil Adaptation”. Selection process:

1. Confirm load type and utilization category
2. Calculate load current and determine safety factor
3. Select appropriate current rating (≥ calculated value)
4. Match control coil voltage
5. Select auxiliary contact configuration
6. Verify coordination with protection devices

The LC1E400 is an ideal choice for motor control with power close to 200kW. For higher power or harsh load conditions, larger models such as the LC1E630 are recommended.

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