Schneider LC1F400 400 A Power Contactor

The Schneider LC1F400 is a high‑capacity power contactor from the TeSys F series, designed for switching heavy loads such as motors, capacitors, and resistive heating elements. With a rated current of 400 A, this contactor is suitable for industrial applications requiring robust and reliable power management under frequent operation.

Main Contact Ratings

Rated thermal current (Ith): 400 A at 40°C. Rated operational voltage (Ue): up to 1000 V AC. Utilisation category: AC‑1 (resistive), AC‑3 (motor starting), AC‑4 (plugging/inching). Breaking capacity: 1000 A for AC‑3 at 400 V. It can handle motor power up to 200 kW (at 400 V).

Coil Specifications

Available coil voltages: 24 VDC, 110 VAC, 220‑240 VAC, 380‑415 VAC. Power consumption: 60 VA inrush, 6 VA holding (AC), or 30 W (DC). Coil is protected against transients with a built‑in varistor (DC) or RC snubber (AC).

Auxiliary Contacts

The contactor comes with 1 normally open (NO) and 1 normally closed (NC) auxiliary contacts (configurable). Additional auxiliary blocks can be added for up to 8 contacts. All contacts are rated 10 A at 250 VAC.

Mechanical and Electrical Life

Mechanical life: 5 million operations. Electrical life: 1 million operations (AC‑3). The contactor uses silver‑cadmium oxide contacts for high resistance to arc erosion.

Environmental and Mechanical Data

Operating temperature: ‑5 to +60°C, storage: ‑40 to +80°C. Enclosure: IP20 (open), with optional dust cover. Dimensions: 180 mm × 220 mm × 150 mm (H×W×D), weight 5.2 kg. Mounting on DIN rail or plate via screws.

Integration with PLC

The coil can be directly driven by a PLC transistor output (with a suitable interface relay) or by a PLC relay output. The auxiliary contacts can be wired to PLC digital inputs for status feedback.

Protection and Safety

Built‑in magnet system ensures fast closing and opening to reduce arcing. Optional surge suppressors and mechanical interlocking for reversing applications are available.

Applications

Used in motor control centres, compressors, pumps, conveyors, and HVAC systems where large currents must be switched reliably.

Installation and Wiring

Use copper cables with appropriate cross‑section (≥ 240 mm²). Tighten terminals to specified torque (35 Nm). Ensure proper isolation clearance.

Maintenance

Inspect contacts periodically; replace if pitted or worn. Do not lubricate.

Certifications

CE, UL, CSA, and CCC approved. Complies with IEC 60947‑4‑1.

In summary, the Schneider LC1F400 contactor offers high switching capacity and long life, making it a dependable component for PLC‑controlled power circuits.