The GC1610E5 is a 1-pole modular contactor from the TeSys GC series, rated for 16 A in AC-7A and AC-7B utilisation categories — that covers lighting, motor control, and heating loads. The 48 V AC 50 Hz coil pulls in at 0.85 to 1.1 Uc and drops out between 0.2 and 0.75 Uc, so it stays latched through typical line sags but releases cleanly on undervoltage. Breaking capacity is 40 A at 400 V per IEC 61095, meaning it can interrupt locked-rotor or inrush currents on small motors without welding the contacts.
The 16 A rating is the thermal current (Ith) at 50 Hz in the power circuit, with an average impedance of 2.5 mOhm per pole — heat dissipation runs 1.3 W at 50/60 Hz, or 0.65 W per pole. That keeps the panel temperature rise manageable in a crowded enclosure. The associated fuse recommendation is 16 A gL at ≤ 440 V, so upstream protection is straightforward. Mechanical durability is 1,000,000 cycles; electrical durability is 100,000 cycles in both AC-7A and AC-7B duty. Maximum operating rate is 300 cycles per hour at 50 °C — fine for lighting contactor or small motor switching, not for high-speed cycling like a welding controller. Screw-clamp terminals on both control and power circuits accept up to 6 mm² flexible or solid wire on the power side, and 2.5 mm² on the control side. Tightening torque is 0.8 N.m for both — a common value that matches standard electrician screwdrivers.
Compliant with IEC 61095 (household and similar electromechanical contactors) and IEC 60947-5 (control circuit devices). IP20 protection on the body (IP40 in an enclosure per VDE 0106) means it is safe for finger-probe access inside a panel but needs an enclosure for dust or splash protection.