The GC1630B5 is a 3-pole modular contactor from the Schneider Electric TeSys GC series, designed for switching motor, lighting, and heating loads in commercial and industrial control panels. Its control circuit is rated for 24 V AC at 50 Hz, with a drop-out range of 0.2 to 0.75 Uc and an operational range of 0.85 to 1.1 Uc at 50 Hz below 50 °C — meaning the coil holds reliably at nominal voltage but drops out cleanly below 18 V, preventing chatter on a sagging line. Rated for utilisation categories AC-7A and AC-7B, it handles the inrush and switching demands of motor and lighting circuits.
The electrical durability is rated at 100,000 cycles for both AC-7A and AC-7B duty, while mechanical durability reaches 1,000,000 cycles. That 10:1 ratio is typical for a contactor used in moderate cycling applications — the electrical life governs replacement intervals under load. Heat dissipation is 1.6 W at 50/60 Hz, with 0.65 W per pole. The associated fuse rating is 16 A gL at ≤ 440 V for the power circuit. This is the maximum back-up fuse size for short-circuit protection; sizing down is acceptable, but going larger risks the contactor failing to clear a fault before the fuse blows. Operating time is 10 to 25 ms for opening and 10 to 30 ms for closing. For sequencing or safety circuits, the spread means you need to account for up to 30 ms of closing delay in your timing budget.
Mounting is clip-on DIN rail, with an operating position of 30° from vertical. The screw-clamp terminals accept up to 6 mm² solid or flexible cable on the power circuit and 2.5 mm² on the control circuit — enough for standard branch wiring without needing ring lugs. Tightening torque is 0.8 N·m for both power and control terminals. That is a common value for this terminal class, so your existing screwdriver bit and torque driver will work without adjustment. IP20 protection per VDE 0106 applies to the contactor itself; IP40 is achieved when installed in an enclosure. This is standard for panel-mounted components — no special sealing needed for dry indoor locations.
Compliance documentation includes IEC 61095 and IEC 60947-5 standards, covering contactor and control-circuit device requirements. The rated insulation voltage is 500 V per both IEC 61095 and VDE 0110, which covers most 400 V and 480 V systems with margin.