The Schneider Electric LC1K1201P5 is a TeSys K series 3-pole contactor rated for 12 A in AC-3 and AC-3e utilisation categories at up to 440 V, with a 230 V 50 Hz coil and one normally closed auxiliary contact. AC-3 is the standard category for squirrel-cage motor switching — starting, stopping, and running during service — so the 12 A rating governs its motor load capacity. The AC-3e variant adds enhanced electrical endurance for the same duty. It also carries AC-1 (resistive load) and AC-4 (plugging/inching) ratings, though the electrical durability figures tell the real story: 1.3 million cycles at 12 A AC-3, 300,000 cycles at 20 A AC-1, and only 20,000 cycles at 72 A AC-4.
The 12 A AC-3 rating is the number that decides motor fit — it handles a 3 kW (4 HP) motor at 400 V three-phase, roughly. The AC-4 rating at 72 A is a make/break current for severe duty like reversing or jogging, but the 20,000-cycle endurance means that application wears the contacts fast. For resistive loads (AC-1), it carries 20 A continuously. The coil draws 30 VA inrush, 4.5 VA hold-in at 20 °C, and dissipates 1.3 W — relevant for thermal budgeting inside a crowded panel. Minimum switching is 5 mA at 17 V for signalling circuits, so it can handle low-level PLC outputs without wetting issues.
Mounts on DIN rail or plate, 45 mm wide by 58 mm high by 57 mm deep — compact enough for high-density layouts. Screw clamp terminals accept 1.5 to 4 mm² solid or 0.75 to 4 mm² flexible cable, with a tightening torque of 0.8 to 1.3 N·m. IP20 finger-safe protection per VDE 0106, so it's suited for enclosed control panels where personnel access is limited to qualified electricians. The single NC auxiliary contact is built in; additional aux blocks or pneumatic timers can stack on the front or side.