Its utilisation categories cover AC-3 (squirrel-cage motors: starting, stopping during running), AC-4 (plugging, inching), and AC-1 (resistive heating, lighting). The 20 A rated operational current applies across these categories, but the AC-3 rating that matters for motor duty is 12 A at ≤440 V — meaning it can handle a 5.5 kW motor on a 380–415 V supply, or 4 kW on 480 V. The coil is 48 V AC, so it pulls in cleanly on a standard 48 V control transformer. With 1 NO auxiliary contact built in, it can self-latch or signal a PLC input without an extra add-on block. Heat dissipation is 1.3 W — negligible in a crowded panel, but worth noting if you're stacking dozens on a DIN rail.
The 20 A figure is the general-purpose thermal current (Ith), which applies to resistive loads in AC-1 duty. For motor applications, always size by the AC-3 rating, not the higher Ith number. Short-time withstand current (Icw) is 115 A for 1 second on the power circuit — enough to ride through a start-up inrush or a brief fault without welding the contacts. The signalling circuit (auxiliary contact) handles 110 A for 100 ms. Flame retardance meets V1 per UL 94, plus NF F 16-101 and NF F 16-102 requirements — relevant for rail and transit applications where fire safety is specified. Dimensions are compact: 2.3 in high, 1.8 in wide, 2.2 in deep. That 57 mm depth fits standard shallow enclosures and leaves room for wiring ducts in front of the contactor.