It switches motor loads in AC-3 duty up to 16 A at ≤440 V, and also carries an AC-4 rating for inching/jogging applications. The 12 V AC coil draws from a control transformer; the built-in 1 NC auxiliary contact provides a feedback path for the safety circuit or PLC input.
Sourcing reality — obsolete, but replaceable
Schneider has marked the LC2K1601J72 as obsolete. If you have this on a BOM for an existing panel, the official drop-in replacement is the LC2K1601M7 — same footprint, same reversing contactor function, same 16 A AC-3 rating, but with a 24 V AC coil instead of 12 V. For the original 12 V coil variant, the part is sourced through surplus or broker channels against an RFQ; we can quote the exact quantity you need to fill the line.
IP20 finger-safe protection means the live terminals are touch-safe from the front, but the panel enclosure still needs its own IP rating for the environment. The preassembled reversing busbar eliminates the risk of wiring errors between the two contactor halves. Operating altitude is 2000 m without derating; above that, reduce the rated current per IEC 60947-4-1 guidelines.