The Schneider LC3D180AE7 is a TeSys D star delta starter, pre-wired with three power poles (3 x 3P, all NO) rated for 18 A in AC-3 motor duty. The 48 V AC coil matches control circuits common in older panel designs or where a separate control transformer steps down to 48 V. It is built for motor starting applications where reduced inrush current is needed — star-delta transition limits the start surge to about one-third of direct-on-line, which is easier on the supply and the driven load.
If you need a current-production star delta starter in the TeSys D family, the closest functional match would be a newer frame with similar pole configuration and coil voltage — but pin-to-pin compatibility is not guaranteed without checking the physical layout and wiring diagram.
The 18 A AC-3 rating is the motor-switching current — it handles a 3-phase induction motor up to roughly 7.5 kW at 400 V (standard rule of thumb: 18 A AC-3 ≈ 7.5 kW). The 48 V AC coil means the control voltage is lower than the common 110/230 V AC, so verify your control transformer taps or PLC relay outputs before wiring. Fire resistance to 850 °C (IEC 60695-2-1) and V-0 flame retardance (UL 94) mean the housing will not propagate a flame in a fault condition — important for panel builders who need to pass a cabinet-level fire test.
Deployment context
As a pre-wired star delta starter, it mounts directly on DIN rail or a backplate inside a motor control centre. The 3 x 3P configuration means it has three normally-open power poles per phase — nine poles total — which handle the star and delta contactor duties plus the line contactor in a single package. Storage temperature range of -60 to 80 °C covers extreme shipping and warehouse conditions.