The Schneider Electric LC3F185FE7 is a pre-wired star delta starter from the TeSys F range, designed for motor control applications. It integrates three contactors — KM1 star, KM2 line, and KM3 delta — with the interlocking logic already wired, so it lands as a single unit ready for plate mounting rather than a pile of loose contactors and timers. Rated 185 A in AC-3 utilisation category at ≤440 V, it handles motor starts up to that current without welding the main poles. The AC-3 rating means it is tested for switching squirrel-cage motors — making and breaking stalled-rotor currents during start and running at full load during stop. That 185 A figure governs the motor size it can handle; at 380/400 V it drives a 160 kW motor, at 440 V it steps up to 185 kW. The coil is 115 V AC 50/60 Hz, with an operational range of 0.85 to 1.1 Uc for pick-up and a drop-out band of 0.35 to 0.55 Uc. Inrush power hits 805 VA at 50 Hz and 970 VA at 60 Hz, so the control transformer must be sized for that peak, not just the sealed hold.
The auxiliary contact composition is already set for the star-delta sequence: 1 NC + 1 NO on KM1, 2 NC + 1 NO on KM2, and 1 NC + 2 NO on KM3. That covers the interlocking and signalling without needing add-on blocks. The power pole contacts are 3 x 3 NO — three poles per contactor, all normally open. Mounting is plate-mount, not DIN rail, which is typical for this frame size. The footprint is 525 mm wide by 235 mm deep by 110 mm tall — plan panel space accordingly. Power connections accept lugs or ring terminals up to 150 mm², or a busbar cross-section of 25 x 3 mm, with an M8 bolt. Control wiring uses screw-clamp terminals accepting 1 to 4 mm² flexible or solid. Heat dissipation runs 18 to 24 W in continuous duty. That is low enough for most enclosed panels, but if the starter is cycling near its maximum operating rate of 2400 cycles per hour at 55 °C, the internal temperature rise needs a check against the enclosure's thermal budget.
The LC3F185FE7 carries compliance with IEC 60947-4-1, EN 60947-4-1, IEC 60947-1, EN 60947-1, and JIS C8201-4-1. Rated insulation voltage is 1000 V per IEC 60947-4-1 and 1500 V per VDE 0110 group C. The front face with shrouds achieves IP2X per IEC 60529 and VDE 0106. Protective treatment is TH for tropical environments.
Sourcing and procurement takeaway
For a BOM line calling out LC3F185FE7, the fit is confirmed by the 185 A AC-3 rating, 115 V AC coil, and the pre-wired star-delta configuration. The associated fuse recommendation is 315 A gG or 200 A aM at ≤440 V. Rated breaking capacity is 1480 A, and rated making capacity is 1850 A, both per IEC 60947-4-1. The part is specified into the design as a single order code — no separate contactor or timer selection needed.