The Schneider Electric TeSys F LC3F185Q7 is a pre-wired star delta starter built for three-phase induction motor control. It's a single assembly containing three contactors (KM1 star, KM2 line, KM3 delta) with the interlocking and auxiliary contacts already wired — no field assembly of the delta loop. Its headline rating is 185 A at ≤440 V AC in AC-3 duty, which translates to 160 kW at a 380/400 V supply, 185 kW at 440 V, and 90 kW at 220/230 V. The 185 A figure is the continuous current the main power poles (3 x 3 NO) can carry while switching motor loads. The rated breaking capacity is 1480 A and the rated making capacity is 1850 A, both conforming to IEC 60947-4-1 — so it can interrupt a locked-rotor fault without welding its contacts.
This starter mounts to a plate, not a DIN rail. At 525 mm wide, 235 mm deep, and 110 mm high, it's a substantial assembly that needs dedicated space in the enclosure — plan for a backplate footprint of roughly half a metre across. The power connections use M8 bolts and accept lugs or busbars up to 150 mm²; the control circuit uses screw clamp terminals accepting 1 to 4 mm² flexible or solid wire. Torque the power terminals to 18 N·m, control terminals to 1.2 N·m. Heat dissipation runs 18 to 24 W depending on load. At the maximum operating rate of 2400 cycles per hour at 55 °C, that heat adds up — factor it into your enclosure thermal calculation. The contactor withstands 5 Gn vibration when closed (2 Gn when open) and 15 Gn shock when closed — figures that cover most industrial machinery without needing additional damping. The front face carries IP2X protection with shrouds fitted, per IEC 60529.
Control circuit and auxiliary contacts
It draws 805 VA inrush at 50 Hz (970 VA at 60 Hz) at 20 °C. The coil holds in between 0.85 and 1.1 times Uc, and drops out between 0.35 and 0.55 times Uc — a wide dropout margin that reduces the chance of nuisance drop on a sagging line. Opening time is 7 to 15 ms, closing time 20 to 35 ms. Auxiliary contact complement: the KM1 star contactor carries 1 NC + 1 NO, the KM2 line contactor carries 2 NC + 1 NO, and the KM3 delta contactor carries 1 NC + 2 NO. The control circuit wiring accepts flexible cable with or without ferrules, 1 to 4 mm².
The starter complies with IEC 60947-4-1, EN 60947-1, EN 60947-4-1, IEC 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. Associated fuse protection is 315 A gG or 200 A aM at ≤440 V. No UL or CSA listing appears in the spec record — if your project requires those marks, verify before specifying.