The Schneider Electric LE3D12U7 is an enclosed star-delta starter from the TeSys LE family, built for starting three-phase induction motors in the 5.5–11 kW range. It's a self-contained unit — the contactors, overload relay (ordered separately), and mechanical interlock are housed in a polycarbonate enclosure rated IP65, so it can mount directly on a machine frame or wall without a separate panel. The 240 V AC coil pulls in on the control voltage, and the push-button start/stop on the cover gives local control. Rated 12 A in AC-3 duty (IEC 60947-4-1), this starter handles motor switching up to 11 kW at 380–440 V, 50/60 Hz. The AC-3 category covers starting and stopping squirrel-cage motors — the load is the inrush during start and the running current during normal operation. At 220 V, the motor power rating drops to 5.5 kW, so match the voltage to your line.
Sourcing Reality — Obsolete, But Available
If you're designing a new panel, look at the current TeSys LE or TeSys island offerings — but for a repair or a one-for-one swap on an existing machine, the LE3D12U7 is the part you need. Condition is everything: we check that the enclosure is still sealed and the coil pulls in cleanly before it ships.
The enclosure measures 348 mm high, 186 mm wide, and 175.5 mm deep — a substantial box, not a DIN-rail module. It's designed for wall or machine mounting, with cable entries on top and bottom (ISO 20, 25, 32, and 40 knockouts). The polycarbonate housing carries an IK07 impact rating, which handles light mechanical knocks.
If your motor draws more than 12 A at full load in AC-3 duty, this starter is undersized. That's the coil voltage for the contactors inside. If your control voltage is 24 V DC or 120 V AC, this unit won't work without a transformer or relay interface. The screw-clamp terminals on both power and control circuits are standard — no special tooling needed.