Description
Core Product Summary
The Eaton E111A12X3N is a three-pole, DC-operated, full-voltage non-reversing contactor in Eaton’s IT Electro-Mechanical control product line. It is designed to switch power to a motor in a non-reversing control arrangement. The unit uses an A-frame design with a 27 mm frame size and a 24 VDC control coil.
The contactor has a 12 A AC-3 operational current rating at 480 V AC and a 20 A AC-1 thermal current rating at 480 V AC. These ratings describe different operating duties and should not be treated as interchangeable. The device is intended for integration into motor control circuits where the control supply, load characteristics, switching duty, and enclosure arrangement match the contactor’s documented ratings.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Eaton |
| Model / catalog number | E111A12X3N |
| Product type | Full-voltage, non-reversing contactor |
| Product family | IT Electro-Mechanical |
| Contactor frame | A-frame |
| Frame size | 27 mm |
| Main contacts | 3 poles |
| Coil voltage | 24 VDC |
| AC-3 operational current | 12 A at 480 V AC |
| AC-1 thermal current | 20 A at 480 V AC |
| Construction | Open type |
| Control arrangement | DC-operated, non-reversing |
| Motor power rating | 5.5 kW at 400/415 V, three-phase, 50/60 Hz |
| Motor power rating | 7.5 hp at 460/480 V, three-phase, 50/60 Hz |
Detailed Product Overview
The Eaton E111A12X3N is an IEC-style, full-voltage non-reversing (FVNR) contactor designed for switching three-phase motor power circuits. Its electromagnetic switching mechanism is controlled by a 24 VDC coil, allowing a low-voltage control circuit to command the opening and closing of the main power contacts.
Contactor architecture and control function
The A-frame configuration integrates the contact block and coil controller into a factory-assembled unit. This differs from configurations in the same product line that use separate contact blocks and coil controllers. For panel designers, this distinction matters when identifying the correct assembly and planning the control wiring.
The non-reversing configuration is intended to switch a motor in a single direction of operation through this contactor. Applications requiring electrically controlled forward and reverse operation need a suitable reversing arrangement rather than this individual non-reversing unit.
Current ratings and motor selection
The 12 A AC-3 rating is relevant to motor-switching duty, while the 20 A AC-1 rating applies to the specified thermal-current category. Motor loads should be evaluated using the applicable utilization category and motor voltage, rather than selecting the device solely from its thermal-current figure.
The published motor-power table includes a 5.5 kW rating at 400/415 V for three-phase service. Actual selection must also account for the motor nameplate, starting conditions, switching frequency, protection devices, and operating environment.
Control circuit and installation considerations
The 24 VDC coil specification is a key integration parameter. The control supply and output circuit must be suitable for the contactor’s electronic coil-control arrangement. The associated control-input requirements and power-supply capacity should be checked when designing or replacing the control circuit.
The E111A12X3N is an open-type component intended for installation as part of an appropriate electrical control assembly. Enclosure selection, conductor sizing, overcurrent protection, grounding, and required clearances must be addressed at the panel level.

E111A12X3N

E111A12X3N
Dimensions, Mounting & Connection Notes
The E111A12X3N uses an A-frame contactor construction with a nominal frame size of 27 mm. This frame designation is not a substitute for the complete height, width, and depth measurements needed for panel-layout work.
Before installation, review the terminal arrangement, conductor requirements, mounting dimensions, and applicable electrical clearances for the specific assembly. The open-type construction should be incorporated into a suitable enclosure or control panel with appropriate protection against accidental contact and environmental exposure.
Engineering Selection Highlights
- Three-pole main contacts: Confirm that the switching arrangement matches the intended three-phase power circuit.
- 24 VDC coil: Match the control voltage and verify that the control supply can support the coil controller.
- 12 A AC-3 rating at 480 V AC: Evaluate against the motor’s operating current and applicable switching duty.
- 20 A AC-1 thermal current at 480 V AC: Use this figure only for the corresponding utilization category, not as a substitute for the AC-3 motor rating.
- 27 mm A-frame construction: Check the available panel space and mounting arrangement against the actual component dimensions.
- Integrated coil controller: Account for the factory-integrated control assembly when checking the wiring and replacement configuration.
System Compatibility & Integration Requirements
| Item / Dependency | Compatibility or Requirement | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Control supply | 24 VDC coil control | Confirm voltage and available supply capacity. |
| Power circuit | Three-pole contactor | Match the pole arrangement to the intended circuit. |
| Motor load | AC-3 rating of 12 A at 480 V AC | Check motor current, voltage, and switching duty. |
| Control architecture | Full-voltage non-reversing operation | A separate reversing arrangement is required for forward/reverse control. |
| Mounting | A-frame, 27 mm frame size | Check panel layout and mounting dimensions before installation. |
FAQ
What is the Eaton E111A12X3N?
The Eaton E111A12X3N is a three-pole, 24 VDC-controlled, full-voltage non-reversing contactor for motor control applications.
What is the coil voltage of the E111A12X3N?
The coil-control voltage is 24 VDC. The control supply must be suitable for the contactor’s integrated coil-control electronics.
What is the rated current of this contactor?
Its published AC-3 operational current rating is 12 A at 480 V AC. Its AC-1 thermal-current rating is 20 A at 480 V AC; these values apply to different utilization categories.
Can the E111A12X3N reverse a motor?
The E111A12X3N is a non-reversing contactor. Forward/reverse motor control requires a suitable reversing arrangement with the necessary electrical and mechanical interlocking.
What does the A-frame designation mean?
A-frame identifies the contactor’s frame configuration, specified as 27 mm for this model. It also identifies a design with an integrated, factory-assembled coil controller.
What should be checked before replacing an existing contactor?
Compare the complete catalog number, coil voltage, number of poles, motor utilization rating, terminal arrangement, mounting dimensions, and control-circuit requirements. Matching only the current rating is insufficient to establish suitability.
Verification & Troubleshooting Notes
- Contactor does not operate: Check the 24 VDC control supply, control wiring, and control signal before investigating the device.
- Contactor operates intermittently: Check control-voltage stability, terminal connections, and whether the control supply meets the circuit requirements.
- Motor protection trips: Compare the motor nameplate current and starting conditions with the contactor selection and protective-device settings.
- Unexpected heating: Review load current, switching duty, terminal connections, and enclosure ventilation.
- Replacement does not fit: Compare the complete model number and mounting and terminal details rather than relying on the frame designation alone.
Isolate the equipment and follow applicable electrical-safety procedures before inspecting or working on power connections. Do not bypass protective devices or interlocks to troubleshoot the circuit.




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