Why Choose the Lovato RF380016 Thermal Overload Relay?
The Lovato RF380016 is a three-pole thermal overload relay for three-phase motor protection, designed to protect motors against sustained overload and phase-failure conditions. As part of the Lovato RF38 series, it mounts directly onto compatible BF09–BF38 contactors to create a compact motor starter assembly.
This relay provides an adjustable operational-current range of 0.10–0.16 A, allowing its trip setting to be matched to the protected motor’s rated current. Its class 10A tripping characteristic is designed for standard motor-starting applications where normal acceleration times are relatively short.
The RF380016 is sensitive to phase failure and single-phasing, helping identify current imbalance that could overheat and damage a three-phase motor. Manual or automatic reset selection, a test button, a visible trip indicator and integrated 1NO+1NC auxiliary contacts support flexible control and fault-signalling arrangements.
Key Advantages
- Adjustable 0.10–0.16 A motor-overload protection range.
- Phase-failure and single-phase sensitivity for three-phase motor protection.
- Class 10A thermal tripping characteristic.
- Selectable manual or automatic reset operation.
- Direct mounting on compatible Lovato BF09–BF38 contactors.
- Integrated 1NO+1NC auxiliary contacts for control and trip signalling.
Key Features
- Lovato RF38 series thermal overload relay.
- Three-pole design for three-phase circuits.
- 0.10–0.16 A adjustable current setting.
- Thermal release with class 10A tripping.
- Phase-failure detection.
- Manual or automatic reset selection.
- Built-in test button and trip indicator.
- One normally open and one normally closed auxiliary contact.
- IP20 frontal protection.
Reliable Thermal Protection for Three-Phase Motors
A thermal overload relay monitors the current flowing to a motor and trips when excessive current persists long enough to create a damaging thermal condition. It is intended to protect against overload rather than short circuits, so suitable upstream short-circuit protection is also required.
When the RF380016 trips, its auxiliary contacts change state to interrupt the contactor control circuit and provide a fault signal. Its phase-failure sensitivity accelerates the response when one phase is lost, helping reduce the risk of motor overheating caused by unbalanced current.
Typical Applications
- Low-current three-phase motor starters.
- Pumps, fans and small compressors.
- Conveyors and material-handling equipment.
- Industrial machinery and automation systems.
- Motor-control centres and electrical panels.
- Direct-on-line starters using Lovato BF contactors.
