Schneider Electric TeSys Deca LRD thermal overload relays are commonly fitted directly beneath LC1D contactors to provide motor overload protection.
Choosing the correct overload is not simply a case of matching the contactor size. The most important figure is the motor full-load current, because the overload relay must have an adjustable current range that includes the motor's actual rated current.
This guide explains which Schneider LRD overload relays are commonly used with LC1D contactors, including the important difference between standard LC1D09–LC1D38 contactors and the larger LC1D40A, LC1D50A and LC1D65A EverLink contactors.
For standard Schneider LC1D09 to LC1D38 contactors, the following TeSys Deca LRD overload ranges are commonly used.
| Schneider Overload | Adjustable Current Range |
|---|---|
| LRD01 | 0.10–0.16A |
| LRD02 | 0.16–0.25A |
| LRD03 | 0.25–0.40A |
| LRD04 | 0.40–0.63A |
| LRD05 | 0.63–1A |
| LRD06 | 1–1.6A |
| LRD07 | 1.6–2.5A |
| LRD08 | 2.5–4A |
| LRD10 | 4–6A |
| LRD12 | 5.5–8A |
| LRD14 | 7–10A |
| LRD16 | 9–13A |
| LRD21 | 12–18A |
| LRD22 | 16–24A |
| LRD32 | 23–32A |
| LRD35 | 30–38A |
Schneider's standard LRD01–LRD35 overload family is designed for use with the smaller TeSys Deca LC1D contactor frames.
The exact LRD required is selected primarily from the motor full-load current, not from the LC1D number alone.
For example:
Motor current 5A → LRD10, adjustable 4–6A
Motor current 7A → LRD12, adjustable 5.5–8A
Motor current 9A → LRD14, adjustable 7–10A
Motor current 11A → LRD16, adjustable 9–13A
Motor current 15A → LRD21, adjustable 12–18A
Motor current 20A → LRD22, adjustable 16–24A
Motor current 28A → LRD32, adjustable 23–32A
Motor current 35A → LRD35, adjustable 30–38A
The overload setting should then be adjusted according to the motor manufacturer's rated full-load current and the requirements of the installation.
The table below provides a useful compatibility guide for commonly encountered Schneider TeSys Deca combinations.
| LC1D Contactor | Common Compatible LRD Ranges |
|---|---|
| LC1D09 | LRD01–LRD14, subject to motor current |
| LC1D12 | LRD01–LRD16, subject to motor current |
| LC1D18 | LRD01–LRD21, subject to motor current |
| LC1D25 | LRD01–LRD22, subject to motor current |
| LC1D32 | LRD01–LRD32, subject to motor current |
| LC1D38 | LRD01–LRD35, subject to motor current |
This is a practical selection guide rather than a substitute for Schneider coordination tables. The final selection should always be based on the motor full-load current, contactor rating and required starter coordination.
This is where Schneider compatibility becomes especially important.
The current LC1D40A, LC1D50A and LC1D65A contactors use Schneider's EverLink terminal system.
These contactors require compatible EverLink LRD overload relays for direct mounting.
Common combinations include:
| Overload Relay | Adjustable Range | Compatible Contactor Frame |
|---|---|---|
| LRD313 | 9–13A | LC1D40A–LC1D65A |
| LRD318 | 12–18A | LC1D40A–LC1D65A |
| LRD325 | 17–25A | LC1D40A–LC1D65A |
| LRD332 | 23–32A | LC1D40A–LC1D65A |
| LRD340 | 30–40A | LC1D40A–LC1D65A |
| LRD350 | 37–50A | LC1D40A–LC1D65A |
| LRD365 | 48–65A | LC1D50A and LC1D65A |
This is important because older or standard LRD overloads may have a suitable current range but will not necessarily physically connect to an EverLink contactor.
Schneider's EverLink connection system is used on selected larger TeSys Deca contactors and overload relays.
It is designed to maintain reliable conductor clamping over time and reduce the risk of connection loosening.
For direct mounting, the contactor and overload relay need compatible EverLink terminals.
This is why an LC1D50A should normally be paired with an appropriate LRD3-series EverLink overload, rather than simply selecting an older LRD relay based on amperage alone.
A common problem occurs when an overload has the correct current range but the wrong terminal arrangement.
Schneider confirms that LC1D40A, LC1D50A and LC1D65A EverLink contactors require compatible EverLink overload relays for direct mounting.
If the overload and contactor use different connection systems, they may not physically mate correctly.
When replacing either device, always check:
Exact contactor part number
Whether the contactor uses EverLink
Exact overload part number
Motor full-load current
Physical mounting arrangement
Use the motor nameplate as your starting point.
You need the motor's:
Full-load current
Voltage
Power in kW
Duty/application
Starting arrangement
The overload relay should have an adjustable range that includes the motor's rated full-load current.
Motor full-load current:
7A
Suitable overload range:
5.5–8A
Typical Schneider selection:
LRD12
The overload would then be adjusted to the appropriate motor current according to the motor and installation requirements.
Motor current:
11A
Suitable Schneider overload:
LRD16
Adjustment range:
9–13A
Motor current:
17A
Possible overload:
LRD21
Adjustment range:
12–18A
Motor current:
25A
Typical range:
LRD32
Adjustment range:
23–32A
The exact contactor used must also be suitable for the motor and operating duty.
Use the motor full-load current as the primary figure for selecting the overload relay.
Motor kW is useful when initially choosing a contactor, but motors with the same kW rating can have different full-load currents depending on voltage, efficiency, design and operating conditions.
For overload selection, the current shown on the motor nameplate is therefore normally more important than the kW figure alone.
No.
An LC1D contactor has a switching/current rating.
An LRD overload relay has an adjustable motor protection range.
For example:
An LC1D18 contactor may be used with an LRD21 overload where the motor current falls within the LRD21's 12–18A adjustment range.
You should not simply try to match:
LC1D18 → LRD18
because Schneider overload part numbers do not work that way.
There is no simple one-number-to-one-number matching system.
Several overloads can physically be suitable with an LC1D18.
The correct one depends on the motor current.
Examples include:
5A motor → LRD10
7A motor → LRD12
9A motor → LRD14
11A motor → LRD16
15A motor → LRD21
The LC1D18 tells you the contactor frame and switching capability. The motor current determines which overload setting range you need.
Again, the motor current determines the exact overload.
Examples could include:
13A motor → LRD16 or appropriate overlapping range
16A motor → LRD21
20A motor → LRD22
24A motor → LRD22
Always ensure the motor current sits correctly within the adjustment range.
Typical possibilities include:
LRD21 – 12–18A
LRD22 – 16–24A
LRD32 – 23–32A
The correct selection depends on the motor nameplate current.
The LC1D38 can be paired with suitable standard LRD overloads up to the LRD35 30–38A range, depending on the motor current.
Typical higher-current choices include:
LRD22 – 16–24A
LRD32 – 23–32A
LRD35 – 30–38A
You should not select combinations purely because they can physically connect.
The contactor itself must be adequately rated for the motor current and duty.
If the motor requires an overload set near 35A, an LC1D18 would generally not have sufficient motor-control capacity for that application.
The contactor and overload must therefore be selected together as a coordinated motor starter.
Standard Schneider TeSys Deca LRD thermal overload relays are commonly Class 10A devices.
The trip class relates to how quickly the overload relay responds to sustained overcurrent during motor starting and overload conditions.
For most standard motor applications, Class 10/10A is widely used.
Applications with unusually long starting times or heavy starting conditions may require a different protection approach.
No.
A thermal overload relay is designed primarily to protect a motor against overload and phase-related conditions within its designed functionality.
It is not a replacement for suitable short-circuit protection.
A complete motor starter may therefore include:
Contactor
Thermal overload relay
Circuit breaker or fuses
Motor protection device
Control circuit protection
The exact arrangement depends on the installation and required coordination.
Often, but compatibility must be checked carefully.
Schneider has changed the TeSys D mechanical design over time.
For example, Schneider states that older pre-2001 overloads for the 9A–38A contactors do not directly fit the redesigned TeSys D contactors and should be replaced with the appropriate modern LRD range.
For the 40A–65A range, a further redesign introduced the LC1D40A, LC1D50A and LC1D65A EverLink versions, which require the corresponding compatible overload arrangement.
If you are replacing an old Schneider or Telemecanique starter, it is usually best to identify both the contactor and overload relay rather than replacing one component in isolation.
Yes.
If you send us:
Motor kW
Motor voltage
Motor full-load current
Required coil voltage
Existing contactor part number
Existing overload relay part number
Photograph of the existing starter if replacing equipment
Western Automation can help identify the correct:
Schneider LC1D contactor
Schneider LRD overload relay
Coil voltage
Auxiliary contacts
Motor protection components
Compatible accessories
For help choosing the contactor itself, see our Schneider LC1D Contactor Selection Guide - Which LC1D Do I Need?
For help identifying the correct coil, see our Schneider LC1D Coil Codes Explained Guide
Oct 02 2026 | Guides and How-to