Description
GE CR305HH004BD1H NEMA Size 6 Magnetic Contactor
Product Introduction
The GE CR305HH004BD1H is a CR305 Series NEMA Size 6 magnetic contactor designed for switching high-current three-phase electrical loads. The published configuration is rated at 540 A, with a maximum voltage rating of 600 VAC and a 480 VAC control coil. It carries a 400 HP motor rating, placing it in the class of contactors intended for large industrial motors rather than ordinary small motor starters.
The GE CR305HH004BD1H uses an electromechanical contactor architecture in which an energized control coil operates the main contacts. The contactor itself provides the switching function; overload protection, short-circuit protection, and other motor-protection functions must be provided by the associated motor-control equipment. GE documentation describes the CR305 family as suitable for AC motor control where overload protection is provided separately, as well as for resistance-heating and capacitor-circuit applications.
The GE CR305HH004BD1H is also encountered in GE turbine-plant equipment records, including applications involving large auxiliary motors. A GE/DIELEKTROL/LENTRONICS equipment record identifies CR305HH004BD1H as a 600 VAC, 480 VAC coil, 540 A, three-pole motor contactor. This makes exact coil voltage and mechanical configuration especially important during replacement. A contactor with the same current rating but a different coil voltage is not an acceptable direct substitute.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | CR305HH004BD1H |
| Manufacturer / Brand | General Electric (GE) |
| Series | CR305 |
| Product Type | Magnetic Contactor |
| NEMA Size | Size 6 |
| Poles | 3 |
| Phase | 3-phase |
| Current Rating | 540 A |
| Voltage Rating | 600 VAC |
| Control Coil Voltage | 480 VAC |
| Motor Rating | 400 HP |
| Primary Function | Motor switching |
| Contact Arrangement | 3-pole main contactor |
| Communication Protocol | None |
| Control Interface | Electromagnetic coil |
| Overload Protection | External / separately provided |
| Mounting | Industrial motor-control equipment; verify original mounting arrangement |
| Enclosure | Open contactor configuration is reported for this exact equipment application |
| Operating Accuracy | Not applicable; electromechanical switching device |
The 540 A, 600 VAC, 480 VAC coil, three-pole, and 400 HP ratings are supported by catalog and equipment records.
CR305HH004BD1H
Main Features and Engineering Considerations
1. High-Current Motor Switching
The is designed for high-power motor-control applications. Its 540 A rating and 400 HP motor rating make it appropriate for substantial industrial loads. The contactor provides the controlled connection and disconnection of the motor circuit; it should be evaluated as part of the complete starter or MCC arrangement rather than as an independent motor-protection device.
2. 480 VAC Control Coil
The 480 VAC coil is one of the most important identification points. The main circuit voltage rating and coil voltage are separate specifications. A replacement contactor can have the correct 600 VAC/540 A power rating but still be electrically incompatible if its control coil does not match the existing control circuit.
Before replacement, measure or verify the actual control voltage from the electrical drawings and inspect the original contactor nameplate.
3. External Overload Protection
A contactor is not a substitute for a motor overload relay or electronic motor-protection device. GE’s published description specifically notes that CR305 contactors can control AC motors where overload protection is provided separately.
For an existing motor starter, verify the overload relay, short-circuit protective device, control transformer, interlocks, auxiliary contacts, and contactor as one coordinated system.
4. Three-Pole Configuration
The is a three-pole, three-phase contactor. The replacement must match the required pole configuration and physical terminal arrangement.
For large motors, phase identification and conductor torque are particularly important because loose or incorrectly terminated high-current connections can create substantial heating at the contactor terminals.
5. Legacy GE Equipment Applications
The part number appears in GE industrial and turbine-plant equipment records. One documented application identifies the as the motor contactor for a water-cooling pump motor associated with GE E9000 motor-control equipment.
This type of legacy installation deserves more than a catalog-number comparison. Check the original starter lineup, overload device, coil-control circuit, auxiliary contacts, and available enclosure space before approving a replacement.
Application Scenarios
- Large three-phase industrial motor starters
- Motor control centers
- GE E9000 motor-control equipment
- Cooling-water pump motors
- Large auxiliary motors in power-generation plants
- GE turbine auxiliary systems
- High-current industrial switching applications
- Resistance-heating or capacitor-circuit switching where the complete electrical design permits it
Engineer’s Guide: Field Pitfalls
Do not confuse contactor current rating with motor protection. The switches the motor circuit; overload and short-circuit protection must be provided by the associated protective devices.
Verify the 480 VAC coil. This is a critical replacement parameter. A 120 VAC, 240 VAC, or DC-coil variant cannot be treated as interchangeable simply because the frame and current rating are similar.
Check the actual motor rating. The published configuration is rated for 400 HP. Confirm the motor’s voltage, full-load current, starting method, duty, and application before selecting a substitute.
Inspect auxiliary contacts. The main three-pole configuration does not tell the entire control-circuit story. Auxiliary contacts may be required for seal-in circuits, permissives, interlocks, run indication, or PLC/DCS feedback.
Check physical dimensions and terminal arrangement. Large NEMA Size 6 contactors occupy substantial panel space. Verify mounting holes, line/load terminal locations, conductor clearance, and bus or cable arrangement before shutdown work.
Inspect the complete starter. If this contactor is installed in a GE motor-control lineup, record the overload relay, upstream protective device, control transformer, interlocks, and auxiliary devices before removal.
Do not substitute based on current rating alone. Coil voltage, NEMA size, pole configuration, motor rating, auxiliary-contact arrangement, and physical mounting all need to match the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GE ?
It is a GE CR305 Series NEMA Size 6 three-pole magnetic contactor for high-current industrial motor-control applications.
What is the current rating?
The published specification for the exact part number is 540 A.
What is the control coil voltage?
The exact configuration uses a 480 VAC control coil.
What is the voltage rating?
The contactor is rated up to 600 VAC on the power circuit.
How many poles does it have?
It is a 3-pole, 3-phase contactor.
What motor horsepower is it rated for?
The published configuration has a 400 HP motor rating.
Does provide overload protection?
No. The contactor performs the switching function. The associated motor-control system must provide appropriate overload and short-circuit protection.
Is used in GE turbine plants?
Yes. Equipment records associate this exact GE/DIEKTROL/LENTRONICS part number with large auxiliary motor applications in GE power-generation equipment.
Procurement Note
For purchasing and maintenance records, specify:
GE — CR305 Series — NEMA Size 6 — 3-Pole Magnetic Contactor — 540 A — 600 VAC — 480 VAC Coil — 400 HP.
Before approving a replacement, verify the 480 VAC coil, 540 A rating, three-pole configuration, motor horsepower, auxiliary-contact arrangement, mounting dimensions, terminal arrangement, and associated overload/protection equipment. For a legacy GE motor-control installation, the original starter drawing and contactor nameplate should take precedence over a generic cross-reference.
