How to Size a Contactor for Capacitor Bank Switching: Complete Engineering Guide
Size AC-6b contactors for capacitor bank switching correctly: avoid weld failures with proven IEC 60947-4-1 sizing methods and kvar checks. Shop at Stoklink.
The Schneider Electric VPL12N is a VarPlus Logic power factor controller with 12 step output contacts for automatic power factor correction equipment. It measures voltage and current to regulate capacitor banks across a 90-550 V AC supply range, communicates over Modbus RS485, and displays readings on a backlit LCD. Automatic step detection and manual or automatic operating modes let one controller manage a twelve-stage capacitor bank.
Twelve step output contacts give finer correction resolution than the 6-step controller in the same VarPlus Logic family, so pick this version when the capacitor bank has more than six switchable stages; a 6-step controller on a larger bank would force coarser steps and raise the risk of overcompensation. Both controllers share the same 90-550 V AC measurement range, Modbus RS485 port, and automatic step-size detection, so the choice comes down to the number of physical steps in the bank, not the electrical rating.
| Range | PowerLogic |
|---|---|
| Product name | PowerLogic PFC Controller |
| Product or Component Type | Power factor controller |
| Device short name | VPL12 |
| Number of step output contacts | 12 |
|---|---|
| [Us] rated supply voltage | 90...550 V AC, <= 999 kV AC with external VT |
| Measurement current | 0…5 A |
| Measurement voltage | 90…550 V AC 50/60 Hz |
| Operating Mode | Manual or automatic |
| Number of quadrant operation for generator application | 4 |
| Device connection | Communication Modbus RS485 |
| Input function | Switch 1 x dry contact |
| Colour code | Front dark grey RAL 7016 |
| Display Type | Backlit LCD |
| Display size | 56 x 25 mm |
| Function Available | Manual programming, Automatic initialisation, Automatic detection, Advanced programming (expert), Any step sequence |
| Metering type | Power factor and displacement PF (signed, four quadrant), Total current harmonic distortion THD (I), Power factor average over lifetime, Temperature maximum, Phase current I1, I2, I3 RMS on load, Active power P, P1, P2, P3 on load, Reactive power Q, Q1, Q2, Q3 on load, Apparent power S, S1, S2, S3 on load, Voltage U21, U32, U13, V1, V2, V3 on load |
| Type of Measurement | Capacitor current overload Irms/I1, Individual voltage harmonic, Power factor, Operating time, Cos φ, Ambient temperature inside the cubicle, Tan φ |
| Information Displayed | Number of switching cycles per step, Individual step size in kVAr, Remaining step capacity in % |
| Type of alarms | Step power loss < 75 %)message and alarm contact + step blocked, Step faultymessage and alarm contact + step blocked, High current > 6 A CT)message and alarm contact, Hunting (unstable regulation)message and alarm contact + step blocked, Low current < 15 mA CT)message and alarm contact, Overcompensationmessage and alarm contact, Capacitor current overload (Irms/I1) > 130 % I1)message and alarm contact + step switched off, Over Temperature 50 °C)message and alarm contact + step switched off, Over Temperature 30 °C)fan switch, Over Voltage +/- 10 %)message and alarm contact + control stopped, Total harmonic distortion > 7 %)message and alarm contact + step switched off |
| Data recording | 5 alarms |
| Operational Hours alarm | 100000 h without maintenance |
| Operational counter alarm | 65000 cycles without maintenance |
| Input type | Phase to phase, Phase to neutral, Insensitive to CT polarity, Insensitive to phase rotation polarity, Current input CT...X/5 A and X/1 A |
| Output type | Control relay 0.2 A 110 V DC, Control relay 1 A 48 V DC, Control relay 2 A 400 V AC 50/60 Hz, Control relay 1 A 24 V DC, Control relay 5 A 250 V AC 50/60 Hz, Control relay 5 A 120 V AC 50/60 Hz, Fan 5 A 250 V AC 50/60 Hz, Fan 1 A 48 V DC, Alarm relay 5 A 250 V AC 50/60 Hz, Alarm relay 1 A 48 V DC |
| Maximum at the common terminal | 10 A |
| Settings operating mode | Automatic, Manual |
| Type of setting | Choice of stepping programs auto, Choice of stepping programs LIFO, Choice of stepping programs linear, Delay between 2 successive switch on the same step 5...1200 s, Step configuration programming auto, Step configuration programming off, Step configuration programming fixed, Target cos phi 0.7 inductive...0.7 capacitive, Target cos phi dual cos φ |
| Measurement accuracy | Voltage +/- 1 %, Current +/- 1 %, Frequency +/- 1 %, Energy (P,Q,S) +/- 2 %, Cos φ +/- 2 %, Total voltage harmonic distortion THD (U) +/- 2 %, Individual voltage harmonic +/- 3 %, Temperature +/- 3 °C |
| Time delay range | 1...6500 s on reconnection), 1...6500 s on response) |
| Provided Equipment | User Manual |
| Mounting Mode | Flush-mounted |
| Mounting support | Panel 0.04…0.1 in (1…3 mm) |
| Mounting Location | In cabinet |
| Cut-out dimensions | 138 x 138 mm |
| Height | 5.7 in (144 mm) |
| Width | 5.7 in (144 mm) |
| Depth | 2.3 in (58 mm) |
| Net Weight | 1.3 lb(US) (0.6 kg) |
| Compatibility code | VPL 12 |
| Standards | IEC 61000-6-4, UL 61010-1, EN 61010-1, IEC 61000-6-2, IEC 61326-1 |
|---|---|
| Product Certifications | EAC, NRTL, cNRTL, CE |
| IP degree of protection | Front face IP41, Rear face IP20 |
| Operating altitude | <= 6561.68 ft (2000 m) |
| Ambient Air Temperature for Operation | -4…140 °F (-20…60 °C) |
| Ambient Air Temperature for Storage | -40…185 °F (-40…85 °C) |
| Part number | VPL12N |
|---|---|
| Type designation | VPL12 |
| Brand | Schneider Electric |
| Condition | New, factory sealed |
| Source | Schneider Electric and its authorised distributors |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty |
| Lifecycle status | Active, in production |
| EAN | 3606480800115 |
| Warranty (in months) | 18 |
|---|
| Country of origin | DE |
|---|---|
| Shipping weight | 0.6 kg |
| Ships from | Türkiye |
| Dispatch | — |
| Stock | On request |
Source: manufacturer data · Last verified: 30 Oct 2026
No documents are on file for this part yet.
Ask us for the datasheetThe rated operational voltage of VPL12 is 90–550 V AC.
The tariff (HS) code on file for VPL12 is 853710.
The EAN (GTIN) of VPL12 is 3606480800115.
VPL12 ships from Türkiye. Shipping calculated at checkout · import duties and taxes paid on arrival.
Size AC-6b contactors for capacitor bank switching correctly: avoid weld failures with proven IEC 60947-4-1 sizing methods and kvar checks. Shop at Stoklink.