GE RT12N Overload Relay 8-12A 3-Pole

Name: GE RT12N Overload Relay 8-12A 3-Pole
Brand: GE
SKU: RT12N

IEC-style Class 20 overload relay with 8–12A adjustable range and 3-pole protection for motor branch circuits.

$88.11*

✓ In Stock on Amazon.com

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 27, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The GE RT12N is a three-pole IEC-style thermal overload relay rated for 8.0 to 12.0A with a fixed Trip Class 20 characteristic. It addresses the core motor branch-circuit protection requirement: disconnecting the motor from supply when sustained overcurrent — caused by mechanical overload, locked rotor, or phase imbalance — threatens winding insulation. Class 20 timing means the relay tolerates up to approximately 20 seconds at 7.2× set current before tripping, making it suitable for loads with extended acceleration profiles. The relay mounts directly to compatible GE IEC contactors, forming a coordinated starter assembly within a standard control panel footprint of under 4 inches in height.

The RT12N is specified for use in IEC motor control applications where the motor FLA falls within the 8–12A window. Current is set via front-panel dial to match motor nameplate FLA; both auto and manual reset modes are field-selectable. The relay provides no integral ground-fault, thermistor, or electronic overcurrent functions — it is a thermal-magnetic device suited for straightforward motor protection duties. Maintenance intervals should account for thermal element drift over time; periodic verification of trip point against a calibrated current source is advisable in high-cycle applications. Facilities requiring documented trip-point certification should confirm whether third-party verification testing is required under their quality program before deployment.

Specifications

Relay Type

IEC Style Thermal Overload Relay

Trip Class

Current Range

8.0 – 12.0A

Number of Poles

Reset Type

Auto / Manual (selectable)

Body Height

3.83"

Body Width

1.77"

Body Depth

2.08"

Brand

Model

RT12N

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

The 8–12A adjustment range covers a practical span of fractional and small integral horsepower motor loads without requiring multiple relay SKUs for similar applications.
Adjustable 8–12A range covers a practical span of small-to-mid motor FLA ratings without requiring a different relay part number.
Trip Class 20 provides extended acceleration tolerance appropriate for high-inertia IEC motor applications.
Dual reset modes (Auto and Manual) provide operational flexibility across both attended control panels and remote/unattended motor installations.
IEC contactor compatibility enables direct mechanical and electrical integration without intermediate wiring adapters or mounting brackets.
Selectable auto/manual reset gives facilities engineers direct control over restart behavior post-fault.
Compact IEC form factor (3.83" × 1.77" × 2.08") integrates directly with IEC contactor assemblies, reducing panel footprint.
Trip Class 20 accommodates higher-inertia loads that require extended acceleration time, reducing nuisance trips during motor start sequences.
Three-pole design provides balanced protection across all phases of a three-phase motor circuit.
Three-pole design ensures all phases are monitored simultaneously for complete motor protection.

👎 Cons

The product description does not specify NIST-traceable calibration documentation or third-party certification (UL, CE), which may present a procurement barrier for installations requiring documented compliance.
No published NIST-traceable calibration documentation — facilities requiring certified trip-point verification will need to budget for third-party testing.
Trip class is fixed at 20; applications requiring Class 10 or Class 10A protection (pumps, fans) need a different relay model.
The 8–12A range is fixed to this model — installations requiring coverage below 8A or above 12A require a different relay variant, with no overlap adjustment across model boundaries.
Single-phase loss protection capability is not confirmed in available documentation and must be verified against the full GE datasheet before specifying for applications where phase-loss detection is a protection requirement.
Current adjustment is dial-based with no digital display; set-point verification requires a clamp meter under load conditions.
No integral ground-fault or thermistor input — supplemental protection devices required for those functions.
Physical dimensions (3.83" × 1.77" × 2.08") must be carefully verified against the target contactor block; no universal IEC mounting guarantee applies across all contactor manufacturers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the adjustable current range of the RT12N, and does it require external calibration?

The RT12N is factory-calibrated for an 8.0–12.0A adjustment range. Field setting is performed via the onboard adjustment dial; no external calibration equipment is required for initial commissioning within this range.

What is the trip class of the RT12N, and what does that mean for motor protection?

Trip class is 20, meaning the relay will trip within 20 seconds at 7.2× the set current. Class 20 is appropriate for high-inertia loads such as conveyors and compressors where longer acceleration times are expected.

What is the full adjustment range, and how is the current set?

The RT12N is adjustable from 8.0A to 12.0A via a dial on the relay body. Set the dial to match the full-load amperage (FLA) of the protected motor as specified on the motor nameplate.

What Trip Class does the RT12N operate under, and what does that mean for motor protection response time?

The RT12N operates at Trip Class 20, meaning it will trip within 20 seconds at 7.2 times the set current under cold-start conditions. Class 20 is suited to higher-inertia loads that require a longer acceleration time before the relay distinguishes a motor starting surge from a genuine overload condition.

What reset modes are available, and can the relay be configured for automatic reset in unattended installations?

The RT12N supports both Auto and Manual reset modes. Auto reset enables the relay to self-clear after a trip event without operator intervention — appropriate for remote or unattended installations where restart delay is acceptable. Manual reset requires physical actuation, which is the preferred mode where a technician must verify the cause of the trip before restart.

Does the RT12N support both manual and automatic reset?

Yes. The relay provides selectable auto-reset and manual reset modes. Manual reset requires operator intervention after a trip event — the standard choice for safety-critical applications where unattended restart is undesirable.

Which contactor families is the RT12N designed to mount to?

The RT12N is designed for direct mounting to GE IEC-style contactors. Verify mechanical compatibility with your specific contactor model before procurement; a standalone base may be required in some panel configurations.

Is the RT12N compatible with standard IEC contactor mounting, and what are the body dimensions?

Yes — the RT12N is designed for direct mounting to IEC-style contactors. Body dimensions are 3.83" height × 1.77" width × 2.08" depth, which should be cross-referenced against the contactor block dimensions prior to procurement.

Is the RT12N a 3-pole device, and does it provide single-phase loss protection?

The RT12N is a 3-pole overload relay. Single-phase loss sensitivity should be confirmed against the full product datasheet, as this capability varies by relay series and is not explicitly stated in the base product description.

Is phase-loss protection included?

The relay monitors all three poles. An imbalance severe enough to constitute phase loss will produce sufficient differential current to trigger a trip event, providing practical phase-loss protection.