Description
Product Overview
The GENERAL ELECTRIC CR324FXKP is a 3-pole solid-state overload relay designed for GE CR324 motor control equipment. It is intended for NEMA Size 3 and Size 4 applications and provides electronic overload protection for motors in the 17–35 A adjustment range.
The CR324X family uses solid-state overload sensing and provides selectable Class 10, Class 20, and Class 30 trip characteristics. This allows the overload protection to be matched to different motor starting conditions and operating requirements.
The CR324FXKP is also listed in current ABB product documentation as part of the former GE control-products product family. For legacy GE motor starters and control panels, matching the complete catalog number remains important when selecting a replacement.
Main Features
- ⚡ 600 VAC voltage rating
- 🔧 17–35 A adjustable overload range
- ⚙️ Solid-state electronic overload protection
- 🔌 3-pole configuration
- 🏭 NEMA Size 3 and Size 4 applications
- ⏱️ Class 10 / Class 20 / Class 30 trip characteristics
- 🔄 Manual / remote reset capability
- 🔁 1 NO + 1 NC auxiliary contact arrangement
- 🛠️ Panel-mounted design
- 🏗️ Designed for GE CR324 motor-control equipment
- 📋 Suitable for industrial motor protection and replacement applications
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | GENERAL ELECTRIC |
| Model | CR324FXKP |
| Product Type | Solid-State Overload Relay |
| Product Family | CR324X |
| Number of Poles | 3 |
| Overload Setting Range | 17–35 A |
| Voltage Rating | 600 VAC |
| NEMA Size | 3 / 4 |
| Trip Class | Class 10 / 20 / 30 |
| Auxiliary Contacts | 1 NO + 1 NC |
| Continuous Current Rating | 90 A / 135 A depending on NEMA size |
| Fuse Maximum | 125 A |
| Breaker Maximum | 125 A |
| Reset | Manual / Remote |
| Mounting | Panel Mount |
| Enclosure Type | NEMA 4 |
| Approx. Dimensions | 6.25 × 5.06 × 5.26 in |
| UPC | 783166577288 |
The 90 A and 135 A continuous ratings correspond to the Size 3 and Size 4 applications respectively; the same CR324FXKP catalog number is used across these two NEMA sizes.
Operating Function
The CR324FXKP monitors motor current electronically and provides overload protection when the motor draws excessive current for a sustained period.
The solid-state design avoids relying on a conventional bimetal overload element. Its selectable trip classes allow the protection response to better accommodate motors with different acceleration times.
The auxiliary contacts can be incorporated into the motor-control circuit for contactor interruption, overload indication, alarm circuits, or interlocking functions.
Trip Class Selection
Class 10
Class 10 provides a relatively fast overload response and is commonly appropriate for motors that accelerate quickly under normal load.
Class 20
Class 20 provides a longer trip characteristic and can be used where the motor requires additional starting time.
Class 30
Class 30 allows an even longer starting period and may be suitable for motors with high inertia or extended acceleration.
The correct trip class should be selected according to the motor and application rather than simply choosing the highest available class.
Installation Guide
Before replacing the overload relay, disconnect and lock out the associated electrical equipment.
- Verify the existing overload relay catalog number.
- Confirm the motor full-load current is appropriate for the 17–35 A adjustment range.
- Confirm the starter is a compatible CR324 Size 3 or Size 4 configuration.
- Record the existing wiring and auxiliary-contact connections.
- Inspect the terminals and conductors for heat damage or corrosion.
- Install the replacement overload relay securely.
- Reconnect the three motor-current paths.
- Connect the auxiliary contacts according to the original control schematic.
- Set the overload current according to the motor manufacturer’s requirements.
- Select the appropriate trip class.
- Energize the system and verify normal starting and running current.
- Check that no overload or control alarm remains active.
⚠️ The 17–35 A range is the adjustment range, not a recommended setting for every motor. The final setting must be based on the motor nameplate and the applicable installation requirements.
Application Scenarios
The CR324FXKP is suitable for maintenance and replacement work involving:
- 🏭 Industrial motor-control panels
- ⚙️ GE CR324 motor starters
- 💧 Pump systems
- 🌬️ Fans and blowers
- 📦 Conveyor systems
- 🏗️ Material-handling machinery
- 🛠️ Machine tools
- 🏢 HVAC equipment
- 🔌 Industrial electrical control panels
- 🔄 Legacy GE motor-control installations
For older installations, retaining an exact CR324FXKP spare can be useful because the physical mounting arrangement and overload characteristics need to match the existing starter.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Frequent overload trips
Check the actual motor current first. If the current is above the expected operating value, inspect the mechanical load, motor condition, supply voltage, phase balance, and driven equipment.
Trip occurs during startup
Check the motor acceleration time and selected trip class. A motor with a long acceleration period may require a different trip-class setting, but the mechanical load should also be investigated.
Overload does not reset
Confirm that the overload condition has cleared. Inspect the reset mechanism and associated control wiring.
Intermittent operation
Inspect terminals, connectors, auxiliary contacts, and control wiring. Loose connections can create heat and unstable motor-control behavior.
Repeated trips after replacement
If a replacement unit behaves the same way as the original, the overload relay may not be the root cause. Check the motor, contactor, incoming power, mechanical load, and phase balance.
Replacement Checklist
Before ordering a replacement, compare:
- Complete catalog number: CR324FXKP
- 17–35 A adjustment range
- 600 VAC rating
- 3-pole configuration
- NEMA Size 3 / Size 4 application
- Solid-state overload type
- Trip class requirements
- Auxiliary contact arrangement
- Mounting arrangement
- Existing GE CR324 starter configuration
Do not select a replacement solely because it has the same current range. Models such as CR324FXLP and CR324FXMP have different current ranges and should not be treated as direct substitutes without checking the complete system configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the CR324FXKP?
A: It is a GE CR324X series 3-pole solid-state electronic overload relay for NEMA Size 3 and Size 4 motor-control applications.
Q: What is the overload adjustment range?
A: The specified range is 17–35 A.
Q: Is it rated for 600 VAC?
A: Yes. The CR324FXKP is specified for 600 VAC applications.
Q: What trip classes does it support?
A: Class 10, Class 20, and Class 30 trip characteristics are specified.
Q: How many poles does it have?
A: It is a 3-pole overload relay.
Q: Does it include auxiliary contacts?
A: The catalog specification identifies a 1 NO + 1 NC auxiliary contact configuration.
Q: Is CR324FXKP suitable for both Size 3 and Size 4 starters?
A: Yes. GE/ABB catalog information lists the same CR324FXKP ordering code for 17–35 A applications in both NEMA Size 3 and Size 4, with different continuous current ratings for the two sizes.
Related GE CR324 Models
- CR324CXFP – Solid-state overload, 3.2–6.8 A
- CR324CXGP – Solid-state overload, 6.5–13.5 A
- CR324CXHP – Solid-state overload, 13–27 A
- CR324DXGP – Solid-state overload, 6.5–13.5 A
- CR324DXHP – Solid-state overload, 13–27 A
- CR324DXJP – Solid-state overload, 25–50 A
- CR324FXKP – Solid-state overload, 17–35 A
- CR324FXLP – Solid-state overload, 35–70 A
- CR324FXMP – Solid-state overload, 65–135 A
- CR324FXKS – MRO / replacement version for the 17–35 A range
The CR324X catalog confirms the progression of current ranges and corresponding NEMA sizes across the product family.
Product Summary
The GENERAL ELECTRIC CR324FXKP is a 3-pole solid-state overload relay for GE CR324 motor-control equipment. It provides a 17–35 A adjustment range, 600 VAC rating, Class 10/20/30 trip selection, and compatibility with NEMA Size 3 and Size 4 applications.
For replacement projects, verify the complete catalog number, starter size, motor current, trip-class requirement, auxiliary contacts, and physical mounting arrangement before installation.
Brand: GENERAL ELECTRIC
Model: CR324FXKP
Product Type: Solid-State Overload Relay
Current Range: 17–35 A
Voltage Rating: 600 VAC
Poles: 3
Application: GE CR324 Motor Control / Overload Protection
