Product Overview
Allen-Bradley N16 Type N Heater for Motor Overload Relays
Thermal overload heater elements are precision-calibrated components used in Allen-Bradley overload relays and motor starters to protect motors from sustained overcurrent. Each heater converts motor line current into heat, producing inverse-time protection rather than instant interruption. Proper heater selection is based on motor nameplate current and relay design, not horsepower alone, and applies across single-phase / three-phase AC motor systems.
Product Condition
Unused, New Old Stock.
Product Overview
The Allen-Bradley N16 is a Type N thermal overload heater element from the legacy N-Series. It is designed for use in compatible Allen-Bradley overload relays and magnetic motor starters that accept screw-in Type N heaters. The N16 provides inverse-time overload protection by heating the relay’s internal bimetal or eutectic mechanism until a calibrated trip point is reached.
Key Features
- Allen-Bradley Type N thermal overload heater element
- Intended for compatible Allen-Bradley overload relays and motor starters
- Provides inverse-time motor overload protection, typically Class 20
- Heater selection value corresponds to approximately 2.16 A motor full-load current
- Each N-number is electrically calibrated and not interchangeable
- Similar physical form factor across Type N heaters with different trip characteristics
- Designed for legacy NEMA motor control equipment
Applications
- Motor overload protection in magnetic motor starters
- General-purpose AC motor control circuits
- Small single-phase and three-phase induction motors
- Maintenance of legacy Allen-Bradley NEMA starters
- Industrial control panel service and refurbishment
- Replacement of original Type N heater elements
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the N16 heater number represent?
The N16 designation identifies a specific thermal calibration tied to a narrow motor full-load amp range. It is selected from Rockwell Automation heater tables using the motor nameplate FLA and application conditions.
Are Type N heaters interchangeable if they look the same?
No. Although Type N heaters share a similar mounting style and form factor, each N-number has a different electrical calibration. Substituting heater sizes can result in nuisance tripping or inadequate motor protection.
How does the N16 compare to other N-Series heaters?
The N16 is intended for lower full-load current motors than an N18. In the same overload relay frame, an N16 will trip at a lower sustained current than an N18.
What equipment is this heater designed for?
The N16 is designed for Allen-Bradley overload relays and magnetic motor starters that accept Type N heater elements, commonly found in legacy NEMA motor control assemblies.
You can restore correct inverse-time motor protection in a legacy magnetic starter by installing this N16 Type N heater element into the existing overload relay block matched to the motor’s nameplate full-load current.
