Kohler Series S3450 1000-4000 Amp Single-Coil Contactor Nema 3R, 12 Enclosures Operation and Installation Manual (tp5089)

This Kohler S3450 contactor is the heart of a large transfer or distribution setup, usually sitting in a plant room or outdoor NEMA 3R/12 enclosure handling serious current in tough weather and dusty environments. This operation and installation manual is what I keep on hand to mount, wire, and set up the contactor so it pulls in cleanly and drops out when it should. When a unit starts chattering, failing to pick up under load, or not transferring as commanded, this is the document I use to trace control wiring, verify coil connections, and confirm the contactor is installed and operated the way Kohler intended.

Applications & Use Cases

• Plan and verify installation of the S3450 in NEMA 3R or 12 enclosures, including mounting orientation and clearances.
• Route and land power and control conductors correctly so the single coil sees the right signals and the poles carry load safely.
• Trace and isolate faults when the contactor won’t energize, drops out unexpectedly, or overheats under normal operation.
• Inspect and adjust mechanical linkages so contacts close evenly and the mechanism doesn’t bind or hang up.
• Confirm proper operation after repairs by following the normal operating sequences described for this style of contactor.

FAQ

Q: Can I keep this manual on a tablet in the switchgear room?

A: Yes, a digital copy works well; you can zoom wiring diagrams and search terms instead of flipping paper pages.

Q: Is it worth printing specific pages for field work?

A: I usually print the key installation and wiring information so it doesn’t get ruined by dust, gloves, or low light around the enclosure.

Safety Note

Always de-energize, lock out, and verify absence of voltage before opening the enclosure or working on the S3450 contactor.

Kohler Series S3450 1000-4000 Amp Single-Coil Contactor Nema 3R, 12 Enclosures Index:

Safety Precautions
Introduction
Function
Ratings
Installation
Unpacking
Mounting
Line Connections
Auxiliary Connections
Functional Test
Manual Operation
Electrical Operation
General Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Sequence of Operation
Accessories
Manual Controls
Generator Set Exercising Timer
Motor Load Transfer
Disconnecting the Control Panel
Sensor Adjustments
Time Delay Adjustments
Wiring Diagrams
Outline and Mounting Diagrams

Kohler