The ABB MS116-1.6 is a bimetallic, direct-heated, fixed-setting thermal overload relay designed to protect three-phase AC motors from damage caused by sustained overloads and phase loss (under certain conditions). It is a robust, traditional electromechanical protective device. The "1.6" indicates its maximum adjustable current setting range, which is 1.6 Amperes. It is installed in series with the motor power circuit and operates by sensing the heat generated by the motor current passing through its internal bimetal strips. When an overload condition persists long enough to cause excessive heating, the relay trips, opening its normally closed (NC) auxiliary contact to interrupt the control circuit and de-energize the motor contactor.
