I am trying to spec out a contactor to use. It will be connected to a 480VAC 60A circuit. I am confused on 3 power circuit vs 1 power circuit. Is this the same as 3 phase vs 1 phase? TIA!

The data sheet says the following:

40 A (<= 140 °F (60 °C)) at <= 440 V AC AC-3 power circuit
60 A (<= 140 °F (60 °C)) at <= 440 V AC AC-1 power circuit

The one I am looking at is a Schneider Electric
LC1D40ABD

 

I'm not sure about the 1 vs 3 power circuit, but it's worth noting that you say you're working on a 480V system, and the specs you shared are for less than 440V.

 

I am trying to spec out a contactor to use. It will be connected to a 480VAC 60A circuit. I am confused on 3 power circuit vs 1 power circuit. Is this the same as 3 phase vs 1 phase? TIA!

The data sheet says the following:

40 A (<= 140 °F (60 °C)) at <= 440 V AC AC-3 power circuit
60 A (<= 140 °F (60 °C)) at <= 440 V AC AC-1 power circuit

The one I am looking at is a Schneider Electric
LC1D40ABD

When in doubt, try google and/or the manufacturer's FAQ!

https://www.schneider-electric.us/en/faqs/FA120833/

What do the terms AC1 and AC3 mean?
Issue:
What do the terms AC1 and AC3 mean?

Product Line:
Products sold and used in the US

Environment:
Products sold and used in the United States

Cause:
Understanding how to select a device based on application and ratings

Resolution:
AC-1 - This category applies to all AC loads where the power factor is more than 0.95. These are primarily non-inductive or slightly inductive loads, such as heating. Breaking the arc remains easy with minimal arcing and contact wear.

AC-3 - This category applies to squirrel cage motors with breaking during normal running of the motor.
On closing, the contactor makes the inrush current, which is about 5 to 7 times the rated full load current of the motor.
On opening, the contactor breaks the rated full load current of the motor.

 

In my long engineering career I have not come across the terms "AC-1" or :AC3". Devices were always rated for "motor loads" or "resistive loads." These terms were used to avoid hiding the meaning from the uninitiated. That is why there were, and still are, motor starters and lighting contactors. It seems that there has been a real effort to reduce the information provided in descriptions that has been going on for some time.

 

From my Square-D, Telemecanique , Group Schnieder Contactor Catalogue:
AC-1 category
This applies to all AC devices (loads) with a power factor of at least 0.95 (cos phi greater than or equal to 0.95).
Example of use: resistive load, heating, distribution.

AC-3 category
This applies to squirrel cage motors where breaking occurs while the motor is running.
Example of use: all squirrel cage motors, lifts, escalators, conveyors, bucket elevators, compressors, pumps, mixers, air conditioning units, etc.

There is also a Special Purpose rating for such as high intermittent use contactors, HVAC, Plasma Machines etc, etc.
Probably falls int Cat-AC-3.
Max.