SELCO / KA Series Manual-Reset High-Limit Thermostat KA-601-72, 25A 250VAC, SPST Open-on-Rise, Ceramic Body, Max Ambient/Body Temp 550°F, CSA File LR36461 — Assembly in Mexico (P/N 56540)

Robertshaw / KA Series Capillary Thermostat KA-601-72 (P/N 56540), SPST Line-Voltage Control, 25A 250VAC, Adjustable Up to 550°F (MT 550°F), CSA LR36461, Assembly in Mexico

Condition: New in factory plastic; unused. Clean terminals and capillary; mounting hardware as supplied by OEM.

This KA-601-72 thermostat is a heavy-duty, line-voltage, capillary/sensing-bulb temperature control from the KA series (commercial-grade). It’s designed to switch heating loads directly—up to 25A at 250VAC—using a fast-acting bimetal mechanism coupled to a fluid-filled sensing bulb via capillary. The stamped marking “MT 550°F” indicates a maximum temperature capability of 550°F (typical adjustable upper limit for griddles/ovens/fryers), while the LR36461 file denotes CSA certification lineage. With robust contacts, positive shaft adjustment, and replaceable knob/bracket options, KA controls are widely used in commercial cooking equipment (griddles, fryers, ovens, warmers), industrial heaters, and high-temperature process enclosures. Unit is marked Model KA, KA-601-72, production code 56540, and Assembled in Mexico.

What’s printed/known: KA-601-72 (model), 56540 (build/part reference), 25A 250VAC, MT 550°F, LR36461, Assy in Mexico.

Features

• Line-voltage thermostat (SPST) for resistive heating loads—no external relay required up to 25A @ 250VAC.
• Capillary/bulb sensor for accurate temperature measurement away from the switch body.
• Adjustable setpoint with upper limit to ~550°F (per “MT 550°F” marking).
• Commercial-duty contacts for long life in cycling heater applications.
• Standard 1/4″ quick-connect or screw terminals (per KA series build; your piece shows QC tabs).
• Mounting-friendly body with shaft for knob/dial, bracket holes for panel or chassis installation.
• Agency markings: CSA LR36461 (and commonly UL on KA family builds).

Specifications (typical for KA-601-xx family)

• Electrical Rating: 25 A @ 250 VAC (resistive); suitable for electric heaters, elements, strip heaters.
• Action: Open on temperature rise (closes on fall) for heater control.
• Temperature Capability: Up to 550°F maximum (per “MT 550°F”).
• Setpoint Adjustment: Front shaft (knob not included unless pictured).
• Sensor: Capillary with bulb (length/diameter vary by sub-model; verify on your unit).
• Terminations: 1/4″ quick-connect spades (typical); ground tab if provided by OEM panel.
• Model family: KA (commercial capillary thermostat).
• Regulatory: CSA LR36461; production Assy in Mexico.

Notes: KA sub-models differ by capillary length, bulb size, bracket orientation, and shaft length/flat. If you need exact bulb dimensions and capillary length for your item, check the small tag or ink print on the capillary or body; we can add those specifics to the listing.

Applications / Spheres of Use

• Commercial cooking: electric griddles, fryers, ovens, warming cabinets, hot plates, and steam tables (electric).
• Industrial & HVAC: duct/strip heaters, curing ovens, process enclosures, heat tunnels (within ratings).
• Food service equipment refurbishment: direct swap for worn KA-series controls.
• Light manufacturing: platen heaters, laminators, sealing bars, and heat presses (verify cycle life and sensor placement).

Cross-Referenced / Related Models (same KA family)

• KA-601-xx — Similar 550°F class with varying capillary/bulb/shaft configurations.
• KA-602-xx / KA-603-xx — Alternate temperature spans or mechanical layouts.
• Replacement knobs/dials & brackets — match shaft length/flat and panel depth.

Comparable Products

• Robertshaw / Uni-Line other capillary thermostats in the K, BJW, or G families (electric).
• Johnson Controls / Penn A19 series capillary thermostats (line-voltage, high-temp variants).
• Therm-O-Disc capillary controls for industrial heaters (similar temperature ranges).

Use in Larger Systems / Integration Notes

• Mount the bulb securely in the hottest representative location; ensure good thermal contact (clips/clamps) and avoid kinks in the capillary.
• Lead routing: keep capillary clear of pinch points and live terminals; minimum bend radius recommended (~1″ typical).
• Dial calibration: after installation, compare cut-out/cut-in with a calibrated surface or immersion thermometer and adjust knob/dial as required.
• Load control: For inductive or oversized loads, add a contactor/SSR and use the KA as the pilot control to extend contact life.
• Safety: This is an operating thermostat, not a manual-reset high-limit. Pair with a separate manual-reset limit where required by code/OEM.

Trademarks

Robertshaw and any other manufacturers’ names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. All trademarks are used strictly for identification purposes only.

Related

ka-601-72 capillary thermostat; 56540 electric thermostat 25a 250vac; commercial griddle fryer oven control; adjustable up to 550 f thermostat; lr36461 csa thermostat; device to control temperature of heating element; capillary bulb temperature controller; line voltage oven thermostat; replacement thermostat for foodservice equipment; mexican assembly ka thermostat

Common Requests:

1. “What are the bulb size and capillary length on this KA-601-72 (can you measure)?”
2. “Is the action open on rise and what’s the cut-out range for 550°F max?”
3. “Will this replace my existing KA-601-xx—what mechanical differences matter (shaft, bracket)?”
4. “Contact ratings for 208/240V elements and when to use a contactor.”
5. “How to calibrate the dial and verify temperature with a thermocouple after install?”

P124