Contactors

A contactor is an electromagnetic switching device that closes its main contacts when control voltage is applied to its coil, opens them by spring force when the voltage is cut, and is used to switch a power circuit remotely. It is used to start and stop motors, in heater and lighting groups, in power factor correction stages and in panels that need frequent switching on and off. The category includes the Schneider Electric TeSys Deca, TeSys K and EasyPact TVS, ABB AF, Siemens 3RT and Chint NC1 series; rated currents such as 9 A, 12 A, 18 A and 25 A, 3- and 4-pole housings, and coil voltages such as 24 V DC, 24 V AC, 110 V AC and 220 V AC are common. Determine the rated current according to the utilization category of the load (AC-3 for motors, AC-1 for resistive loads) and the coil voltage according to the control circuit; also choose the number of poles and the auxiliary contact arrangement according to your diagram. The AC-1 current of the same contactor is higher than its AC-3 current; read the label with the correct category. A contactor is not designed to interrupt short-circuit current; a fuse or circuit breaker is needed upstream of it, and an overload relay is needed in addition in the motor circuit.

Products

How to choose Contactors

A contactor is an electromagnetic switching device that closes its main contacts when control voltage is applied to its coil, opens them by spring force when the voltage is cut, and is used to switch a power circuit remotely. It is used to start and stop motors, in heater and lighting groups, in power factor correction stages and in panels that need frequent switching on and off.

  • Separate overcurrent/leakage protection, motor starting and local isolation requirements.
  • Select rated current, pole count and breaking capacity (kA) from the installation calculation.
  • Match coil voltage, auxiliary contacts and tripping curve to the control circuit and load type.

Frequently asked questions

What is Contactors and where is it used?

A contactor is an electromagnetic switching device that closes its main contacts when control voltage is applied to its coil, opens them by spring force when the voltage is cut, and is used to switch a power circuit remotely. It is used to start and stop motors, in heater and lighting groups, in power factor correction stages and in panels that need frequent switching on and off.

What should I compare when choosing Contactors?

Determine the rated current according to the utilization category of the load (AC-3 for motors, AC-1 for resistive loads) and the coil voltage according to the control circuit; also choose the number of poles and the auxiliary contact arrangement according to your diagram.

Which product groups are available under Contactors?

The current subcategories include Auxiliary Contactors, Lighting Contactors. Open a subcategory to compare its products and technical details.

Contactors Selection Guide