A contactor is an electrical switching device that is widely used in the electrical industry to control electrical circuits. It is a key element in electrical installations that allows you to control the flow of current through electrical devices or circuits. What is a contactor? How is it different from a relay? We discuss these and other issues related to contactors in a new article.
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What is a contactor?
![EATON electric contactor I=250A [AC-3] 2Z 2R DILM250/22(RA250)](https://onninen.pl/lib/images/208201_EATON_m.jpg)
A contactor is an important element of electrical equipment. It enables switching on, switching off and conducting current in electrical circuits. Importantly, it can perform its tasks both with normal circuit operating parameters and with overload. It is an electrical mechanical switch, operating in a manner other than manual. A 24V contactor has one rest position of the moving contacts and consists of several elements: an insulating base, a fixed core, a contactor coil, a moving electromagnet armature, contacts (movable, fixed, closed and opened) and contact springs.
Since an electrical contactor must operate reliably in every situation, its design must meet the appropriate requirements. The most important feature is the appropriate mechanical durability while maintaining low weight and compact dimensions. Contactors are available in various configurations – including modular contactors – which allows for flexible adaptation to various needs. In addition, a 1-phase contactor or a 3-phase contactor can be found on the market , models with different voltages (e.g. 230V contactor ), power and technical features (e.g. 40A contactor or 25A contactor ). Individual models can be mounted on a DIN rail or mounting plate, which facilitates integration in various applications.
What is the difference between a contactor and a relay?
The basic difference between a contactor and a relay is their purpose and load capacity. Contactors are designed to switch high-current systems. They are used, for example, in systems that supply electric motors, heaters, pumps, sirens, lamps, fans and other high-power devices. Relays, on the other hand, are used to transmit low-current signals or signals with zero potential, and their current load capacity is much lower than that offered by, for example, a bistable contactor .
Contactors are larger than relays and have additional devices for extinguishing electric arcs. The switching time of the contactor contact may be longer than in the case of a relay, which may be of great importance in some applications. The difference between contactors and relays is also visible in the noise level of the operation, which is usually higher in the case of the former.
In what situations will a contactor be useful?
The contactor is used in many situations - especially where it is necessary to control circuits of high-power electric motors. Modular contactors , which can be easily integrated with other elements of electrical installations, are often used in residential buildings, offices and industrial installations.
One of the key advantages of contactors is their ability to connect capacitive and inductive loads. With available accessories, such as auxiliary contacts and electronic time modules, the functionality of contactors can be further enhanced. Additionally, the TSM 1 contactor provides galvanic separation between the contact circuit and the coil circuit, which has a positive effect on the safety of the installation.
Contactors are also indispensable in situations where large starting currents occur and the inductance of the coil may require the use of an intermediary element - for example, a relay or a smaller contactor. The 12V contactor is also used in applications where it is necessary to precisely control electrical circuits according to specific time or speed criteria.
Contactors in the Onninen wholesaler
Due to the great impact that contactors have on the correct operation of the installation, only high-quality components should be selected during design and installation work. Reliable contactors with various parameters can be found in the Onninen electrical wholesaler .
In installations where long service life with limited dimensions is a priority, we recommend using the EATON I=250A [AC-3] 2Z 2R DILM250/22(RA250) electrical contactor . Protection against contact with a terminal cover compliant with EN50274 ensures safe use, and the highest quality components translate into durability. The Eaton contactor withstands at least 10 million mechanical connection cycles.
The Schneider Electric I=150 A (AC-3), 1NC+1NO, 110 V AC electrical contactor offers a coil voltage of 110 V AC. Thanks to this parameter, the Schneider Electric contactor works perfectly even in the most demanding applications. In turn, the ETI CEM112.22-230V-50/60Hz electrical contactor offers very good switching parameters, high mechanical and electrical durability and access to universal auxiliary contacts that fit all contactors. In addition to these models, we offer a wide selection of other devices - e.g. the ABB contactor .
Due to their advantages, such as the ability to connect capacitive and inductive loads and the availability of different types, contactors are an important element of industrial and electrical automation installations. Selecting a model that is right for a given application will allow you to make a reliable and fully functional installation.