What Are the Basics of a Contactor and Different Types of Contactor Devices?

Contactors are useful in commercial and industrial applications, particularly for controlling large lighting loads and motors. Contactors are electrical devices that are used for switching an electrical circuit on or off. They are used in applications with higher current carrying capacity and can easily be field mounted because of their compact size.

These electrical devices feature multiple contacts that are generally open and offer operating power to the load when the contactor coil is energized. Contactors are commonly used for controlling electric motors.

Contactors can break current over a wide range from a few amperes to thousands of amperes and voltage from 24VDC and multiple volts. Besides, these electrical devices come in varying sizes, from hand-held dimensions to sizes measuring a meter or yard on one side (approx).

Contactor Components

• Coil

A coil is a critical component of a contactor. The driving force required to close contacts is provided by the coil or electromagnet of the contactor. Enclosures protect the coil or electromagnet and contacts.

• Enclosure

Contactors feature an enclosurethat provides insulation and protection from personnel touching the contacts. The protective enclosure consists of varied materials like polycarbonate, polyester, Nylon 6, and thermosetting plastics.The open-frame contactors generally feature an additional enclosure that protects the device from bad weather, hazards of an explosion, oil, or dust.

• Contacts

Contacts are an essential component that runsthe current-carrying tasks of a contactor.Different types of contacts in a contactor are – contact springs, power contacts, and auxiliary contacts. Every contact has a different role to play.

Types of Contactors

• TeSys GC, GY, GF

TeSys GC, GY, GF range under modular contactors and relays from 16 – 100 A that are designed for multiple applications in a variety of industries.These contactors are designed for use in modular panels and enclosures and are available in different ratings, which can be used for multiple applications. It complies with IEC 61095 and IEC 60947-5 standards.

• TeSys D

TeSys D contactors and reversing contactors available from 9 – 150A and from 20 – 200A in 3-pole and 4-pole versions.This type of contactor offers multi-standard solutions, high reliability with long electrical and mechanical durability for different sizes.It is also equipped with an innovative electronic coil that requires up to 80% less energy.

• TeSys F

TeSys Fcontactor is available from 450 kW / 400 V and 1600 A/AC1. The extremely compact model F contactor offers high performance.Combined with an electronic relay or motor circuit-breaker, this type of contactor is ideal for starters that provide quick, simple selection and shared accessories for greater flexibility.

• TeSys K

TeSys K is a compact contactor range with a wide variety of coil voltage and terminal connection options. It offers specific versions for railway and electro-domestics. It provides a complete range of compact style contactors and reversing contactors with common options available for rating 6, 9, 12, and 16A. It also includes a variety of different terminal connection choices and a wide range of coil voltage options.

Selecting the Best Contactors for Use

Advanced contactors offer top-quality performance along with remarkable mechanical and electric life. You can have the choice of purchasing an extensive range of accessories for motor and load control. 

You can buy the above-mentioned contactors either with IEC or NEMA applications, following global standardization grades. If you are facing a problem in selecting the best contactors, reach out t specialist electric component providers. Also, connect with their customer services to better understand requirements and products.