Contactor Basics You must Be Acquainted With

Used for switching an electrical circuit on or off, an electric contactor is an electrical device. It is included in a special relay type. However, with higher current carrying capacity, the contactor is used in applications, which is the basic difference between the contactor and relay whereas for lower current applications, the relay is used. Contactors are compact in size and can be field mounted easily. Generally, multiple contacts are featured by these electrical devices. When the contactor coil is energized, these contacts provide operating power to the load and are in most cases normally open. For controlling electric motors, Contactors are most used commonly.

Various types of contactors are there, and its own set of applications, capabilities, and features are there with each type. Over a wide range of currents, Contactors can break current from voltages from 24 VDC to thousands of volts, and few amperes to thousands of amperes.

High-current load is the most common application area of the contactor. For their capability to handle high power and currents, Contactors are known. When being interrupted, Heavy motor currents produce arcs. Using a contractor or fuji magnetic contactor, these arcs can be controlled and reduced.

Components of Contactor

Crucial components of the contactor are the following:

Enclosure: Contactors also feature an enclosure just like the enclosures used in any other application. This offer protection and insulation from personnel touching the contacts. From different materials, such as thermosetting plastics, polyester, polycarbonate, Bakelite, Nylon 6, and others, the protective enclosure is made. Generally, an additional enclosure is featured by the open-frame contactor, which protects the device from oil, hazards of explosion, bad weather and dust.

Electromagnet or Coil: In a contactor, this is the most crucial component. The coil or electromagnet of the contactor offers the driving force needed to close the contacts. The contacts and electromagnet or coil are protected by an enclosure.

Contacts: In this electrical device, this is yet another crucial component. The contacts do the current carrying task of the contactor or lighting contactor. In a contactor namely, power contacts, auxiliary contacts, and contact springs, there are various types of contacts. An individual role is played by each type of contact. 

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