Contactors

Contactors

Control and automation contactors

A contactor is an electrical component or an electrical switch designed to control electrical circuits, in particular turning on and off electrical circuits and circuits depending on commutation, the change in input current. Extremely suitable in automatic program processes for controlling automatic machines and devices in a production or support process in various industries. They are automatic control management devices, the drive of which is automatic and can be pneumatic, hydraulic or electromagnetic.

Types of drive

• pneumatic
• hydraulic
• electromagnetic

The contactors consist of a coil, main and auxiliary contacts, housing, magnet wire. The electromagnetic system of the contactor is formed by the coil and the magnet wire. When an electric current flows in the coil, the armature moves and closes the magnetic flux through the magnet wire. Contactors are a good alternative to electrical relays for controlling various electrical AC or DC loads. Unlike relays, contactors can handle larger currents as well as give flexibility in handling a larger number of contacts, hence the two and their name. They give multiple possibilities to control, turn on, turn off electric circuits, as well as create automations. Contactors are usually built into electrical panels on a DIN rail, and the connection is made by means of screw terminals.

Types of contactors

• single phase
• three-phase
• unipolar
• multipolar
• constant current - DC
• alternating current - AC