Shop industrial contactors used to switch motors, heating loads, lighting systems and other electrically controlled equipment. Contactors provide electrically operated switching for applications that require frequent or remote control of power circuits.
Compare contactors by pole configuration, current rating, coil voltage, horsepower rating, mounting style and auxiliary-contact requirements. Products are organized generically so compatible contactors from multiple manufacturers can be compared within the same category.
A contactor is an electrically controlled switching device commonly used to start and stop motors or control other high-current electrical loads. An energizing coil opens or closes the main contacts, allowing the load circuit to be operated remotely by a control system, switch, thermostat or programmable controller.
Important selection factors include the load type, operating voltage, full-load current, number of poles, coil voltage, horsepower rating, utilization category and required auxiliary contacts. The contactor’s electrical rating should be matched to the application rather than selected solely by its general-purpose current rating.
Replacement applications should also be checked for physical dimensions, terminal arrangement, mounting method and compatibility with existing overload relays, auxiliary contacts and other accessories.