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Control Devices - Contactor 2

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Control Devices - Contactor 2

A contactor is a special type of relay used for switching an electrical circuit on or off. They are most commonly used with electric motors and lighting applications. The use of a contactor provides a level of isolation away from the high electric currents associated with those applications, protecting workers and equipment. IEC Contactors are smaller and are offered in a wide variety of sizes, whereas NEMA contactors are larger and designed with safety factors that go beyond design ratings by up to as much as 25%. IEC is a Global standard. NEMA contactors are primarily used in North America however, more companies are adopting IEC contactors, c3controls specializes in IEC.

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1. Coil or Electromagnet: This is the most crucial component of a contactor. The driving force that is required to close the contacts is provided by the coil or electromagnet of the contactor. The coil or electromagnet and contacts are protected by an enclosure.

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

3. Contacts: This is yet another important component of this electrical device. The current carrying task of the contractor is done by the contacts. There are different types of contacts in a contactor namely, contact springs, auxiliary contacts, and power contacts. Each type of contact has an individual role to play.