A contractor is one of the main electrical circuit components, connecting or disconnecting supply lines running through power lines. While they act as relays, contactors are used when an electrical current load is too high for a relay. Contactors are used with motors, transformers, heaters, and other electrical devices. Both relay and contactor operate switches attached for control and switching of loads. However, a contactor is better suited to handle 10A or above while a relay function well below 10 amps. If you are looking for specific contactors for your needs, be sure to look for moveable and stationary contacts for sale.
As mentioned earlier, contactors often act as relays. But they are mostly employed when an electrical current load is too high for a relay. Below are some of the differences between contactors and relays
Contactors are relatively larger whereas relays are smaller.
Contactors are utilized in circuits with low and higher ampacity, while relays work in lower ampacity.
While contactors are used for switching of motors, capacitors, lights, and others, relays work for controlling and automation circuits, switching small electronic circuits, and keeping circuits protected.
Contactors are created in a normally open condition. This means that there is no link when it’s de-energized. Some of the best contacts ensure that the circuit is broken when it is de-energized.There is also arc suppression in contractors and they tend to break the circuit if a current surpasses a pre-selected threshold for a prescribed period.
While relays only possess a single-phase application, contactors have three-phase applications. This is because relays only have a common contact that connects to a neutral position, and contactors link two poles without a common circuit between them.
There are also different types of contactors, and one of them is the Siemens non-reversing contactor.
Contactors perform a lot better than relays, especially in situations where an overload could occur and failure to de-energize the circuit can put the system and people in great danger. This is also one of the reasons for the use of contactors in high-current motors, capacitors, and overlooking systems.
There are many reasons to use contactors, especially in systems with a high-powered circuit. Keep in mind that leaving the circuit in an energized state can lead to a dangerous environment for both the system and the people around it. If you own electrical systems with high-powered circuits, consider looking for suitable contactors or moveable and stationary contacts for sale.
