How does a contactor operate?
Operating Principle of a Contactor:The current passing through the contactor excites the electromagnet. The excited electromagnet produces a magnetic field, causing the contactor core to move the armature. A normally closed (NC) contact completes the circuit between the fixed contacts and the moving contacts.
How does the magnetic contactor operate?
Basically, a magnetic contactor works on the same principle as a relay, connecting and disconnecting electricity. The actuators are similar, this device uses a coil, which when an electrified coil creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field can control the contacts that exist in magnetic contactors.
How does a 3 pole contactor work?
3 pole contactors are electrically controlled switches (relays) used for switching an electrical power circuit. A contactor is typically controlled by a circuit which has a much lower power level than the switched circuit, such as a 24-volt coil electromagnet controlling a 220-volt motor switch.
Why do we need contactors?
Why are Contactors Used? Contactors are used for high power applications. They allow a lower voltage and current to switch a much higher power circuit, so they are generally larger and more heavy-duty than control relays, enabling them to switch higher power loads on and off for many thousands of cycles (Figure 1).
What is the operation of a relay?
A relay is an electrically operated switch. They commonly use an electromagnet (coil) to operate their internal mechanical switching mechanism (contacts). When a relay contact is open, this will switch power ON for a circuit when the coil is activated.
What are the contactor components?
A contactor has three components. The contacts are the current-carrying part of the contactor. This includes power contacts, auxiliary contacts, and contact springs. The electromagnet (or “coil”) provides the driving force to close the contacts.
What are the different types of contactors?
Contactor types
- Power contactors. A power contactor is an electrically controlled switch used for switching an electrical power circuit.
- Mini contactors.
- Installation contactors.
- Lighting contactors.
- AC contactors.
- DC contactors.
- 3 pole contactors.
- 4 pole contactors.
What are some purposes for using contactors for lighting controls?
Lighting contactors are relay switches that control the flow of electricity through a circuit powering the lighting in a given area. They exist remotely and control circuits with higher voltages which can be dangerous to the operator, if controlled directly.
What is the difference between contactor and relay?
A contactor joins 2 poles together, without a common circuit between them, while a relay has a common contact that connects to a neutral position. Additionally, contactors are commonly rated for up to 1000V, while relays are usually rated to only 250V.