contactor rating

[davesparks]

Thanks.

Oh what's the difference then? They both operate in the same way with the same idea a coil making contacts when energised. So when does a relay become a contactor?

Generally speaking a contactor is used to switch a load and a relay is used within control circuits.
But there is no hard and fast definition to either.
Generally contactors have higher current ratings and switching duties, but you can also get relays capable of switching 100's of amps.

 

[Deleted member 72666]

The tell-tale sign in your picture are the markings, these denote normally open and normally closed contacts which are usually found on relays of that type, contactors on the other hand are marked up differently L1, L2, L3 etc.

 

[davesparks]

The tell-tale sign in your picture are the markings, these denote normally open and normally closed contacts which are usually found on relays of that type, contactors on the other hand are marked up differently L1, L2, L3 etc.

That doesn't necessarily make it a relay though, it could still be a contactor.

Some of the other writing on there is a bit more useful in getting reliable identification, specifically the part number. A quick google brings up a data sheet clearly tilted 'contactor'

 

[telectrix]

These are seimens range of compact contactors and usually for the lower loads ...as for the difference between them well I never really thought about it, but often relays tend to be limited load handling ...

This isn't technical but if clicks, its a relay and if it clunks, its a contactor (Excluding solid state device before I get a smart comment )

clunk -click. thought jimmy saville was brown bread.

 

[Darkwood]

clunk -click. thought jimmy saville was brown bread.

We don't talk about him... :38:

 

[Deleted member 72666]

That doesn't necessarily make it a relay though, it could still be a contactor.

Some of the other writing on there is a bit more useful in getting reliable identification, specifically the part number. A quick google brings up a data sheet clearly tilted 'contactor'

I'm going to be diplomatic on this occasion and call it a 'contactor relay'.

 

[davesparks]

I'm going to be diplomatic on this occasion and call it a 'contactor relay'.

The manufacturers describe it as a contactor, what more do you need?

 

[Deleted member 72666]

The manufacturers describe it as a contactor, what more do you need?

.....Okay then what do you personally think it is?

 

[Hellmooth]

I'd say it's a contactor, that's what I ask for when I need one of these lol, relay and contactor are essentially the same thing, as has been said it is usually higher switching currents with a contactor, but whatever the manufacturer calls it.......

 

[Guest77]

I didn't realise a contactor could be switched using Normally open Or normally closed contacts like a relay can be switched, I thought they were coil controlled?