Contactors
A contactor is an electrically controlled switch used for switching an electrical power circuit, similar to a relay. The main difference between a relay and a contactor is that contactors are designed for higher current ratings and are generally used for higher power circuits. In electrical systems, contactors play a crucial role in controlling the flow of electrical power. They are used in various applications, including air conditioning and refrigeration systems, motor control circuits, and lighting systems. The primary function of a contactor is to control the flow of electricity to a load, such as a motor, in a safe and efficient manner. A contactor is typically composed of two main components: the coil and the contacts. The coil is responsible for creating the magnetic field that controls the movement of the contacts. When a voltage is applied to the coil, it creates a magnetic field that attracts the contacts and closes the circuit. When the voltage is removed, the magnetic field collapses and the contacts return to their original position, opening the circuit. The contacts of a contactor are usually made of metal and are designed to carry the load current. They can be either normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) and are available in various shapes and sizes to suit different applications.