Can a contactor be used as a relay?
Contactors and Control relays are electrically operated switches used for switching of loads and for controlling the electrical circuit respectively. Contactor and Control Relay work on same principle. They are basically electrically operated solenoid switches that are designed for the switching or control the loads.
Why use a relay instead of a contactor?
Relays are used to control contacts of an electrical circuit due to a change of parameters or conditions in the same circuit or any other associated circuit. Contactors, on the other hand, are used to interrupt or establish connections in an electrical circuit repeatedly under different conditions.
What is a relay contactor?
Relays. Contactor. Relays are switching devices used in any control circuit for checking a condition or multiplying the number of contacts available. Contactors are switching devices used to control power flow to any load.
How do you size a contactor?
As per above chart:
- Type of Contactor = AC7b.
- Size of Main Contactor = 100%X Full Load Current (Line).
- Size of Main Contactor = 100%x6 = 6 Amp.
- Making/Breaking Capacity of Contactor = Value above Chart x Full Load Current (Line).
- Making/Breaking Capacity of Contactor = 8×6 = 52 Amp.
What are the basic differences between contactor and relay and why the relay couldn’t be used instead of the contactor and vice versa?
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.
Is a relay the same as a capacitor?
You will often see capacitors placed across the coil contacts of a relay. A capacitor takes some time to charge up, so it can be used to make a time delay relay. Warning: A capacitor and a relay coil (which is basically an inductor) are both energy storage devices.
When would you use a contactor?
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.
How do I select a contactor?
The choice of contactor is dependant upon many parameters i.e. operating voltage, size of contacts, number of operations, ambient temperature, type of load supplied etc. Loads are categorised into various AC ratings, (AC1, AC2, AC3 etc.) and the higher the AC rating the more inductive the load becomes.
What is the major difference between a relay and a contactor?
