Should I use a relay or contactor?
For switching low power, when the additional safety features of a contactor are not necessary, a relay is typically the more economical choice.
Is contactor and relay same?
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 the difference between magnetic contactor and relay?
Contactor. Control Relay is more commonly used in control circuits which are single phase circuits. Contactors are typically built for switching 3-phase load. Contactors, on the other hand, are almost exclusively designed to operate with normally open (Form A) contacts.
Can a contactor be used as a relay?
Summary. 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.
What is the main difference between a relay and a contactor and between a contactor and a magnetic motor starter?
Comparison of Relay and Contactors
| 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. |
| Relatively smaller in size | Larger when compared to Relays |
Is a contactor coil wire like a load or a switch?
They are wired in circuits exactly like switches and they behave like switches because they are switches. Relay coils are loads; specifically, solenoids.
When would you use a relay?
Relays are generally used to switch smaller currents in a control circuit and do not usually control power consuming devices except for small motors and Solenoids that draw low amps.
Do contactors and relays matter?
Relays and contactors are very effective components for switching electrical power as long as they’re specified correctly, which means getting the right coil voltage (including AC and DC) and sizing the contacts correctly.
When would you use a contactor?
Contactors are switching devices used to control power flow to any load. Mainly used in control and automation circuits, protection circuits and for switching small electronic circuits. Used in the switching of motors, capacitors, lights etc.