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A contactor is an electromechanical switch designed to manage power flow in electrical circuits, especially those involving high-current applications. Functioning like a relay but capable of handling heavier loads, contactors are essential for activating a variety of systems such as motors, heating equipment, and large electrical loads. 

They are particularly useful in providing central control of extensive lighting installations in commercial settings like office buildings or retail complexes. Contactors operate by using a coil that, when energised, either opens or closes the circuit, efficiently controlling power distribution. This can be done independently or as part of a motor starter assembly, ensuring versatile application across various industries.

## **How Do Contactors Work?**

A contactor operates through an electromagnet mechanism. When the contactor's coil is energised, it generates an electromagnetic field. This field exerts a force on the armature—a metallic rod connected to the moving contact—pulling it towards the fixed contact against the force of a spring. This action closes the circuit, allowing electricity to flow through the contactor. The contacts remain closed as long as the coil stays energised.

When the coil is de-energised, the electromagnetic force dissipates. This causes the spring force to retract the armature, separating the contacts and breaking the circuit, returning the system to its off state. This rapid on-off capability is essential for applications requiring frequent and controlled power interruption.

Contactors can be designed to operate with AC, DC, or universal coils. All of which work with both AC and DC currents.

## **Types of Contactor Specifications and Ratings**

There are various types of contactors, and each type will have its own set of specifications depending on your application. Some key specifications are:

**Voltage Ratings:** AC Contactor or DC Contactor ranging from 12 V to 440 V.

**Functionality:** Reversing or non-reversing functionality.

**Utilisation Categories:** Typically categorised under AC3 for motor starting and AC1 for resistive loads.

**Pole Configurations:** Available from 2 to 10 poles, accommodating different circuit arrangements.

**Contact Configurations:** Various contact configurations.

**Compliance Standards:** All contactors adhere to IEC standards, ensuring international compliance and safety.

### **Magnetic Contactors**

Magnetic contactors are the most common type due to their operational efficiency and ability to function without manual intervention. These devices operate electromechanically and can be controlled remotely, enhancing both safety and efficiency. They require minimal current to actuate, making them energy-efficient choices for various applications.

### **Knife-Blade Switch**

Introduced in the late 1800s, knife-blade switches are among the earliest forms of contactors. Originally used to control electric motors, they consist of a metal strip actuated by a lever to make or break contact. While historically significant, their manual operation led to rapid wear and susceptibility to arcing, corrosion, and rust due to the soft copper construction and exposure to environmental elements. As motor technology evolved to require higher currents, the safety and operational efficiency of knife-blade switches diminished, leading to their gradual replacement.

### **Manual Controller**

Developed as a safer alternative to knife-blade switches, manual controllers feature several advancements, including encased units, compact designs, and double-break contacts that interrupt the circuit at two separate points simultaneously. This design allows for safer operation with higher currents in smaller spaces. Although manual controllers offer enhanced safety and efficiency, their requirement for direct manual operation limits their application compared to more modern automated systems.

## **Difference Between Contactor and Relay**

Contactors and [relays](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/relays-signal-conditioning/relays/power-relays/) are both essential components in electrical circuits, but they serve different purposes based on the voltage and current requirements of the application. Contactors are typically used in high voltage applications where the load current exceeds 15A. They are larger in size, making them more suitable for handling higher power applications efficiently. Additionally, contactors are generally easier to maintain and are most often used in circuits requiring normally open (NO) contacts.

Relays, on the other hand, are used for lower voltage applications where the load current is less than 15A. Due to their smaller size, relays are ideal for compact systems and are commonly connected as normally closed (NC) contacts, providing a different type of circuit control. Relays also offer faster switching times compared to contactors, making them more suitable for applications where rapid switching is critical.

Find out more about how [contactors and relays have been implemented to enhance train operations in Australia](https://au.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/enhancing-train-operations-in-australia-dc-contactors-and-relays) here. 

## **How to Order Contactors From RS?**

[RS](https://au.rs-online.com/web/) offers a comprehensive range of high-quality electrical contactors from industry-leading brands including [Schneider Electric](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/automation-control-gear/contactors-auxiliary-contacts/contactors/?applied-dimensions=4294965589), [Siemens](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/automation-control-gear/contactors-auxiliary-contacts/contactors/?applied-dimensions=4294965546), [Eaton](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/automation-control-gear/contactors-auxiliary-contacts/contactors/?applied-dimensions=4294966708), [ABB](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/automation-control-gear/contactors-auxiliary-contacts/contactors/?applied-dimensions=4294967279), and Allen Bradley. We also stock a selection of accessories used to enhance the function of contactors including, Contactor Overload Relays, [auxiliary contacts](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/automation-control-gear/contactors-auxiliary-contacts/contactor-accessories/), mechanical interlocks, and much more.

Business account customers enjoy free delivery on all orders over $40 (excluding GST), with a $10 delivery fee for orders under this amount. On the other hand, delivery is free for orders over $80 (excluding GST) for all private accounts and guest customers; a fee of $12.95 applies to smaller orders. 

## **Delivery Information for Australia**

Ensure your order is placed by 5 pm AEST from Monday to Friday to take advantage of next working day delivery for items available locally. Be aware that some regional locations may face longer delivery times, especially for orders requiring special handling such as those containing hazardous materials or oversized packages.

For detailed information on all our delivery services, including special options like same-day delivery and consolidated shipments, please visit our [delivery information](https://au.rs-online.com/web/content/support/all-articles/delivery) page. Our streamlined ordering process is designed to help you easily find and receive the right products swiftly and reliably.



Shop for electrical contactors & contactor relays, an electrically controlled switch operated by low-power circuits, designed for switching electrical power circuits.

Electrical Contactors | AC & DC Contactors

Contactors

Shop our range of ABB Contactors. Browse our latest ABB Contactors offers. Find out more today at RS.

ABB Contactors | RS

Buy from our selection of Contactors from ABB Jokab. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

ABB Jokab Contactors | RS

Buy Durakool Contactors. Browse our latest Durakool Contactors offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

Durakool Contactors | RS

Buy Eaton Contactors. Browse our latest Eaton Contactors offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

Eaton Contactors | RS

Buy Europa Contactors. Browse our latest Europa Contactors offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

Europa Contactors | RS

Buy from our selection of Contactors from Finder. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Finder Contactors | RS

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Lovato Contactors | RS

Buy from our selection of Contactors from Omron. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Omron Contactors | RS

Buy from our selection of Contactors from Phoenix Contact. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Phoenix Contact Contactors | RS

Buy TE Connectivity Contactors. Browse our latest TE Connectivity Contactors offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

TE Connectivity Contactors | RS

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WEG Contactors | RS

Shop our range of Schneider Contactors. Browse our latest Schneider Contactors offers. Find out more today at RS.

Schneider Contactors | RS

<p>Thinking about purchasing a Schneider Electric Contactor for your application? Well, you have come to the right place. As one of the leading market brands for contactors, Schneider&rsquo;s vast range of high-quality and long-lasting products allows you to keep your plant in operation 24/7 whilst maximizing your business and machine performance.</p><p>RS are pleased to offer a comprehensive range of Schneider Contactors including the popular TeSys D contactors, TeSys K, TeSys F, and TeSys Green. We also offer a great selection of complementary accessories to complete your motor control system.</p><h2>Why Schneider Electric?</h2><p>Schneider has a long history of designing and manufacturing exceptional quality control gear.They aim to provide you the electrical engineer with products that have been designed, tested, and approved to the highest standards. Built to last, Schneider contactors are space-saving, easy to install and offer excellent electrical and mechanical life.</p><h3>What are the different types of contactors available?</h3><p>The TeSys range of contactors and reversing contactors are one of the largest selling ranges of contactors in the world today. The range offers great flexibility and can also be used for both IEC and NEMA applications.</p><ul><li>Available in reversing or non-reversing contactors - TeSys D</li><li>Mainly 3 pole or 4 pole versions, however single pole (TeSys GC) and double pole contactors are available.</li><li>Contact current ratings, ranging from 5 A up to 700 A</li><li>AC and DC coil voltages including 12 V, 24 V, 48 V, 110 V, 240 V, 400 V, and 440.</li><li>Screw or cage clamp connection terminals</li><li>DIN rail or panel mounting</li></ul><h3>What accessories and parts are available?</h3><p>We also stock a great selection of easy to install accessories and replacement parts including:</p><ul><li>Overload relays</li><li>Replacement coils</li><li>Auxiliary contact blocks with serrated wiping action</li><li>Front mount dust tight auxiliary contact blocks</li><li>Pneumatic time delay blocks</li><li>Transient voltage surge suppressors</li><li>Interface modules and electronic timers</li><li>Mechanical latching blocks</li></ul>

Shop our range of Siemens Contactors. Browse our latest Siemens Contactors offers. Find out more today at RS.

Siemens Contactors | RS

<p>Looking for a Siemens contactor? Well, look no further. Here at RS, we are pleased to offer you a comprehensive selection of high-quality contactors from ranges including SIRIUS, SIRIUS Classic, SIRIUS Innovation, and SENTRON. We also stock a wide variety of easy-to-install accessories for a complete industrial control system.</p><h2>Why Siemens?</h2><p>Siemens is a global powerhouse when it comes to designing and manufacturing reliable motor contactors. With Siemens, you can rest assured that their products have been designed, tested, and approved with you the electrical engineer, and panel builder in mind. Built to last, Siemens contactors are versatile, safe, and offer exceptional electrical and mechanical life.</p><h3>What is SIRIUS?</h3><p>SIRIUS is a modular system that enables you to easily set up a complete system of components across all sizes. One of the major advantages of SIRIUS is that the products can be planned and built into your control cabinet in a very simple way.</p><h2>What are the different types of contactors available?</h2><p>Our Siemens contactors are available in a range of different types to suit a multitude of control applications. Siemens contactors offer:</p><ul><li>Contactors with 2 poles, 3 poles 4 poles, and even 8 and 10 pole variants.</li><li>AC and DC Coil voltages including 12 V, 24 V, 48 V, 110 V, 240 V, 400 V, and 440 V</li><li>Screw or cage clamp terminals.</li><li>DIN-Rail mountable</li><li>Utilisation categories including AC1 and AC3</li><li>Size S00, up to 7.5kW, size S0 up to 18.5 kW, or size S2 up to 37 kW</li></ul><h2>What accessories and parts are available?</h2><p>We offer a great selection of easy to install accessories, electronic components, and parts including:</p><ul><li>Overload relays</li><li>Add on auxiliary contact blocks</li><li>Timers</li><li>Surge Suppressors</li><li>Replacement coils</li></ul>

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