What is special about a lighting contactor?
Lighting contactors are relay switches that control the flow of electricity through a circuit powering the lighting in a given area. A lighting contactor switch operates at a lower but safer load and controls the high voltage/current circuit using an electromagnet. Turn the power off for the entire system.
What is the difference between a lighting contactor and a definite purpose contactor?
Definite purpose contactors are the ‘Kias’ of the contator world. Made cheap, sold cheap, made to be thrown away when they act up. Lighting contators are made to be repairable and are much more durable then DP contactors.
How does a mechanically held lighting contactor work?
ANSWER: Mechanically held lighting contactor has a mechanical latching device. When the “Closed” pushbutton is operated, the closing coil is energized, closing the contactor. As the contactor closes, the latch lever hooks over the latch pin to mechanically latch the contactor closed.
Do contactors wear out?
In most cases, the contactor does not simply wear out from normal use. Usually, the reason for contactor failure is misapplication. That’s why you need to understand the basics of contactors. When someone uses a lighting contactor in a motor application, that’s a misapplication.
Why contactor is required?
A contactor is an electrical device which is used for switching an electrical circuit on or off. These contacts are in most cases normally open and provide operating power to the load when the contactor coil is energized. Contactors are most commonly used for controlling electric motors.
Can you use a 2 pole contactor in place of a single pole contactor?
Yes, a 1 pole can be replaced by a 2 pole, and the 2 pole provides additional switching capabilities.
What is mechanically held?
a mechanically held contactor is held in place without the need of a constant power drain. the coil on these type of contactors is far less likely to burn up as it is only energized momentarily.