1 Motor Contactors
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Motor contactors are devices used to control the power flow to electric motors. They function as a protection device, ensuring that motors operate safely by managing the electrical current that flows to them. Motor contactors are available in various configurations, including two-pole, three-pole, and four-pole designs, each suited for different voltage and current requirements .
Working Principle
Motor contactors operate by using a solenoid to electromechanically engage power-switching contacts. When the coil within the contactor is energized, it generates linear motion that simultaneously engages all power-switching contacts. This mechanism replaces manual switches, providing a more efficient and reliable method of controlling motor operation. The contactor's ability to manage electrical flow makes it a crucial component in preventing overloads and ensuring the safe operation of motors .
Applications
Motor contactors are widely used in various industrial and commercial applications. They are essential in systems where electric motors are used, such as conveyor belts, pumps, and HVAC systems. Specific examples include their use in manufacturing plants to control machinery, in water treatment facilities to manage pumps, and in commercial buildings for elevator systems .
Advantages over other Motor Contactors
One advantage of using motor contactors is their ability to provide overload protection, which is not always available in simpler switch mechanisms. They also offer the flexibility of being used in both AC and DC motor systems, with specific designs catering to different voltage and current requirements. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from small-scale operations to large industrial setups .
Limitations
Motor contactors have limitations, such as the potential for mechanical wear over time due to the moving parts involved in their operation. This wear can lead to maintenance requirements and potential downtime if not addressed. Additionally, they may not be suitable for applications requiring precise control of motor speed or torque, as they primarily function as on/off switches .
Considerations
When selecting motor contactors, several factors should be considered. Initial costs can vary depending on the size and type of contactor required for a specific application. Operating expenses may include energy consumption and maintenance costs, as regular inspections and replacements of worn parts are necessary to ensure continued reliability. Durability is a key consideration, as contactors must withstand frequent operation cycles. Accuracy in controlling motor operation is generally high, but for applications requiring precise control, additional components may be needed. Replacement and maintenance costs should also be factored into the overall cost of ownership, as these can impact long-term operational budgets .
from Altech Corp.
Features. Frame Size 100AF. 1/2HP up to 600HP @ 480V AC. Screw Terminals (Lug Terminals Available). Direct Mounting Overload Relays [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1; 3 (optional feature)
- Device Technology: Electro-mechanical
- Standard Rating: NEMA; IEC
- AC Motor Phase: Single; Three
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
NEMA Combination Contactor, Circuit Breaker Type, NEMA 0, 480 Volts (B), Type 1 - Enclosure Code A"" [See More]
- NEMA Size: 0; 1
- Control Voltage: 120
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
CONTACT KIT, 1 POLE, CURRENT RATING: 36 AMPS, VOLTAGE RATING: 600 VOLTS, USED FOR 14DA/40DA MAGNETIC CONTACTORS AND MOTOR STARTERS, NEMA 1 RATING. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Continuous Current: 36
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 1
from Altech Corp.
Features: 8 Frame Sizes. 1/2HP up to 600HP @ 480V AC. Direct Mounting Overload Relays. Degree of protection:IP20. Flame Resistance:According to UL948 [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Device Technology: Electro-mechanical
- Standard Rating: NEMA; IEC
- AC Motor Phase: Single
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
NEMA Combination Contactor, Disconnect Type, NEMA 0, 240 Volts (A), Type 1 - Enclosure Code A"" [See More]
- NEMA Size: 0; 1
- Control Voltage: 240
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER, CONTACTOR, 27 AMP, 115 V AT 3HP, 230V AT 7-1/2HP, 460/575V AT 10HP, 3 PHASE, NEMA 1. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- AC Motor Phase: Three
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Continuous Current: 27
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
NEMA Combination Contactor, Disconnect Type, NEMA 0, 480 Volts (B), Type 1 - Enclosure Code A"" [See More]
- NEMA Size: 0; 1
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER, CONTACTOR, 600 VAC MAX, NEMA SIZE 00, 3 POLE, NEMA 1 ENCLOSURE, 230 V COIL, 60 HZ. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Motor Voltage: 600
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 3
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
NEMA Combination Contactor, Circuit Breaker Type, NEMA 0, 480/110/120 VAC - 50/60Hz (BD), Type 1 - Enclosure Code A"" [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
LIGHTING CONTACTOR PANEL, WITH NEMA 1 ENCLOSURE, ENCLOSED, MAGNETIC, 30 AMP, 2 POLES, 2 NORMALLY OPEN, 120 V, SINGLE PHASE, 60 HZ. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- AC Motor Phase: Single
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Continuous Current: 30
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
300 NEMA Contactor, NEMA Size 1, Open, 240V 60Hz, Three Poles, 1 N.O. Auxiliary Contact [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
LIGHTING CONTACTOR, 20A, 4P, NEMA 1, ELECTRICALLY HELD, ENCLOSED. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
300 NEMA Contactor, NEMA Size 1, Open, 550V 50Hz / 600V 60Hz, Three Poles, 1 N.O. Auxiliary Contact [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
CONTACTOR, 30A, 3 POLE, 208/240VAC, 50/60HZ, NEMA 1 ENCLOSURE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Number of Poles: 3
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
NEMA Contactor,Motor Loads,Top Wiring,SIZE 1,460-480V 60Hz,Type 4/4X Watertight, Corrosion-Resistant Enclosure, Stainless Steel, 3 Power Poles [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1; 4
- Number of Poles: 3
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
CONTACTOR 2POLE 30AMP 120V COIL NEMA 1 ENCLOSURE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Number of Poles: 2
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500FL NEMA Feed-Through Wiring Electrically Held Lighting Contactor ,30A, Open, 115-120V 60Hz, 2 Power Poles , 115-120V 60Hz , [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Continuous Current: 30
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 2
from Radwell International
CONTACTOR 3POLE 30AMP 120V COIL NEMA 1 ENCLOSURE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Number of Poles: 3
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
NEMA Combination Lighting Contactor, Circuit Breaker Type, 30 A, 480/110/120 VAC - 50/60Hz (BD), Type 1 - Enclosure Code A"" [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
CONTACTOR, NON REVERSING, 3 PHASE, OPEN TOP WIRE CONTACTOR, 3 POLE, NO OPTION, NEMA 1, 220 VAC @ 50 HZ / 240 VAC @ 60 HZ, 7.5 HP, OPEN TYPE, NEMA SIZE 1, NO ENCLOSURE, 1 NO, MOUNTABLE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- AC Motor Phase: Three
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Motor Voltage: 220 to 240
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
NEMA Combination Lighting Contactor, Disconnect Type, 30 A, 240 Volts (A), Type 4/4X - Enclosure Code C"" [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1; 4
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER 2010-10-28, CONTACTOR, 27 AMP, 600 VAC, NEMA AC, NEMA 1, 2 POWER POLES, OPEN, NO OPTION. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Continuous Current: 27
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Motor Voltage: 600
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500LP NEMA Top Wiring Permanent Magnetic-Latching Lighting Contactor ,30A, Open, 115-120V 60Hz, 3 Power Poles, No , 115-120V 60Hz , [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Continuous Current: 30
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 3
from Radwell International
DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER, LIGHTING CONTACTOR, 30 A, 3 POLE, NEMA 1TYPE ENCLOSURE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Number of Poles: 3
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500LP NEMA Top Wiring Permanent Magnetic-Latching Lighting Contactor ,30A, Open, 115-120V 60Hz, 3 Power Poles, No , 115-120V 60Hz , Auxiliary Contact (On Contactor) [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Continuous Current: 30
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 3
from Radwell International
CONTACTOR, 30A, 2 POLE, 120VAC, 50/60HZ, NEMA 1 ENCLOSURE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Number of Poles: 2
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500F, 500FC NEMA AC/DC Contactor,Motor Loads,Feed-Through ,SIZE 1, Open, 115-120V 60Hz, 3 Power Poles, Yes , 27 , 110/120V 50/60 Hz , [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Continuous Current: 27
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 3
from Radwell International
DEFINITE PURPOSE CONTACTOR, 30AMP, 3P, COIL24VAC, 50-60 HZ, NEMA 1 ENCLOSED. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500F, 500FC NEMA AC/DC Contactor,Motor Loads,Feed-Through ,SIZE 1, Open, 115-120V 60Hz, 3 Power Poles, Yes , 27 , 110/120V 50/60 Hz , Surge Suppressor [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
LIGHTING CONTACTOR, ELECTRICALLY HELD, A202 SERIES, 9 POLE, 30 AMP, 110/120 VAC, 50/60 HZ, NEMA 1, ENCLOSED. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Continuous Current: 30
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Motor Voltage: 120
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
NEMA Combination Contactor, Circuit Breaker Type, NEMA 3, 480/110/120 VAC - 50/60Hz (BD), Type 1 - Enclosure Code A"" [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1; 3
- Control Voltage: 120
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
CONTACTOR, ENCLOSED LIGHTING, C30CN SERIES, NON-COMBINATION, NEMA 1 ENCLOSURE, 30 AMP, 4 POLE, 110/120 V COIL, 50/60 HZ, PAINTED STEEL ENCLOSURE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Continuous Current: 30
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 4
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
NEMA Combination Contactor, Disconnect Type, NEMA 3, 480 Volts (B), Type 1 - Enclosure Code A"" [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1; 3
- Control Voltage: 480
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
LIGHTING CONTACTOR, 20AMP, 6POLE, NEMA 1, ENCLOSED, . FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Number of Poles: 6
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500, 500DC NEMA AC/DC Contactor, Motor Loads,Top Wiring ,SIZE 1,115-120V 60Hz,Open, 3 Power Poles , 27, 110/120V 50/60 Hz , , Yes, Surge Suppressor [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
LIGHTING CONTACTOR, 20A, 9P, NEMA 1, ENCLOSED, ELECTRICALLY HELD, . FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500L NEMA Enclosed Lighting Contactors, NEMA 0, Type 1 General Purpose, Painted Metal, External Reset, Door Screw Fastener, 460-480V 60Hz, 3 Power Poles, Yes , 115-120V 60Hz , HAND-OFF-AUTO Selector Switch [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Number of Poles: 3
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
CONTACTOR, ENCLOSED LIGHTING, C30CN, NONCOMBO, NEMA 1, 30AMP, 2POLE, 110V/50HZ / 120V/60HZ COIL, PAINTED STEEL ENCLOSURE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Number of Poles: 2
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
Available from RCC, NEMA Contactor,Motor Loads,Top Wiring,SIZE 3,115-120V 60Hz,Type 1 General Purpose Hinge Enclosure, 3 Power Poles [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
CONTACTOR, 600VAC, 18AMP, NEMA +OPTIONS, TYPE S, NON-REVEERSING, SIZE 0, 5 HP AT 575 VAC, 3 PHASE, UP TO 100 KA, 3 POLE, 120 VAC COIL, NEMA 1. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- AC Motor Phase: Three
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Motor Voltage: 120 to 575
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500L NEMA Enclosed Lighting Contactors, NEMA 3, Type 1 General Purpose, Painted Metal, External Reset, Door Screw Fastener, 460-480V 60Hz, 3 Power Poles, Yes , 115-120V 60Hz , Transformer, w/2 Prim & 1 Sec Fuse [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Number of Poles: 3
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
3 POLE, 110 COIL VAC AT 50 HZ AND 120 COIL VAC AT 60 HZ, 27 AMP NEMA CONTACTOR NEMA 1 ENCLOSURE, 50 HZ AT 110 VAC AND 60 HZ AT 120 VAC. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Continuous Current: 27
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Motor Voltage: 110 to 120
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500L NEMA Enclosed Lighting Contactors, NEMA 3, Type 1 General Purpose, Painted Metal, External Reset, Door Screw Fastener, 115-120V 60Hz, 3 Power Poles, Yes , 115-120V 60Hz , [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
CONTACTOR, TYPE S, MULTIPOLE LIGHTING, 8903, ELECTRICALLY HELD, 30 AMP, 3 POLE, COIL: 110/120 VAC, 50/60 HZ, NEMA 1 ENCLOSURE, W/O CONTROL UNITS, W/O PILOT LIGHT, W/O AUXILIARY CONTACTS. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Continuous Current: 30
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Motor Voltage: 120
from Radwell International
LIGHTING CONTACTOR, 600VAC, 60A, 3 POLE, 110/120 VAC, 50/60 HZ, NEMA 1, TYPE S. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Motor Voltage: 120
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 3
from Radwell International
CONTACTOR, TYPE S, MULTIPOLE LIGHTING, ELECTRICALLY HELD, 60A, 4 POLE, 110/120 VAC 50/60 HZ COIL, 600 VACAC, NEMA 1. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Motor Voltage: 120 to 600
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 4
from Radwell International
CONTACTOR, NON REVERSING, 3 PHASE, OPEN TOP WIRE CONTACTOR, 3 POWER POLES, SURGE SUPPRESSOR, NEMA 1, 110 VAC @ 50 HZ / 120 VAC @ 60 HZ, NEMA, OPEN STYLE, WITHOUT ENCLOSURE, MOUNTABLE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- AC Motor Phase: Three
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Motor Voltage: 110 to 120
from Radwell International
DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER 04/30/2010, LIGHTING CONTACTOR, NON REVERSING, FULL VOLTAGE, NEMA, AC, NON MOTOR LOADS, TOP WIRING, 30 AMP, 120 VAC COIL, WITH NEMA 1 ENCLOSURE\, MOUNTABLE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Continuous Current: 30
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Motor Voltage: 120
from CARLO GAVAZZI Automation Components
General. Four frame sizes. Motor ratings of each frame size: Up to 20, 30, 60 or 75HP. Resistive rating Up to 40, 60, 100, 160A. AC or DC coil voltage. Two connection types: Screw terminal connections are available on all frame sizes Lug terminals connections are available on 63 and 100 amp sizes. [See More]
- NEMA Size: 00; 0; 1; 2; 3
- Device Technology: Electro-mechanical
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- AC Motor Phase: Single (optional feature); Three
from Automation24, Inc.
The main contactor MC18B-30-11-BD-S-E - 1346100300 from LS ELECTRIC is offered for load switching up to 10 HP at AC-3/480 V. The Metasol main contactor MC18B-30-11-BD-S-E - 1346100300 from LS ELECTRIC operates on a control supply voltage of 24 V DC and features one normally open and one normally... [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Motor Voltage: 690
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Three Phase Power: 10
from Automation24, Inc.
The main contactor MC18B-30-11-K7-S-E - 1346000500 from LS ELECTRIC is offered for load switching up to 10 HP at AC-3/480 V. The Metasol main contactor MC18B-30-11-K7-S-E - 1346000500 from LS ELECTRIC operates on a control supply voltage of 120 V AC and features one normally open and one normally... [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Motor Voltage: 690
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Three Phase Power: 10
from Automation24, Inc.
The main contactor MC32A-30-22-BD-S-E - 1336017700 from LS ELECTRIC is offered for load switching up to 20 HP at AC-3/480 V. The Metasol main contactor MC32A-30-22-BD-S-E - 1336017700 from LS ELECTRIC operates on a control supply voltage of 24 V DC and features two normally open and two normally... [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Motor Voltage: 690
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Three Phase Power: 20
from Automation24, Inc.
The main contactor MC32A-30-22-K7-S-E - 1336012900 from LS ELECTRIC is offered for load switching up to 20 HP at AC-3/480 V. The Metasol main contactor MC32A-30-22-K7-S-E - 1336012900 from LS ELECTRIC operates on a control supply voltage of 120 V AC and features two normally open and two normally... [See More]
- NEMA Size: 1
- Motor Voltage: 690
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Three Phase Power: 20