NEMA Rated Motor Contactors
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
NEMA rated motor contactors are devices used to control the power supply to electric motors. They function as protection devices, ensuring that motors operate safely by managing the electrical current flow. These 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
NEMA rated motor contactors operate by using an electromagnetic coil to open or close a set of contacts, thereby controlling the flow of electricity to the motor. When the coil is energized, it creates a magnetic field that pulls the contacts together, allowing current to pass through and power the motor. Conversely, when the coil is de-energized, the magnetic field dissipates, and the contacts open, cutting off the power supply. This mechanism is crucial for protecting motors from overload conditions and ensuring they do not draw excessive current during startup.
Applications
NEMA rated motor contactors are commonly used in industrial settings where robust and reliable motor control is required. Specific applications include controlling large industrial motors in manufacturing plants, operating pumps in water treatment facilities, and managing HVAC systems in commercial buildings. Their ability to handle high power loads makes them suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Advantages over other Motor Contactors
One of the primary advantages of NEMA rated motor contactors is their ability to operate at all amperages up to and including the design maximum, based on expected horsepower and voltage. This flexibility makes them a preferred choice in applications where technicians frequently troubleshoot and repair panels, as they can reduce both repair costs and downtime .
Limitations
NEMA rated motor contactors may not be the best choice for all applications. They can be more expensive than IEC contactors, which are often selected based on specific application parameters such as volts, amps, and control voltage . Additionally, NEMA contactors may be bulkier, which could be a limitation in space-constrained environments.
Considerations
When selecting NEMA rated motor contactors, it is important to consider factors such as initial costs, operating expenses, and durability. While they may have higher upfront costs compared to other types of contactors, their robustness and reliability can lead to lower maintenance and replacement costs over time. Additionally, their ability to handle high power loads with accuracy makes them a durable choice for demanding applications. However, potential users should weigh these benefits against the specific needs and constraints of their application to ensure the most cost-effective and efficient solution.
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]
- Standard Rating: NEMA; IEC
- AC Motor Phase: Single; Three
- Device Technology: Electro-mechanical
- NEMA Size: 1; 3 (optional feature)
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
281 Safety Reversing Starter, NEMA Type 4/IP67 Enclosure, DeviceNet, 12 A Safety Contactor w/ 24V DC Control Voltage, 10 A Rated Device - Motor Circuit Protector, 0.5-2.5 A Overload Relay, , Conduit Entrance with Motor Cable Supplied [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- NEMA Size: 4
from Radwell International
AUXILIARY CONTACT,SIDE MOUNTED,1 NC,FOR NEMA SIZE 6 CONTACTOR, OPEN STYLE, MOUNTABLE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
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]
- Standard Rating: NEMA; IEC
- AC Motor Phase: Single
- Device Technology: Electro-mechanical
- NEMA Size: 1
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
284D ArmorStart Safety Distributed Motor Starter, NEMA Type 4/IP67 Enclosure, DeviceNet, 25 A Rated Device - Motor Circuit Protector, Conduit Entrance with Motor Cable Supplied, [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- NEMA Size: 4
from Radwell International
AUXILIARY CONTACT, KIT, FOR CONTACTOR OR STARTER, NEMA, OPEN STLE, MOUNTABLE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500L NEMA Top Wiring Electically Held Lighting Contactor, NEMA 3, Open, 230-240V 60Hz, 4 Power Poles ,100A , 230-240V 60Hz , , [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 4
from Radwell International
AUXILIARY CONTACT, FREEDOM SERIES, TOP MOUNTED, 1-NO, USED W/ NEMA SIZE 00-2 STARTERS & CONTACTORS. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500L NEMA Top Wiring Electically Held Lighting Contactor, NEMA 3, Open, 460-480V 60Hz, 2 Power Poles ,100A , 460-480V 60Hz , , [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
AUXILIARY CONTACT, 600 VAC, 10 AMP, 50/60 HZ, SIZE 0-5, 2 NC, FOR 500 LINE CONTACTORS AND STARTERS, NEMA/EEMAC. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Motor Voltage: 600
- Continuous Current: 10
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
100L IEC Electrically Held Lighting Contactor, IP66 (Type 3/4/12) w/ Hinged Cover, , 8 Pole, 220V 50Hz / 240V 60Hz [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA; IEC
- Continuous Current: 20
- NEMA Size: 3
- Number of Poles: 8
from Radwell International
CONTACTOR, AUX CONTACT KIT, 600 VAC, 5 AMP, NEMA B600, USE WITH 8910 DPA CONTACTOR. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Motor Voltage: 600
- Continuous Current: 5
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
100L IEC Electrically Held Lighting Contactor, IP66 (Type 3/4/12) w/ Hinged Cover, , 12 Pole, 110V 50Hz / 120V 60Hz [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA; IEC
- Continuous Current: 20
- NEMA Size: 3
- Number of Poles: 12
from Radwell International
AUXILIARY CONTACT, FOR STARTER CONTACTOR, 1 NORMALLY OPEN, 1 NORMALLY CLOSED, FOR NEMA SIZE 6 & 7, FOR 500 LINE CONTACTORS AND STARTERS, BLACK, OPEN STYLE, MOUNTABLE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
598 Contactor/Starter Replacement Enclosures, Hinge, 3R/4/12, 50 Inches x 22 Inches x 11 Inches [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
AIR BREAK (NEMA) CONTACTOR, KTM-10 N.O. AUX. KIT, TM 2 KITS, 56310. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
Renewal Parts For NEMA Starters, 220 - 230 50Hz / 230 - 240V 50Hz/60Hz Coil [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
AIR BREAK (NEMA) CONTACTORS, KTM-11 N.C. AUX. KIT, TM 2 KITS, 56311. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500L NEMA Top Wiring Electically Held Lighting Contactor, NEMA 1, Open, 230-240V 60Hz, 3 Power Poles ,30A , 230-240V 60Hz , , [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER, COPPER POWER CONTACT TIP KIT, FOR CLASS 7004 TYPE M CONTACTOR, SINGLE POLE, NEMA SIZE 5. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500LG AC Electrically-Held Lighting Contactors, 0 N.O. Contacts, 2 N.C. Contacts, 115...120V AC 60 Hz/110V AC 50 Hz, Open [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
CONTACT KIT, FOR A200 SERIES CONTACTORS & STARTERS, NEMA SIZE 3, 90 AMP RATED, 3 POLES. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 3
- Continuous Current: 90
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500LG AC Electrically-Held Lighting Contactors, 0 N.O. Contacts, 2 N.C. Contacts, 277V AC 60 Hz/240V AC 50 Hz, Open [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
CONTACT KIT, RENEWAL SET, 90 MM CONTACTROS, 160 AMP, SIZE 3, FREEDOM SERIES NEMA CONTACTORS AND STARTERS, 3 POLE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 3
- Continuous Current: 160
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500LG AC Mechanically-Held Lighting Contactors, 12 N.O. Contacts, 0 N.C. Contacts, 277V AC 60 Hz/240V AC 50 Hz, Open [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
CONTACT KIT, NEMA SIZE 4, 3 POLE, LINE CONTACTORS. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 3
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500LG AC Electrically-Held Lighting Contactors, 2 N.O. Contacts, 0 N.C. Contacts, 115...120V AC 60 Hz/110V AC 50 Hz, Open [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Radwell International
NEMA CONTACTOR, PARTS CONTACTOR, AUXILIARY CONTACT BLOCK, SIZE 7 CONTACTOR. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
300 NEMA Contactor, NEMA Size 0, Open, 240V 60Hz, Three Poles, 1 N.O. Auxiliary Contact [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- NEMA Size: 0
from Radwell International
CONTACT KIT, 546A SERIES, 18 AMPS, 600 VOLTS, 4 POLES, FOR MAGNETIC CONTACTORS/STARTERS, NEMA 0, COMPATIBLE WITH: CR305B002/CR305C002/CR306B002. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 4
- Continuous Current: 18
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
300 NEMA Contactor, NEMA Size 0, Open, 550V 50Hz / 600V 60Hz, Three Poles, 1 N.O. Auxiliary Contact [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- NEMA Size: 0
from Radwell International
DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER, CONTACT KIT, 3 POLE KIT, USED W/ CR2910 AND CR7006 MAGNETICS CONTACTORS & MOTOR STARTERS, NEMA SIZE 4, RATED FOR 600 V MAX.. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 3
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
NEMA Combination Contactor, Circuit Breaker Type, NEMA 0, 480 Volts (B), Type 1 - Enclosure Code A"" [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Control Voltage: 120
- NEMA Size: 0; 1
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]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Continuous Current: 36
- NEMA Size: 1
- Number of Poles: 1
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
NEMA Combination Contactor, Disconnect Type, NEMA 0, 240 Volts (A), Type 1 - Enclosure Code A"" [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Control Voltage: 240
- NEMA Size: 0; 1
from Radwell International
DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER, CONTACT KIT, 3POLE, NEMA, SIZE1 FOR CONTACTOR/STARTER. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 3
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
NEMA Combination Contactor, Disconnect Type, NEMA 0, 480 Volts (B), Type 1 - Enclosure Code A"" [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- NEMA Size: 0; 1
from Radwell International
CONTACT KIT, 3-POLE, FOR CONTACTOR/STARTER, NEMA 3, FOR TYPE S, REPLACEMTN CONTACT KIT, 100 AMP. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Continuous Current: 100
- NEMA Size: 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]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- NEMA Size: 1
from Radwell International
CONTACT KIT, 1 POLE, NEMA, SIZE 6, FOR CONTACTOR/STARTER, MOUNTABLE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Number of Poles: 1
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500FL NEMA Feed-Through Wiring Electrically Held Lighting Contactor ,20A, Open, 230-240V 60Hz, 2 Power Poles , 230-240V 60Hz , [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Continuous Current: 15
- NEMA Size: 0
- Number of Poles: 2
from Radwell International
POWER POLE ADDER KIT, 1NO, NEMA 3, FOR STARTER OR CONTACTOR. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- NEMA Size: 3
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500FL NEMA Feed-Through Wiring Electrically Held Lighting Contactor ,20A, Open, 115-120V 60Hz, 2 Power Poles , 115-120V 60Hz , [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Continuous Current: 15
- NEMA Size: 0
- Number of Poles: 2
from Radwell International
NEMA, CONTACTOR PARTS, ASSESSORY, KIT. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
NEMA Combination Lighting Contactor, Circuit Breaker Type, 15 A Tungsten/ 20 A General, 480 Volts (B), Type 4/4X - Enclosure Code C"" [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- NEMA Size: 4
from Radwell International
CONTACTOR, INSIDE NEMA TYPE 1 ENCLOSURE, 600 VAC, 27 AMP MAX. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Motor Voltage: 600
- Continuous Current: 27
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
NEMA Combination Lighting Contactor, Disconnect Type, 15 A Tungsten/ 20 A General, 480 Volts (B), Type 3R/4/12 - Enclosure Code F"" [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- NEMA Size: 3
from Radwell International
LIGHTING CONTACTOR, NON REVERSABLE, NEMA, SIZE 0, 15/20 AMP, 3 POLE, 24 V 60 HZ, NON COMBINATION , FULL VOLTAGE, IEC, OPEN STYLE, DIN RAIL MOUNTABLE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA; IEC
- Number of Poles: 3
- Continuous Current: 20
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500LP NEMA Top Wiring Permanent Magnetic-Latching Lighting Contactor ,20A, Open, 115-120V 60Hz, 3 Power Poles, No , 115-120V 60Hz , [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Continuous Current: 15
- NEMA Size: 0
- Number of Poles: 3
from Radwell International
DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER 10/29/2010, CONTACTOR, NON REVERSING, 600V AC MAX, 18 AMP MAX, SIZE 0, 3 POWER POLE, OPEN, 5 HP, 460-480V 60HZ, COMMON CONTROL, FULL VOLTAGE, 3 PHASE, NEMA, NON COMBINATION, OPEN STYLE, MOUNTABLE. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Continuous Current: 18
- AC Motor Phase: Three
from Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
500LP NEMA Top Wiring Permanent Magnetic-Latching Lighting Contactor ,20A, Open, 115-120V 60Hz, 3 Power Poles, No , 115-120V 60Hz , Auxiliary Contact (On Contactor) [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Continuous Current: 15
- NEMA Size: 0
- Number of Poles: 3
from Radwell International
CONTACTOR, NEMA SIZE 0, THREE PHASE, OPEN TOP WIRE CONTACTOR, 3 POWER POLES, AUXILIARY CONTACT 1NO/1NC, COIL 110V 50HZ / 120V 60HZ. FREE 2 YEAR RADWELL WARRANTY [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- AC Motor Phase: Three
from Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.
We offer a complete line up of Motor Controllers to 800A in size. Products are UL and CSA approved as well as meeting the standards of all major markets around the world. A full range of options and accessories are also available. Mitsubishi contactors have been tested with the WS series circuit... [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA; IEC
- AC Motor Phase: Single (optional feature); Three (optional feature)
- Device Technology: Solid State
- Continuous Current: 35 to 800
from Automation24, Inc.
The main contactor MC12B-30-11-K7-S-E - 1345000500 from LS ELECTRIC is offered for load switching up to 7.5 HP at AC-3/480 V. The Metasol main contactor MC12B-30-11-K7-S-E - 1345000500 from LS ELECTRIC operates on a control supply voltage of 120 V AC and features one normally open and one normally... [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Motor Voltage: 690
- NEMA Size: 00
- Three Phase Power: 7.5
from CARLO GAVAZZI Automation Components
General. Compact size with powerful performance. Approx. 2 ¼ cubic inches (55 cubic mm). One frame size for three current ratings. Up to 7.5HP motor rating. Up to 20A resistive rating. AC or DC control voltage. Four connection types (shown in the picture above). Standards. cUL, CE and RoHS... [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- AC Motor Phase: Single (optional feature); Three
- Device Technology: Electro-mechanical
- NEMA Size: 00
from Schneider Electric
NEMA Contactors and Overload Relays. Available in NEMA size 00-7. Available with current ratings up to 30A. UL Listed short-circuit ratings up to 100,000 A. Combining NEMA robustness and IEC compactness. Application Flexibility with a Single Part Number [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Continuous Current: 30 to 100000
- Device Technology: Electro-mechanical
from Automation24, Inc.
The main contactor MC12B-30-11-BD-S-E - 1345100300 from LS ELECTRIC is offered for load switching up to 7.5 HP at AC-3/480 V. The Metasol main contactor MC12B-30-11-BD-S-E - 1345100300 from LS ELECTRIC operates on a control supply voltage of 24 V DC and features one normally open and one normally... [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Motor Voltage: 690
- NEMA Size: 00
- Three Phase Power: 7.5
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]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- AC Motor Phase: Single (optional feature); Three
- Device Technology: Electro-mechanical
- NEMA Size: 00; 0; 1; 2; 3
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]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Motor Voltage: 690
- NEMA Size: 1
- Three Phase Power: 20
from CARLO GAVAZZI Automation Components
Carlo Gavazzi offers a complete range of Contactors and Overloads for switching currents up to 900 Amps (600 HP @ 480 VAC). All contactors are available with a wide selection of coil voltages and come standard with built-in auxiliary outputs. Interlock and wiring kits are available to turn 2... [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- AC Motor Phase: Single (optional feature); Three
- Device Technology: Electro-mechanical
- NEMA Size: 3; 4; 5; 6; 7
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]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Motor Voltage: 690
- NEMA Size: 1
- Three Phase Power: 20
from Automation24, Inc.
The compact main contactor 3RT20181AK610UA0 from Siemens is offered for the performance range up to 5 HP at AC-3/480 V. The SIRIUS power contactor 3RT20181AK610UA0 from Siemens uses a control supply voltage of 120 V AC and features one NO contact as auxiliary contacts as well as a practical... [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Three Phase Power: 5
- Motor Voltage: 690
- Control Voltage: 120
from Automation24, Inc.
The compact main contactor 3RT20271AK600UA0 from Siemens is offered for the performance range up to 10 HP at AC-3/480 V. The SIRIUS power contactor 3RT20271AK600UA0 from Siemens uses a control supply voltage of 120 V AC and features one NO + 1 NC contact as auxiliary contacts as well as a practical... [See More]
- Standard Rating: NEMA
- Three Phase Power: 10
- Motor Voltage: 690
- Control Voltage: 120