Get to Know About the Applications and Attributes of Contactor

Allowing or preventing power to the unit, the air conditioner contactor on your A/C unit is a switch basically. To pass through to the functioning parts of the condenser like the compressor and motor, it sits at the contactor waiting while there is always power at the unit.

The contactor, like all switches, is like a drawbridge. Until the bridge is closed, nothing can pass. Of course to make the unit come on like you do a light, you don’t have to flip this switch by going out and but nonetheless just a fancier version of one, it’s a switch.

From your thermostat, Starting or stopping your compressor after a small signal is received. Much like the ignition circuit of your car, the contactor in your air conditioner is a small electrical relay.

Contactors Attributes

To operate in a normally open condition, these devices are designed which means when it’s de-energized, there’s no connection. Spring-loaded contacts are used in better contactors to ensure the circuit is broken when it’s de-energized.

Arc suppression is offered by rheem air conditioner contactor and to interrupt the circuit if a current exceeds a pre-selected threshold for a prescribed time period, they incorporate overload protocols. Contactors also require an additional power supply for excitation and based upon the amp ratings of the load they’re deployed to manage.

Applications of Contactor

While relays should be reserved for single phase, Three-phase applications call for contactor. This is because connecting to a neutral position, a relay only has a common contact. Conversely without a common circuit between them, a contactor joins two poles. Contactors are good for situations up to 1000 volts, while relays are fine in situations up to 250 volts AC.

Considering the function you’re asking the component to serve in your system is also crucial. In situations in which an overload could happen, Contactors excel. The system and people will be in danger by failing to de-energize the circuit. This protection can’t be offered by relays. However, specifying relays will reduce costs for low-power applications where a contactor added margin of safety isn’t warranted.

Thus to switch slighting systems, capacitors and high-current motors, contactors are typically used. With auxiliary contacts, Contactors can also be fitted to give them the capability of operating in a normally closed condition. Regardless of whether the contactor’s coils are de-energized or energized, switching can occur in this configuration.

Conclusion

As we mentioned above, any high-powered circuit in which an overload condition is likely to occur is the primary situation in which you’ll want to use a contactor. If a hazardous environment for people and/or equipment is left leaving the circuit in an energized state subsequently, this is particularly true.

On the other hand, a goodman ac contactor is likely to be overkill in situations in which you only need the capability of switching low power. Going with a relay is going to be just fine in those instances. Ultimately though based upon the circumstances, you’ll have to make the budget and the call the nature of the installation.