Contactors & Switches

A contactor is an electrically-activated switch (relay) allowing a low power circuit to control a high power circuit, such as a 12-volt electromagnetic coil controlling a 96-volt motor controller circuit.

Contactors are relays with heavy duty contacts typically rated for high maximum voltage and current. Standard relays are smaller with lower current limits.

Motor controllers have specific contactor requirements based on the coil and power circuit specifications. For instance, different controllers may use 12, 24 or 48 volt coils to close the contactor. FAQ