Industrial & Scientific

The Best Motor Contactors

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Motor contactors are crucial components in electrical control systems, responsible for switching power to motors on and off. Selecting the correct one ensures safe operation, prevents damage to equipment, and optimizes energy efficiency. Understanding key features and specifications is essential for making an informed purchase.

No. 1
BOJACK 1 Poles FLA 30 Amp Coil 24 VAC Air Conditioner Condenser Compressor Contactor AC Definite Purpose...
  • Production Name: AC Contacto
  • Poles: 1 P
  • Rated Current: FLA 30 Amp
  • Coil Voltage:24 VAC
No. 2
BOJACK 1 Poles FLA 40 Amp Coil 24 VAC Air Conditioner Condenser Compressor Contactor AC Definite Purpose...
  • Production Name: AC Contacto
  • Poles: 1 P
  • Rated Current: FLA 40 Amp
  • Coil Voltage:24 VAC
No. 3
1 Pole 40 AMP Heavy Duty Enclosed AC Contactor
  • UL Listed with Reliable Protection: Comes with a 2 Year Replacement Policy for added peace of mind
  • Universal Compatibility: 40 FLA Amp Rating - 1 Pole With Shunt - 24 Volt Coil. Replaces Most 1 Pole Contactors Rated at 20 Amps, 25 Amps, 30 Amps, 35 Amps, or 40 Amps on Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
  • Durable Construction: Enclosed Contacts and Encapsulated 24 Volt Coil protect against insects and debris while ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Versatile Connection Options: Heavy Lug Terminals and Push-Ons for High Voltage Connections provide maximum wiring flexibility with multiple terminal configurations
No. 4
BOJACK 2 Poles FLA 30 Amp Coil 24 VAC Air Conditioner Condenser Compressor Contactor Motor Definite Purpose AC...
  • Production Name: AC Contacto
  • Poles: 2 P
  • Rated Current: FLA 30 Amp
  • Coil Voltage:24 VAC
No. 5
SunLee 3 Pole 40 Amp contactor 120V coil UL DP Contactor HVAC Contactor A2L Compliant 42CF35AF equivalent
  • 3 pole 40 amp 120Volt coil
  • UL 508/UL 60947-4-1
  • Silver Cadmium Oxide Contacts
  • Coils have class F insulation
No. 6
SunLee 2 Pole 40 Amp contactor 120v Coil UL 2 Pole Lighting Load 50 AMP Contactor Equivalent to 42CF15AF for...
  • 2 Poles 40 Amp 120Volt coil
  • 40 FLA Amp Rating - 2 Pole - 120 Volt Coil. Replaces Most 2 Pole Contactors Rated at 20 Amps, 25 Amps, 30 Amps, 35 Amps, or 40 Amps on Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
  • Class F 155°C coil insulation more thermal headroom (Superior to most other brands that only use Class B 130°C).
  • Bulk molding compound (BMC) provides strong mechanical strength and electrical insulation to withstand heat, vibration and impact. (Stronger than bakelite)
No. 7
BOJACK 2 Poles FLA 40 Amp Coil 24 VAC Air Conditioner Condenser Compressor Contactor AC Definite Purpose...
  • Production Name: AC Contacto
  • Poles: 2 P
  • Rated Current: FLA 40 Amp
  • Coil Voltage:24 VAC
No. 8
SUNLEE 3 Pole 40 Amp contactor 240V coil UL Recognized A2L Compliant OEM fits Siemens 42CF35AG equivalent DP...
  • 3 Pole 40 Amp 240Volt coil
  • UL 508/UL 60947-4-1
  • Silver Cadmium Oxide Contacts
  • Coils have class F insulation
No. 9
BOJACK 2 Poles FLA 30 Amp Coil 120 VAC Air Conditioner Condenser Compressor Contactor Motor Definite Purpose...
  • Production Name: AC Contacto
  • Poles: 2 P
  • Rated Current: FLA 30 Amp
  • Coil Voltage:120 VAC
SaleNo. 10
Dreyoo 1 Pcs 24V Coil 40A 2 Pole Air Conditioner Contactor HVAC Contactor
  • Reliable Performance:Engineered with 24V coil 2 pole technology, the Dreyoo Air Conditioner Contactor delivers 40A Full Load Amperage (FLA) and 50A Resistive Load (RES) capacity, meeting UL508 standards. The hermetically sealed coil encapsulation prevents...
  • Industrial Workmanship Durability: Featuring HVAC contactor optimized design with dust/water resistance and vibration proof terminals. Coils wrapped in Class B insulation (130°C thermal limit) pass 100,000+ operations at 6x/hour cycling. Tested to...
  • Compatibility: Compatible with Mars 17421 and Cutler Hammer C25BNB240T. Includes dual rated copper/aluminum lugs (M4-M6 screws) and 1/4" quick connect terminals. Certified for HVACR systems, commercial elevators, and food processing equipment
  • Wide Applications: Deploys in hospital chillers, data center CRAC units, supermarket freezer racks (-30°F), and agricultural irrigation pumps. Meets motor protection requirements with built in arc chutes and overload reset capability. 0.15s response time...

Last update on 2026-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Motor Contactors

Understanding Motor Contactor Basics

A motor contactor is essentially a heavy-duty electromagnetic switch designed to handle high electrical loads. It consists of a coil that, when energized, creates a magnetic field to close or open contacts, thereby controlling the flow of power to a motor. They are rated based on their electrical capacity, including voltage and amperage, and are designed for frequent switching operations.

Key Specifications to Consider

  • Voltage Rating: Ensure the contactor's voltage rating matches or exceeds your motor's operating voltage (e.g., 120V, 240V, 480V).
  • Amperage Rating: This is critical and should be higher than the motor's full load amperage (FLA) to prevent overheating and failure. A general rule is to select a rating at least 125% of the motor's FLA.
  • Poles: Most motors use three-phase power, requiring a 3-pole contactor. Single-phase motors might use a 2-pole contactor.
  • Control Voltage: This is the voltage required to energize the contactor's coil. Common control voltages are 24V AC, 120V AC, or 240V AC.
  • AC-3/AC-4 Rating: These ratings indicate the contactor's suitability for specific motor load types. AC-3 is for starting squirrel cage motors, while AC-4 is for starting and stopping frequently.

Additional Features and Considerations

Beyond the core specifications, consider auxiliary contacts. These are smaller contacts that can be used for signaling purposes, such as indicating the contactor's state (on/off) to a control system or interlocking with other components. Mounting options (DIN rail, panel mount) and environmental protection (IP rating) are also important depending on the installation location.

Comparison Tips

When comparing different models, prioritize safety and reliability. Look for reputable brands known for their durability and performance in industrial settings. Check for certifications like UL or CE, which indicate compliance with safety standards. Read user reviews to gauge real-world performance and identify any common issues. Ensure the physical dimensions fit your control panel space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a contactor and a relay?
While both are electrically operated switches, contactors are designed for higher power applications like motor control, whereas relays are typically used for lower power control circuits. Contactors have a more robust construction to handle the high inrush current of motors.
How do I determine the correct amperage rating for my motor?
You need to find your motor's Full Load Amperage (FLA) rating, usually listed on the motor's nameplate. Select a contactor with an amperage rating at least 125% of the motor's FLA to account for starting current and ensure longevity.
What does the AC-3 rating mean?
The AC-3 rating signifies that the contactor is suitable for starting squirrel-cage motors and for stopping them during normal operation. It accounts for the higher current drawn when a motor starts.
Can I use a DC-rated contactor for an AC motor?
No, you should not. AC and DC contactors are designed differently to handle the characteristics of their respective current types. Using the wrong type can lead to malfunction or failure.
What is a 'normally open' (NO) auxiliary contact?
A normally open auxiliary contact is a secondary contact that is open when the main contactor coil is de-energized. It closes when the coil is energized, allowing a control signal to pass through.
How important is the control voltage?
The control voltage is crucial as it's the power supply for the contactor's coil. Ensure it matches your control system's output voltage to ensure the contactor can be properly energized and de-energized.

How we compare Industrial & Scientific

1 Specifications: we compare the key features and specifications listed by the manufacturer and on Amazon.
2 Customer ratings: we take into account the average Amazon rating and the number of reviews.
3 Price: we check the current price and highlight notable deals.
4 Updates: comparisons are refreshed regularly as prices and availability change.

Our comparisons are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect the latest products and prices.

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