Industrial & Scientific

The Best Motor Contactors

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

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
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
  • Wide Brand Compatibility: Replaces Virtually All 1 Pole Contactors Used by Carrier - Bryant - Payne, Rheem - Ruud - Weatherking, Lennox - Armstrong - Ducane, Trane - American Standard, York - Coleman - Evcon - Luxaire, Heil - Comfortmaker - Tempstar
  • Compact Mounting Design: Mounting base measures 2-5/16 inches by 1-15/16 inches with four oblong mounting holes and four slots for flexible installation options
  • Efficient Coil Performance: 24 volt coil rated at 6 VA sealed and 31 VA inrush with double quick connect terminals for easy low voltage connections
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
  • Max.Withstand Voltage: 600 VAC
No. 3
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
  • Max.Withstand Voltage: 600 VAC
No. 4
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)
  • Repalces: Mars, furnas, Packard, Hartland controls, Abb, carrier, Goodman, Rheem
  • TECHNICIAN READY: Engineered for HVAC technicians and serious DIYers. Each contactor is 100% factory-tested.
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
  • Base assembly is made from high performance Bulk (Dough) molding compounds
No. 6
SUNLEE UL 1 Pole 40 Amp Contactor with 24V Coil for AC Air Conditioner Condenser Heat Pump Universal Fit
  • HEAVY DUTY UPGRADE: 1 pole 40 FLA and 50 Amps Resistive Load. Coil Voltage: 24 VAC. Long-lasting upgrade that safely replaces both 30A and 40A 1 Pole contactors.
  • WIDE COMPATIBILITY: Designed to fit most residential central air conditioner brands. Compatible replacement for Carrier, Bryant, Goodman, Lennox, Rheem, Trane, and other standard 1-Pole HVAC contactors with 24V coils.
  • UL CERTIFIED: UL Recognized (Industry Standard for Safety). UL File No. E508253. Rigorously tested to ensure strict adherence to US safety standards.
  • EASY INSTALLATION: Universal mounting plate and standard lug terminals and spade connectors for quick and secure wiring.
  • PREMIUM MATERIALS & DURABILITY: High-quality Silver contacts resist arcing, while the Class F 155°C coil offers superior thermal handling compared to standard Class B coils. Encased in a rugged BMC molded base to withstand heavy vibration and impact.
  • TECHNICIAN READY: Engineered for HVAC technicians and serious DIYers. Each contactor is 100% factory-tested.
No. 7
2 Pole 40 AMP Heavy Duty Enclosed AC Contactor
  • UL Listed with 2 Year Replacement Policy: Protactor certified quality with comprehensive 2 year replacement coverage for reliable performance
  • Universal Compatibility: 40 FLA Amp Rating - 2 Pole - 24 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
  • Protected Design: Enclosed Contacts and Encapsulated 24 Volt Coil for enhanced durability and protection against environmental factors
  • Versatile Connection Options: Heavy Lug Terminals and Push-Ons for High Voltage Connections providing maximum wiring flexibility
  • Wide Brand Replacement: Replaces Carrier - Bryant - Payne P282-0421, Goodman - Amana - Janitrol CONT2P035024VS, CONT2P040024V, CONT2P040024VS, B1360305, B1360325, C617001, C617003, C617005, Rheem - Ruud - Weatherking...
No. 8
24V Coil 40A 2 Pole Air Conditioner Replacement Compressor Contactor
  • AC Contactor for Air Conditioner Compressor Condenser : 2 pole;Coil Voltage: 24 VAC; Rated current: 40 Amp Full Load Amperage (FLA); Frequency: 50/60 Hz and rated for 600VAC/10HP motor loads;ac contactor applicable temperature: -40°F to...
  • Superior Quality : 2 pole contactor 24v coil stable and durable, featuring HVAC contactor optimized design with waterproof all copper terminal. high quality silver alloy contacts, longer service life;full turn coil purple copper coil, 24v Coil 40a motor...
  • Easy Installation : contactor 24v coil base has fixing screw holes for a good fixing. 2 pole 40 Amp contactor 24v coil wiring can be used with spade type terminals for easy connection. Engineered for HVAC technicians and DIYers.
  • Wide Applications: air conditioner contactor widely used in HVAC, lighting, elevators, compressors, printing presses, etc. contactor 24 Volt coil provide effective solution for circuit on/off.
  • Customer Service Support : We offer one year product quality support to our customers. Quality certified 2 poles 40 amp coil 24VAC air conditioner condenser is your good helper. If you have any questions during installation and use, please feel free to...
No. 9
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
  • Max.Withstand Voltage: 600 VAC
No. 10
120VAC Din Rail Mounted Motor Contactor (100-C23D10)
  • Rated for 23A. Used only with Rockwell 193-T1A System Overloads.
  • Din Rail Mounting: Yes - 35mm DIN Rail
  • Coil Voltage (AC): 120
  • Compact Size for Space Saving

Last update on 2026-08-30 / 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.