Wednesday, 7 November 2012

About Using Relays And Contactors

By Madeline Finch


Large power circuits are usually switched off by use of switches which are referred to as contactors. These electrical devices are mainly found useful in large manufacturing firms since this is the place where the rate of current is very high. There are two devices which have proved to be confusing which are a relay and a contactor. The two share the same purpose but a relay involves lower ratings compared to a contactor.

You find them in manufacturing industries since this is the place where you find control electric motors and other high electrical circuits. The gadget may be made of different components such as the contact spring, power contacts and auxiliary contacts. The auxiliary contact provide a loop through which other attachments are fixed, power is gained via the power points and the contact springs provide a meeting place for the contactors.

Unlike relays where in case of breakdown they may be replaced, these gadgets are repaired. As stated it is used to control high power voltage like in electrical motors, heating, lighting, pumping, air conditioning, lifting equipment and many electrical loads. Motor contactors can also be used on cars, air conditioning units, generators and countless of other devices.

The devices are of great use in retail buildings and large offices which have huge electrical installations. It should be made of heavy wires that are able to withstand the high electrical power load without any risk of damage. A technician should be the one to install the gadget since he / she has the required knowledge about the safety and precaution measures to be put in place.

As already mentioned they are likely to be found in big firms where control power circuits are of much significance. Contactors are a bit slow doe to their work load. They regulate and manage large volumes of power. They have the capability to reduce the arc produced when large bouts of currents are interrupted. They are also costly when compared to relays which are way cheaper and faster.

This devices allow centralized control of machines in a manufacturing firm. It would be tedious to control different machines separately. It splits and plays a role in creating a circuit but it does not break it as it is mistakenly understood. A time clock may be used to control large power load if the user so desires.

The market has two categories of these devices. They are: definite purpose and general purpose contactors. The general purpose is more popular as it may be used with difference devices. The definite purpose can only work with specific devices of which the contactor is customized for. It is not a situation of one size fit all.

Now their can be a conclusion that contactors can be classified as relays which are employed for the purpose of switching power. As discussed they do not interrupt the current in the circuit as it happens in a circuit breaker. If you are interested you will find different sizes of these devices with different rates. The rates are determined by the poles and the ability to bear current. You may search the internet for more details.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment