The Contactor Device and its Role in Energy Efficiency Control

The Contactor Device and Its Role in Energy Efficiency Control
Saw automation & electrical parts
The contactor device is a key tool in controlling high-voltage electrical circuits and plays an important role in maintaining operational efficiency. Today, we will learn about the mechanism of this device, its effectiveness in controlling energy efficiency and sustainability, and how to choose the most suitable type.

What is a contactor device?
A contactor device is an electrical device used to control electrical draw through motor operation, reversal, speed regulation, and reduction. There are many types of contactor devices that differ in their working mechanism, each with its own advantages.

We can also define it as an automatic switch that performs the task of connecting or disconnecting the electrical circuit, similar to the function of a relay. It consists of a set of points, with the main point related to the power circuit, while the other points are related to the control circuit.

How the contactor works
Before understanding how the contactor device works, we will discuss its main components. It may consist of main and auxiliary contact points. The main contact points are those connected to the power circuit and are responsible for connecting or disconnecting the current. They are known to be more resistant to current strength.

The auxiliary contact points, also known as assistive points, are those connected to the control circuit. They are known to be weaker than the main points in withstanding electrical current intensity. Usually, the main contact points are open, while the auxiliary ones can be open or closed.

As for how the contactor works, the mechanism of the contactor device involves the interaction of the control circuit with the electrical current reaching it through the coil. This causes the creation of a magnetic field that moves the movable core carrying the contact points towards the fixed core.

Thus, all contact points’ positions are changed, with closed points becoming open and open points becoming closed. This state continues until the electrical current to the coil is cut off, resulting in the restoration of the normal state of the contact points.

Uses of the contactor
The main purpose of using a contactor device is to disconnect or connect the electrical power source to devices and equipment. It is a device used to operate high electrical loads, depending on the state of the control circuit, and has many different uses.

Among the most prominent uses of the contactor are:

• Stopping or operating various types of electric motors.

• Controlling cooling and air conditioning systems.

• Disconnecting or connecting electric heaters.

• Turning lighting units on or off.

• Controlling renewable energy applications.

• It is also used in automatic and manual operation circuits between two different sources.

What are the functions of the contactor in controlling energy efficiency?
The contactor device plays a tangible role in controlling and rationalizing energy efficiency. It has been proven that the contactor’s functionality is not limited to just turning the electric current on or off, but it has been shown to contribute to reducing consumption by up to 90% of the consumption cost of industrial motors.

Moreover, the contactor also plays an important role in reducing the occurrence of malfunctions, especially when used in conjunction with overload relays. This ensures efficient operational processes, thus reducing energy waste and maintaining its efficiency.

It also contributes to reducing harmful environmental effects by working to reduce carbon emissions by up to 30%, which helps protect the environment from carbon emissions and contributes to achieving international sustainability goals.

The functionality of the contactor in controlling the energy efficiency of equipment and devices is prominent when choosing the appropriate contactor according to the purpose of use. We will later explain how to choose the appropriate type of contactor and what should be considered when choosing.

Types of contactors
There are many types of contactors, and we can classify them according to the purpose of use, as follows:

Power contactor

This type of contactor device is suitable for operating high-capacity loads that carry more than one voltage: the load drive voltage and the other voltage related to operation or granting the necessary engagement. It consists of a strong main contact point and is used in industrial motors, heavy equipment, and power transformers.

Control contactor

As for the control contactor, it consists of several auxiliary contact points and is commonly used in control circuits for medium voltage breakers. There are contactors for controlling lighting systems, controlling the operation of electric motors, and controlling electric heating elements.

How to choose the appropriate contactor

Given the many types of contactor devices, some may wonder how to choose the appropriate contactor. The size of the electric current must be considered when choosing the appropriate contactor, ensuring that the contactor current is higher than the motor current.

It is recommended to choose a contactor with a current equal to 1.5 to 2 times the motor current to ensure better operation and a better lifespan for the contactor. You can approximately calculate the motor power by multiplying the motor power in kilowatts by 2, or in horsepower by 1.5.

It is best to rely on choosing a contactor from a reliable brand to ensure better performance and lifespan, with the availability of reliable maintenance and spare parts from the manufacturer. This way, we can find the most suitable contactor device for you.

The difference between a contactor and a circuit breaker
After discussing the contactor device, we will address the difference between a contactor and an electrical circuit breaker. Some may think that both provide the same functions, but there are many fundamental differences between them, which we can summarize as follows:

Functions

As we explained above, the function of the contactor is to control stopping or operation, while the function of the circuit breaker is mainly to disconnect the electrical current from devices in case of a malfunction or overload. This means that the contactor works under normal conditions, while the circuit breaker works under emergency conditions and risks.

Working mechanism

The mechanism of the circuit breaker involves a switch with a metal piece. If the electrical current load increases, this metal piece becomes extremely hot until it reaches the point of bending, then it presses on the switch, causing the electrical current flow to stop.

As for the contactor mechanism, the contact points work through interaction with the electrical coil arm. When the coil is powered with electricity, a magnetic field is produced that causes the arm to lift upwards to operate the points, and when the current is disconnected, it is attracted downwards, and these points close.

Uses

The uses of contactors are broader than electrical circuit breakers; they are used to control the operation or stopping of electric motors and power circuits, while circuit breakers are used to protect electrical circuits.

Lifespan

Contactors have a longer lifespan than circuit breakers and may not need frequent maintenance, unlike circuit breakers, which may need periodic maintenance to verify their safety and the absence of any malfunctions that need repair to ensure smooth operation.

The contactor device plays a tangible role in maintaining the safety of electrical systems and controlling energy efficiency. There are many different types available in the current market. You can choose the most suitable type for you according to the purpose of use, taking into account the brand and financial budget.