Definite Purpose Contactors

Electric motors and motor controls are measured by two different standards: the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). 

NEMA is mostly used in North America and started out by urging manufacturers to use a standard frame size for motor control and lighting applications. Since then, it sees to it that manufacturers design components that meet safety factors and design ratings, as well as oversees the configuration and performance parameters of electrical components. IEC oversees the standards for the European electrical communities. IEC-certified components are now widely being used by companies in North America and are low cost, compact and inherently safe to the users.

Contactors are composed of a contact system, an electromagnetic system and an arc extinguishing device. They are electrically-controlled switches that are designed to connect to high-current load devices like electric motors. Contactors typically fit with normally-open contacts, so that the power to the load is shut off when the coil is de-engergized. They can control and suppress arcs produced when interrupting heavy motor currents.

Schneider Electric 8910 Definite Purpose Contactors are ideal for air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, data processing and food service equipment. Compact 1 and 2 pole contactors are available along with full size 2, 3 and 4-pole devices.