Hello, readers welcome to the new post. In this post, we will learn Difference Between Relay and Contactor. These two are commonly used devices in the electrical system to perform different processes like controlling other devices link to the system. Their operation is configured at the basic of power passing through these modules.
Relay is used at such circuits that operate with less value current and contactors are preferred for larger value of current. In this post, we discuss their different parameters and make their comparison. So let’s get started.
Difference Between Relay and Contactor
What is Relay
- Relay is a category of switch that operates at electricity. Its structure is such that there is some input points where inputs are provided with some terminal that is used to break and join the circuit whenever a fault occurs.
- The main connection points of this switch are the connection maker, and the break connection.
- It is preferred for such circuits where a small level of power is used and a single signal regulates the different devices.
- The first time it was employed in telephone signal transmitting wire to enhance the level of some distance.
- These switches also work in the computer and phone exchanges to do logical functions.
- It is employed where the current value is ten or less than ten amperes.
- Its purchasing prices are less than the contactor.
- In older relays, there is an electromagnet used to break the circuit while in current-level devices is automatic system is employed to break the circuit like in a solid-state relay.
- Relay is mostly used to control the overloaded conditions of the system and the relay performs this process called protective relay
- It is employed for normally closed and normally open components of the system.
What is Contactor
- It is an electrical operation that is used to control the voltage value of up to a thousand volts.
- Its input volts are normally twenty volts to thirty volts.
- These are used to make direct links to loads using a larger current than a relay.
- Such modules in a system having a current value of larger than fifteen amperes are known as contactors.
- These modules with controlling the circuit also decrease the arc generated in the circuit due to fault.
- These devices are not used to control the short circuit current that is normally controlled by the breaker.
- In the form of an ac circuit, there is a rating of contactors is some ampers to thousands of ampers, and in the form of a dc circuit, there is a rating from twenty Volts DC to Kilovolts.
- These switches are employed in the motor heating process and capacitor banks.
- There are three main terminals of this switch. The first one is power, the second one is auxiliary and the third one is spring.
- There is an electromagnet is used to make connections during faults.
Can I use a contactor in place of a relay?
- Realy and contractors look alike but they aren’t used as replacements for each other since have different load features. Realy used for applications where low current is used and contactors are used for high current applications.
What are the benifits of relay over contactor?
- Solid-state relays provide higher efficiency than mechanical contactors. Mechanical contactors have high power losses due to contact resistance and heat dissipation for switching functions.
What is the purpose of a contactor?
- The contactors are used in circuits as switches for on and off circuits. Electrical contactors are sub-types of electromagnetic switches that are called relays. The relay is electrical switching that opens or closes contacts with use of electromagnetic coils.
What is the basic difference between a relay and a contactor?
- The basic difference between relay and contractor is load capacity. A contactor is made to work for high current applications, such as more than 15 ampers, and relays are best for low to medium current circuits normally less than 15 ampers.
What are the applications of contactors and relays?
- Contactors are used for high-power circuits like machines, larger rating motors, and HVAC systems. Relay used for controlling systems, low power using circuits, and automation, and has a feature for separating control circuits to load circuits.
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