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AC Contactors
AC Contactors
Explore CNC Electric contactors for motor starting, industrial automation, HVAC systems, power distribution, and other demanding switching applications.
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Complete AC Contactor Solutions for Motor and Industrial Control

CNC Electric supplies a comprehensive range of AC contactors for motor starting, remote circuit switching, industrial automation, HVAC equipment, power distribution, and other electrical control applications. The available range includes compact motor contactors, 3-pole and 4-pole contactors, air-conditioning contactors, mechanically interlocked contactors, high-current contactors, capacitor switching contactors, DC-operated contactors, and vacuum contactors.

Depending on the series and utilization category, CNC contactors cover operating currents from compact control applications up to 1250 A, with models available for circuits up to 1140 V. Selected contactors can be combined with thermal overload relays and auxiliary devices to build magnetic starters, reversing starters, star-delta starters, and other motor control solutions.

Important: A contactor should be selected according to its rated operational current and utilization category at the actual operating voltage—not only by the maximum current printed on the product.

CNC Contactor Types and Applications

Contactor TypeMain FunctionTypical ApplicationsExample Series
General-Purpose AC Contactor Frequent remote switching and control of AC circuits and motors Pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, machine tools and control panels YCC7, CJX2s-M, CJX2s, CJX2i, CJX2, YCX2s and YCC6
3-Pole and 4-Pole Contactor Switches three-phase circuits or circuits requiring an additional switched pole Motor control, heating, lighting and power distribution YCC7 3P and YCC7 4P
HVAC Contactor Controls compressors, condenser fans and other HVAC loads Residential, commercial and central air-conditioning systems YCK
High-Current Contactor Controls high-power loads and large industrial circuits Large motors, industrial machinery and power distribution equipment CJX2-F, CJX2s-F and CJ40
Mechanical Interlocking Contactor Prevents two contactors from closing at the same time Forward/reverse motor control and interlocked switching circuits CJX2s-N and CJX2-F-N
Capacitor Switching Contactor Switches capacitor banks while limiting making inrush current Low-voltage reactive power compensation systems CJ19s
Vacuum AC Contactor Uses vacuum switching technology for demanding operating conditions Mining, industrial equipment and higher-voltage motor control CKJ5
DC-Operated Contactor Provides switching and control for applications requiring DC operation Industrial control circuits and DC motor control systems CJX2-Z

Common Contactor Applications

Motor Control

Frequent starting, stopping and remote operation of pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors and other AC motors.

Industrial Automation

Switching power circuits through PLCs, control relays, push buttons and automated control systems.

HVAC Equipment

Control of compressors, condenser fans, blowers and heating equipment in air-conditioning systems.

Motor Starters

Combination with thermal overload relays to create direct-on-line, reversing and star-delta starters.

Power Distribution

Remote switching of heating, lighting and other electrical loads in industrial and commercial installations.

Power Factor Correction

Controlled switching of capacitor banks in low-voltage reactive power compensation panels.

How to Select the Right AC Contactor

Selection FactorWhat to ConfirmWhy It Matters
Load Type Motor, heater, lighting, capacitor bank or general power circuit Different loads produce different switching and inrush current conditions.
Utilization Category AC-1, AC-3, AC-4 or another applicable category The same contactor may have different current ratings under different categories.
Operating Voltage and Current Rated operational voltage, motor power and full-load current The contactor must carry and switch the actual load under defined conditions.
Coil Voltage AC or DC coil and exact control voltage An incorrect coil specification may cause failure to close, overheating or coil damage.
Number of Poles 3-pole, 4-pole or another required configuration A standard three-phase motor normally uses 3 poles, while some circuits require an additional switched pole.
Auxiliary Contacts Required normally open and normally closed contacts Auxiliary contacts support self-holding, interlocking, indication and PLC feedback.
Switching Duty Starts per hour, reversing, jogging and expected operating cycles Frequent or severe switching can significantly reduce electrical life.
Installation Conditions Temperature, altitude, ventilation, mounting method and enclosure conditions Environmental conditions may require derating or a different contactor size.

AC-1, AC-3 and AC-4 Contactor Ratings

CategoryTypical LoadCommon Use
AC-1 Non-inductive or slightly inductive loads Resistive heating and general distribution loads
AC-3 Squirrel-cage motors Standard starting and stopping of pumps, fans, compressors and conveyors
AC-4 Squirrel-cage motors under severe switching duty Jogging, inching, plugging and frequent reversing

For most standard motor applications, the contactor should be selected according to its AC-3 rating at the actual motor voltage. The AC-1 current rating should not be used directly for an AC-3 motor load. Applications involving frequent reversing or jogging require the contactor’s AC-4 rating to be checked.

Contactor and Motor Protection Coordination

A contactor is a switching and control device; it does not independently provide complete short-circuit or overload protection. A typical motor control circuit may include:

  • A circuit breaker or fuse for short-circuit protection
  • An AC contactor for remote switching
  • A thermal overload relay for motor overload protection
  • Push buttons, relays or a PLC for control commands
  • Auxiliary contacts for self-holding, interlocking and status feedback

The contactor, overload relay and upstream protective device should be selected using compatible ratings and coordination data. This helps improve operational reliability and limit equipment damage during a fault.

Why Choose CNC Electric Contactors?

Broad Product Range

Solutions for standard motor control, HVAC systems, large industrial loads, capacitor switching and vacuum applications.

Flexible Configurations

Multiple current ratings, coil voltages, pole arrangements and auxiliary contact options are available across the range.

Motor Starter Compatibility

Selected contactors can be combined with compatible thermal overload relays and accessories for complete motor starter solutions.

Need help selecting a contactor for your motor or industrial control system?

Contact Us for Detailed Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions About Contactors

What is an AC contactor used for?

An AC contactor is used to remotely connect and disconnect electrical loads. It is commonly applied to motors, pumps, compressors, fans, HVAC equipment, heaters, lighting circuits and industrial machinery.

How do I choose the correct contactor size for a motor?

Check the motor’s rated voltage, power, full-load current, starting method and operating duty. The contactor should meet both the AC-3 current rating and motor power rating at the actual supply voltage.

What is the difference between AC-1 and AC-3 ratings?

AC-1 is mainly used for non-inductive or slightly inductive loads, while AC-3 is used for starting and stopping squirrel-cage motors. An AC-1 current rating should not be used directly to select a motor contactor.

What is the difference between a 3-pole and 4-pole contactor?

A 3-pole contactor is normally used to switch three-phase motors. A 4-pole contactor switches an additional conductor and may be required for heating, lighting, power distribution or circuits in which the neutral must also be switched.

Does a contactor provide overload or short-circuit protection?

No. A contactor mainly performs switching and remote control. A circuit breaker or fuse is required for short-circuit protection, while a compatible overload relay or motor protection device is normally used for overload protection.

Can a standard AC contactor switch a capacitor bank?

A dedicated capacitor switching contactor is recommended. It is designed to manage the high inrush current produced when capacitor banks are energized and is better suited to power factor correction systems.