This section provides an overview for electromagnetic contactors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 7 electromagnetic contactor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked electromagnetic contactor companies as of November, 2024: 1.BENEDICT GmbH, 2.Cheboksary Electrical Apparatus Plant, AO, 3.Omron.
Table of Contents
An electromagnetic contactor is a device that uses electromagnets to open and close loads, such as motors and heaters.
The electromagnetic contactor is energized when a movable contact is brought into contact with a fixed contact by an electromagnet inside the electromagnetic contactor. The mechanism is the same as that of an electromagnetic relay, but it is used to energize a larger current than an electromagnetic relay.
Electromagnetic contactors are mainly used as internal components in control panels.
Examples of use are listed below.
As shown above, electromagnetic contactors are mainly used for automatic control.
Electromagnetic contactors consist of an electromagnetic coil, an iron core, a movable contact, a fixed contact, a return spring, and so on. When open, the return spring lifts the movable contact and separates the fixed contact from the movable contact.
When closed, current flows through the electromagnetic coil. When current flows through the electromagnetic coil, it generates a magnetic field that attracts the movable contacts together with the iron core.
The attracted movable contacts make contact with the fixed contacts and energize the main circuit. When the main circuit is to be interrupted, the current flowing through the coil is interrupted and the return spring lifts the movable contact, thereby interrupting the main circuit.
Electromagnetic contactors are devices that open and close an electric circuit, but it does not provide overcurrent protection.
To provide overcurrent protection, electromagnetic contactors are combined with a thermal relay (thermal relay) to form an electromagnetic switch.
The thermal relay outputs a contact when an overcurrent occurs in order to protect loads, such as motors. Detecting the output of the thermal relay, the circuit is interrupted or an alarm is issued.
The difference between electromagnetic contactors and electromagnetic switches (magnetic switches) is the difference in functionality depending on the presence or absence of a thermal relay.
Electromagnetic contactors control the running and stopping of equipment. Therefore, they are durable enough to withstand the starting current of the equipment many times. If the electrical characteristics are below the rating, the mechanical life is estimated to be 5 million to 10 million times of opening and closing.
There are several types of electromagnetic contactors, including standard, reversible, and DC-operated types. Therefore, it is necessary to select electromagnetic contactors with an understanding of their respective characteristics.
Back EMF (surge voltage) is generated in the electromagnetic coil of electromagnetic contactors when they are turned on and off. The electromagnetic coil part is generally controlled by a control circuit.
Since devices with low withstand voltage and current are connected to the control circuit, a surge killer may be connected to the electromagnetic coil section to protect the control circuit.
There are three types of surge killers:
One of the most common problems is a buzzing noise from electromagnetic contactors. When the coil is AC, the attractive force of the magnetized iron core changes with frequency. In response to this, the iron core is constantly vibrating slightly, and the sound associated with this vibration is called a "whirring sound."
The whining sound is caused by foreign objects being entangled in the contact surface of the iron core. The fixed iron core and the movable iron core, which are normally in surface contact with each other, make point contact, resulting in a buzzing sound.
If the electromagnetic contactors are disassembled and the foreign matter on the contact surface of the iron core is removed, it can continue to be used. When disassembling the electromagnetic contactors, the power supply should be disconnected and, if possible, the electromagnetic contactors should be removed.
If the electromagnetic contactors cannot be removed from the control panel, use a vacuum cleaner to clean it instead of blowing air on it. This is to prevent foreign objects blown by the air blower from causing a short circuit elsewhere.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
Schaltbau is headquartered in Munich, Germany, since 1929 as a manufacturer of electromechanical components The company produces AC and DC contactors for low and high-voltage applications such as car batteries and charging stations along with snap-action switches for microswitches in safety applications such as wind turbines and printers. The connectors manufactured by Schaltbau transmit energy and signals even in rough environmental conditions which makes them suitable for food processing, offshore operations, mining lighting, and transportation, especially for railway technology.
Benedict GmbH, established in 1920 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria, is a manufacturer of low-voltage switchgear and related products. The company is a supplier in the power factor correction industry. Its products include general and short-form catalogs, encompassing contactors, motor starters, and variable resistors. Its Austrian operations produce essential electrical components such as thermal overload relays, load disconnectors, and auxiliary contact blocks. The company also provides 3D models for micro contactors, auxiliary contact blocks for mini contactors, and DC isolators for photovoltaics.
People Electric Appliance Group Co., Ltd., headquartered in Yueqing, Zhejiang, China, is a manufacturer of electrical equipment. Its diverse product range includes circuit breakers, contactors, disconnectors, switchgear, and control panels. These products find applications in power generation and transmission, industrial automation, and commercial and residential construction industries. The company's equipment is designed to safeguard and regulate electrical circuits, ensuring safe and efficient operations. The company also holds certifications such as ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management System, and ISO 9001 Quality Management.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
Cheboksary Electrical Apparatus Plant, started in 1888 and based in Cheboksary, Russia, is a designer of power supply systems and a manufacturer of low, medium, and high-voltage electrical equipment. Some of its products include circuit breakers, low-voltage switchboards, pre-fabricated modular enclosures, relay protection systems, and energy-saving equipment. The products can be used in several applications, including power generation, power distribution, oil/natural gas production, nuclear power industry, and industrial enterprises. The company is certified in ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 and offers turnkey solutions for constructing power distribution systems.
Autometers Alliance Ltd., founded in 1959 and located in Noida, UP, is a manufacturer of electrical and electronics products for Indian Railways. The company specialises in the design and production of power conditioning products like converters passenger coaches, electric locomotive AC propulsions, traction switchgear like power, control and panel switchgear, and onboard measurement and control devices. The ISO9001, ISO14001 and ISO45001 certified company also manufactures audio and display systems like stationary applications, and metro and suburban rail onboard applications. The company is known for premier hi-tech engineering solutions for Indian railways and has developed collaborations with OEMs worldwide.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Cheboksary Electrical Apparatus Plant, AO |
21.1%
|
2 | Schaltbau GmbH |
21.1%
|
3 | BENEDICT GmbH |
15.8%
|
4 | Omron |
15.8%
|
5 | Microelettrica Scientifica S.p.A. |
10.5%
|
6 | Autometers Alliance Ltd. |
10.5%
|
7 | People Electric Appliance Group Co., Ltd. |
5.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the electromagnetic contactor page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
Germany | 1 | 100.0% |