Introduction
Most motor applications require the use of remote control devices to start and stop the motor. Magnetic contactors,
similar to the ones shown below, are commonly used to provide this function. As discussed later in this course, some magnetic contactors are used to control the distribution of power in lighting and heating circuits.
Like many other control components, contactors are most often manufactured to specifications provided either by the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA) or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Basic Contactor Operation
Magnetic contactors utilize basic electromagnetic principles. To understand these principles, consider a simple electromagnet fashioned by winding a wire around a soft iron core and connecting the coil to a DC voltage source. Current flowing through the wire temporarily magnetizes the iron core coil. When the coil is disconnected from the DC voltage, the current stops and the iron core coil returns to its nonmagnetic state.
The following illustration shows the interior of a basic contactor. There are two circuits involved in the operation of a contactor, the control circuit and the power circuit. The control circuit is connected to the coil of an electromagnet, and the power circuit is connected to the stationary contacts.
The operation of this electromagnet is similar to the operation of the electromagnet made by wrapping wire around a soft iron core. When power is supplied to the coil from the control circuit, a magnetic field is produced, magnetizing the electromagnet. The magnetic field attracts the armature to the magnet, which in turn closes the contacts. With the contacts closed, current flows through the power circuit from the line to the load.
When current no longer flows through the control circuit, the electromagnet’s coil de-energizes, the magnetic field collapses, and the movable contacts open under spring pressure.
The following line diagram shows a contactor that provides on off control for a three-phase motor. Note that the power to the electromagnetic coil of this contactor is controlled by SW1. When SW1 closes, the electromagnetic coil energizes, closing the “M” contacts and applying power to the motor. When SW1 opens, the coil de-energizes, opening the “M” contacts and removing power from the motor.
Also read
Introduction to AC Motor Construction
What is an OPC or Open process control?
