Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-12-31 Origin: Site
There are various classification methods for contactors, mainly divided by driving method, arc-extinguishing medium, current type, contact pole number and coil voltage.
Contactors can be divided into electromagnetic, pneumatic and hydraulic types. Among them, electromagnetic contactors are the most widely used. They generate a magnetic field through the energization of an electromagnetic coil, driving the iron core to move and thus closing or opening the contacts. Pneumatic and hydraulic contactors use compressed air and hydraulic oil as power sources respectively, and are suitable for special working conditions.
Contactors can be classified into air-type, vacuum-type and oil-immersed type. Air-type contactors, featuring simple structure, low cost and strong versatility, are mainstream products in the market. Vacuum-type contactors have the advantages of strong arc-extinguishing capacity, long service life and suitability for flammable and explosive environments. Oil-immersed contactors are gradually less applied due to environmental protection issues.
Contactors are divided into AC contactors and DC contactors. The core end face of AC contactors is usually equipped with a short-circuit ring to prevent vibration and noise caused by AC current crossing zero. DC contactors are used in DC power systems, such as controlling DC motors and battery charging and discharging circuits. They have higher arc-extinguishing difficulty and a different structure from AC types.
Contactors can be single-pole, double-pole, three-pole and four-pole. Three-pole contactors are the most common and used to control three-phase motors; single-pole/double-pole are often used for single-phase control such as lighting and heating; four-pole are used in three-phase four-wire systems.
