Recommendations for Electric Contactors

[chrometrichs]

Hey I'm wondering what the pro's recommend for electric contactors... 4 pole 20 amp. Thanks

 

[Olyver]

There are few factors to consider when purchasing a contactor. How many ballast(s) do you want to power. The most important factor is don't be cheap and buy the same ones that CAP, Powerbox, DXHydro, Sunlight Supply, EZ-Box, etc, use. They purchase cheap no-name contactors that will probably have a loud hum when the coil is energized. Stick with brand names like SIEMENS, ABB, OMRON, Potter-Brumfeld, etc.

To be safe, double the FLA of the contactor, if you have 20A @ 240V, then use a 40A contactor.

 

[chrometrichs]

Thanks olyver, my electrician needs to replace the ones he used originally, they hum pretty bad.

 

[hiboy]

Your circuits determines how many poles , so the more breakers you want activated the more poles you need.
I would always overrate your contactor amperage, your breaker will trip on an overdraw. Why push your 20 amp contactor.
30 amp minimum on each pole. Also use a lighting contactor, not just a regular relay.
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