The part names “contactor” and “relay” are often used interchangeably, and both have the same job of switching and directing electrical power in a circuit. Despite these similarities, they actually are not the same part and carry key differences. When you are trying to figure out contactor vs. relay for your project, which one should you choose? If you’re asked to find specifically a contactor or a relay by a coworker or project manager, what should you be looking for? Let’s figure out what the key uses, similarities and differences are for these devices.
Contactors
Contactors can be defined as an electrically controlled switch or relay. They handle much higher voltages and are used for higher-power applications. They are great for heavy trucks and buses, off-highway vehicles, and EV charging stations. The types of contactors we carry can handle currents of up to 600A and voltages of up to 1500 VDC, but for battery storage solutions, we have contactors that can switch up to 2000A. Types of contactors include high voltage direct current (HVDC), low voltage direct current (LVDC), solid-state contactors (SSC), and definite purpose contactors (DPC).
Relays
While contactors operate with higher voltages, relays handle lower voltages for lower-power applications. Relays are used for industrial automation, HVAC systems, lighting control, renewable energy applications, home appliances, safety and protection, and telecommunications. They can go as low as 24 volts. The types of relays we carry are green energy/HVDC, standard, special function, industrial, latching, signal, PCB mount, and solid state.
Contact Us!
If you would like to inquire about our safe, reliable, and efficient contactors and relays, or check out a variety of other products that we handle that could suit your needs, please visit our website and submit a quote at https://hill-tech.com/, or contact us at 847-255-4400, fax us at (847) 255-0192, or email us at sales@hilltech.com. And be sure to look at our social media pages, linked below!
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