IEC Contactors and Starters Frequently Asked Questions
Use "Ctrl-F" to search for specific words in this FAQ.
Question:
Do Cutler-Hammer thermal overload relays fit to Centsable contactors?
Answer
Yes, the overload relay will work with Centsable contactors.
FAQ ID: 218
Question:
Do you sell contactors with 24 VAC or 24 VDC coils?
Answer
Yes, we offer IEC Magnetic Contactors contactors with various AC and DC coils.
FAQ ID: 219
Question:
Do the Cutler-Hammer overloads connect directly to Centsable contactors without going through a Cutler-Hammer mounting adapter?
Answer
Yes, the Cutler-Hammer overloads can connect directly to the Centsable contactors.
FAQ ID: 220
Question:
Can you stack multiple contactor top/front mounted auxiliary contacts on top of each other?
Answer
No.
FAQ ID: 225
Question:
How do I determine the currents drawn by the contactor coils?
Answer
The contactor coil power requirements in VA are published in our specifications data. To determine the current, divide the VA by the voltage.
FAQ ID: 372
Question:
The lights brighten when my motor starts?
Answer
It is normal with some >220 vac circuits with neutrals that have lighting and motors on the same feeder. This is very brief though. If it is prolonged, > 1 second, this could mean that your neutral connection is loose. A loose neutral can lead to a voltage imbalance in the phases.
FAQ ID: 836
Question:
My Cutler Hammer starter always resets itself after a trip, how can I make it reset in manual only?
Answer
The dial on the overload unit should be moved to the "M" position. The two positions are "M" for manual and "A" for automatic trip release/reset.
FAQ ID: 841
Question:
What does trip free mean?
Answer
Refers to an overload unit or MSP that cannot be held on or started by the handle or pushbutton during a sustained overload. It is mostly a reference to the older style NEMA heater units that utilized a solder-pot. When the solder was in liquid-phase; the ratchet would not allow the spring to engage the reset. When the unit cooled down and the solder pot became solid again, the starter could be reset.
FAQ ID: 842
Question:
For single phase operation, can I use a smaller than rated contactor if I run the L conductor parallel through all three poles?
Answer
We do not recommend this practice. Do not exceed the rated capacity of what a single pole can handle. The operation will not close simultaneously which will allow a contact to take the entire load. This practice will lead to premature failures.
It is not uncommon to do this for greater reliability of the contactor, but the single pole specs must be met for all poles used.
FAQ ID: 883
Question:
Can the contactors/starters be used for DC motors?
Answer
No.
All of our starters and contactors have IEC AC utilization ratings of
- AC-1 (non-inductive or slightly inductive loads)
- AC-3 (inductive loads like induction motors), but no DC ratings.
The reasons for not using an AC rated contactor in a DC system:
- Not specified by the manufacturer.
- The device does not monitor the DC voltage the same way.
- The make or break ratings are different in DC applications.
- No arc suppression.
FAQ ID: 924
Question:
Can I use a 3 pole starter for a single phase motor?
Answer
Yes, but use all three poles of the starter. Wire one of the incoming power lines through two of the poles in series per the manufacturer's instructions. Wire from the T_ terminal of one pole to the L_ terminal of the other pole.
FAQ ID: 1026
Question:
My motor is turned on and off frequently, or used for jogging duty. Should I derate (oversize) the contactor?
Answer
Yes. The published AC-3 ratings are for typical industrial continuous use applications. Jogging or frequent operation will significantly reduce the lifespan of an AC-3 rated contactor. For these applications, you should select a derated (oversized) contactor, and select the overload protection based on the motor's full load current.
FAQ ID: 1027
Question:
Do the large Fuji "Odyssey" contactors/overloads ship with terminal lugs? If not, can I order them?
Answer
The Odyssey contactors/overloads do not come with terminal lugs. The contactors/overloads have a tab with a metric hole(with supplied nut and bolt) that is for the attachment of a 3rd party lug.
These lugs can be of varying types, but compression lugs give the best connection.
The different types of lugs can be purchased at a local electrical supply house, and often at Home Depot or Lowe's.
FAQ ID: 1125