Cirkit Designer Logo
Cirkit Designer
Your all-in-one circuit design IDE
Home / 
Component Documentation

How to Use Kontaktor : Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of Kontaktor
Cirkit Designer LogoDesign with Kontaktor in Cirkit Designer

Introduction

A kontaktor is an electromechanical switch designed to control high-power circuits using low-power signals. Manufactured by Schneider, the High Volt kontaktor is a reliable and robust solution for industrial applications. It is commonly used to switch electrical loads such as motors, lighting systems, heating elements, and other high-power devices. Its ability to handle high currents and voltages makes it an essential component in automation and power distribution systems.

Explore Projects Built with Kontaktor

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Electromechanical Pump Control Circuit with Emergency Stop
Image of Pelton.: A project utilizing Kontaktor  in a practical application
This circuit is designed to control a pump using a contactor that is manually operated by a switch and can be overridden by an emergency stop. The contactor enables power from an AC power outlet to the pump, and the emergency stop can interrupt the power circuit for safety purposes.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Industrial Power Distribution and Safety Control System
Image of Control Diagram: A project utilizing Kontaktor  in a practical application
This circuit is designed for power distribution and safety control in an industrial setting. It features a main isolator and circuit breaker for power management, multiple PSUs for 5V, 12V, and 24V outputs, and a safety relay system that interfaces with E-stop buttons and a start switch to control a main contactor, ensuring safe operation and emergency power cut-off capabilities.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Arduino UNO-Based Smart Irrigation System with Multiple Sensors
Image of Serre: A project utilizing Kontaktor  in a practical application
This circuit uses an Arduino UNO to monitor environmental conditions through various sensors, including soil moisture sensors, temperature sensors, a water flow sensor, and a fluid pressure sensor. The Arduino also controls a 4-channel relay module, which can be used to actuate external devices based on sensor readings.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
240V to 12V Power Conversion Circuit with Stopkontak
Image of daya PLN: A project utilizing Kontaktor  in a practical application
This circuit converts a 240V AC power source to a 12V DC output using a 12V adapter. The 240V AC power source is connected to a stopkontak, which then supplies the 12V adapter with the necessary AC voltage to produce a 12V DC output.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with Kontaktor

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of Pelton.: A project utilizing Kontaktor  in a practical application
Electromechanical Pump Control Circuit with Emergency Stop
This circuit is designed to control a pump using a contactor that is manually operated by a switch and can be overridden by an emergency stop. The contactor enables power from an AC power outlet to the pump, and the emergency stop can interrupt the power circuit for safety purposes.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Control Diagram: A project utilizing Kontaktor  in a practical application
Industrial Power Distribution and Safety Control System
This circuit is designed for power distribution and safety control in an industrial setting. It features a main isolator and circuit breaker for power management, multiple PSUs for 5V, 12V, and 24V outputs, and a safety relay system that interfaces with E-stop buttons and a start switch to control a main contactor, ensuring safe operation and emergency power cut-off capabilities.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Serre: A project utilizing Kontaktor  in a practical application
Arduino UNO-Based Smart Irrigation System with Multiple Sensors
This circuit uses an Arduino UNO to monitor environmental conditions through various sensors, including soil moisture sensors, temperature sensors, a water flow sensor, and a fluid pressure sensor. The Arduino also controls a 4-channel relay module, which can be used to actuate external devices based on sensor readings.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of daya PLN: A project utilizing Kontaktor  in a practical application
240V to 12V Power Conversion Circuit with Stopkontak
This circuit converts a 240V AC power source to a 12V DC output using a 12V adapter. The 240V AC power source is connected to a stopkontak, which then supplies the 12V adapter with the necessary AC voltage to produce a 12V DC output.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications

  • Motor control in industrial machinery
  • Switching high-power lighting systems
  • HVAC systems
  • Power distribution in industrial plants
  • Automation systems for controlling heavy electrical loads

Technical Specifications

Key Specifications

Parameter Value
Manufacturer Schneider
Part ID High Volt
Rated Operating Voltage 24V DC (coil), 690V AC (load)
Rated Current 32A
Number of Poles 3 (Three-phase)
Coil Power Consumption 8W
Mechanical Durability 10 million operations
Electrical Durability 1 million operations
Operating Temperature -25°C to +60°C
Mounting Type DIN Rail or Panel Mount

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The High Volt kontaktor has the following pin configuration:

Power Terminals

Terminal Label Description
L1, L2, L3 Input terminals for three-phase AC
T1, T2, T3 Output terminals for three-phase AC

Control Terminals

Terminal Label Description
A1 Positive terminal for the coil
A2 Negative terminal for the coil

Auxiliary Contacts (Optional)

Terminal Label Description
NO (Normally Open) Auxiliary contact for control circuits
NC (Normally Closed) Auxiliary contact for control circuits

Usage Instructions

How to Use the Kontaktor in a Circuit

  1. Power Connections:

    • Connect the three-phase AC input to the terminals L1, L2, L3.
    • Connect the load (e.g., motor, lighting) to the output terminals T1, T2, T3.
  2. Control Circuit:

    • Connect the control voltage (e.g., 24V DC) to the coil terminals A1 and A2.
    • Ensure the control circuit includes a switch or relay to activate the coil.
  3. Auxiliary Contacts (if applicable):

    • Use the NO or NC auxiliary contacts for additional control or feedback in the circuit.
  4. Mounting:

    • Secure the kontaktor to a DIN rail or panel using the provided mounting hardware.

Important Considerations

  • Voltage and Current Ratings: Ensure the load does not exceed the rated voltage (690V AC) or current (32A).
  • Coil Voltage: Verify that the control voltage matches the coil's rated voltage (24V DC).
  • Overload Protection: Use appropriate fuses or circuit breakers to protect the circuit.
  • Noise Suppression: Install a surge suppressor across the coil terminals to reduce electrical noise.
  • Wiring: Use appropriately rated wires for both the power and control circuits.

Example: Connecting to an Arduino UNO

The High Volt kontaktor can be controlled using an Arduino UNO and a relay module. Below is an example circuit and code:

Circuit Description

  • The Arduino controls a relay module, which in turn activates the kontaktor's coil.
  • The relay module isolates the Arduino from the high-power circuit.

Arduino Code

// Define the pin connected to the relay module
const int relayPin = 7;

void setup() {
  // Set the relay pin as an output
  pinMode(relayPin, OUTPUT);
  // Ensure the relay is off at startup
  digitalWrite(relayPin, LOW);
}

void loop() {
  // Turn on the relay (activates the kontaktor)
  digitalWrite(relayPin, HIGH);
  delay(5000); // Keep the kontaktor on for 5 seconds

  // Turn off the relay (deactivates the kontaktor)
  digitalWrite(relayPin, LOW);
  delay(5000); // Wait for 5 seconds before repeating
}

Best Practices

  • Always disconnect power before wiring or servicing the kontaktor.
  • Regularly inspect the contacts for wear and replace them if necessary.
  • Use proper insulation and grounding to ensure safety.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue Possible Cause Solution
Kontaktor does not activate Coil voltage is incorrect or missing Verify the control voltage at A1/A2.
Contacts are overheating Load exceeds rated current Reduce the load or use a higher-rated kontaktor.
Excessive noise during operation Electrical noise or coil surge Install a surge suppressor across the coil.
Auxiliary contacts not working Miswiring or damaged contacts Check wiring and replace damaged contacts.

FAQs

  1. Can the High Volt kontaktor be used for single-phase loads?

    • Yes, connect the single-phase load to one of the poles (e.g., L1 and T1).
  2. What is the purpose of auxiliary contacts?

    • Auxiliary contacts provide feedback or control signals for automation systems.
  3. How do I know if the coil is damaged?

    • Measure the resistance across A1 and A2. If it is open or significantly different from the specified value, the coil may be damaged.

By following this documentation, you can effectively use the Schneider High Volt kontaktor in your projects and ensure reliable operation.