Noark Electric Explains How Motor Contactors Work: A 101 Guide
Motor contactors are electrical switches used as means of control, connecting or disconnecting electric motors and other load devices to the power supply. They are typically designed for normally open contacts, which ensures the load disconnects whenever the coil of the contactor de-energizes. Because this interrupts heavy motor currents, arcing must be suppressed and controlled with an arc extinguishing device, which functions alongside the contactor’s electromagnetic and control systems.