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Contactors with universal coils make motor control easier

28 March, 2018

Rockwell Automation has released a family of Nema and IEC contactors to help machine-builders design smaller, more energy-efficient panels for global markets. The Allen-Bradley Bulletin 300 Nema contactors and Bulletin 100-E IEC contactors are designed for applications of 300A or higher. They replace the earlier Allen-Bradley Bulletin 100D IEC and Nema contactors which catered for applications above 100A.

Traditionally, contactors have regulated electrical loads for applications such as large motors, fans and pumps. However, they are increasingly being used in more robust applications to regulate bypass and resistive loads. To accommodate this, the new contactors have a universal coil, offering users more flexibility when controlling multiple voltages. As well protecting circuit breakers and motors, they also protect against power overloads.

“Typically, with contactors, you need to specify what voltage you want to control,” explains Tom Peterson, Rockwell’s global product marketing manager for IEC contactors. “With the new lines, operators can control 40 to 50 different voltages ranging from 24 to 500V.”

Previous options were available in multiple voltages and often required an AC or DC coil to control applications. With the introduction of the universal coil, operators can control voltages on multiple applications more easily, with fewer parts.

Rockwell Automation's new contactors are designed to improve flexibility for machine builders and users

“These coils are also much more energy-efficient,” Peterson adds. “With the new device, operators can operate the same applications with a smaller power supply.”

As well as offering the universal coil, the new contactors are also smaller than Rockwell’s previous products. The IEC contactors have a 25% smaller footprint, while the Nema contactors are 45% smaller, reducing the size of panels and enclosures.




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