Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley is proud to announce a new line of Vacuum Contactors. The Vacuum contactors are well suited in the areas of mining, pumping, and other harsh applications where voltages above 600V AC are used. The contacts operate in a sealed vacuum chamber that prevents the external environment from affecting their operation. This vacuum environment in which the switching takes place allows for a fast, clean “make/break” action of the contacts. This helps extinguish the arc quickly reducing contact erosion. Because the vacuum interrupter is sealed, the arc chamber does not become contaminated and the speed of opening does not decrease over the life of the contactor. These vacuum contactors reduce contact re-strike that occurs by “slow breaking” contacts of air-break contactors due to contaminated contact chambers and air quality after a number of operations.

Vacuum Contactor Theory

Vacuum Contactor Features

Advantages

• Contacts sealed from harsh contamination – improved performance
• Improved arc extinguishing above 600V – reduces contact wear
• Minimal mechanical movement – minimizes downtime
• DC magnet assembly – reduced power consumption

Applications

The Vacuum Contactor is designed with the toughest applications in mind. The design has incorporated specific requirements of inductive load switching for motor load applications. This helps reduce the possibility of insulation failure to downstream motors and transformers in comparison to typical air-break contactors. Typical applications include continuous heavy duty cycling of motors, mining industry, petrochemical, pulp and paper industry, and other industries where reliable motor starting is critical.