Ranking of the Best Auxiliary Contact Blocks for 2022

Auxiliary contact blocks are also called contactors and are used to open and close an electrical circuit. This functionality is used regularly: from the usual inclusion of lighting devices to the control of large units used in the industrial sector. Therefore, depending on the complexity of the functions performed, additional requirements will be imposed on contactors. But, nevertheless, the selection criteria for them are the same. You should pay attention to them in order to avoid mistakes when choosing a product.

Description and characteristics

The peculiarity of such devices lies in the fact that structures of this type are able to conscientiously and effectively fulfill the tasks assigned to them and the function assigned to them - to control all kinds of units and systems at a certain distance. No wonder it is called a "contactor", as it must be in contact with something. If approached from the point of view of science, then the main task is to switch direct and alternating current. They are installed not in the immediate vicinity, but at a certain distance from the automatic control object.

The first such devices were used solely for switching on and off. At present, the scope has expanded significantly, thanks to a huge number of additional devices (attachments and accessories), which include time relays and thermal relays (control occurs at a certain temperature), additional contact groups, and so on.

Thermal relays are installed in shopping centers and other large public institutions, where large areas are filled with a huge number of people. The contactor configured for cooling will turn on when the temperature at the object reaches the set mark, for example, +25 degrees. This will turn on the ventilation. The device will work in the opposite direction if the air temperature drops to +18 degrees. Then the contactor will turn off and the ventilation of the premises will stop.

A unique device is a time relay. It helps to free a person from the daily switching on and off of energy in public places. If you set the appropriate parameters for the product: turning off at 23-00, turning on at 6-00, then it is at this time that such actions will be performed, without human participation. The equipment will work without interruption for a long time. It is enough to set the necessary parameters.

The most common and popular is considered to be modular contactors. Their main feature is that they are mounted on a DIN rail. The manufacturer produces them in two standards:

• 17.5mm;
• 22.5 mm.

They differ from each other in nominal breaking capacity. In the first version, it ranges from 4.5 to 6 kiloamperes, in the second - 10 kiloamperes. This suggests that high power equipment will need a larger coil than low power equipment. What are industrial units? Only 22.5 mm. And 17.5 mm contactors are considered modules. They are designed for switching weakly inductive loads with a low current rating (from 24 to 400 V, frequency 50 Hz). They are used for elementary automatic processes:

• conditioning;
• ventilation;
• lighting.

Which company is better to buy? Tips and recommendations from experts

It should be borne in mind that there are inexpensive popular models that, in terms of their functions, durability and quality, are not inferior to their eminent counterparts, which are sold at a significant price.

How to choose the most suitable option? Do not immediately pay attention to how much it costs. This is not the main, and by no means the only indicator, from which it is worth starting. It should, first of all, pay attention to such an important characteristic as the indicator of the rated operating current. For domestic needs, the range from 20 to 63 amps is sufficient.

Do not lose sight of the electrical durability. A quality product has an indicator of 30,000 cycles and above. This means that exactly as many times, and no less, the contactor can be turned on and off. A low-quality product will not withstand such a load and will quickly fail. What does such an indicator indicate? First of all, about the presence in the product of high-quality contacts that are able to withstand such a huge number of cycles. The average price of such products is significant.

Retail outlets, including online stores, were flooded with budget products from unknown manufacturers. According to buyers, its acquisition should be approached with extreme caution. As a rule, it is made of low-quality material, so the reviews about it are the most negative. They don't even make it to the end of the warranty period. How to protect yourself from losing money, and which device is better to buy?

First, you need to make an overview of popular models, whose manufacturers have been on the market for a long time and have gained well-deserved popularity.It would be good to first study the rating of high-quality devices, their types, advantages and disadvantages, additional functions, design features.

An important role is played by the weight of the goods, which cannot be determined by ordering it online. When visiting a specialized store, ask the seller to give you a few contactors to hold in your hands. Try to figure out which one is the hardest. The presence of copper has a great influence on weight. The more it is, the better the contacts and the better and more durable the purchased device will work.

Main selection criteria

Indicators	Description
Voltage and rated current	An important role is played by the indicator of the maximum allowable load. For this purpose, it is necessary to calculate the current indicator in the switched circuit and then the appropriate device is selected. The voltage in the electromagnetic coil should not exceed the voltage in the switched circuit, it is desirable that it match. Therefore, manufacturers produce units with coils of 220 or 380 V. If relays or sensors with a lower voltage are used in the circuits, then you should pay attention to a contactor with the same coil voltage.
Mechanical and electrical durability	The device must work without failure, turn on and off efficiently and in a timely manner during the entire number of cycles. For this, such an indicator as wear resistance is responsible. All units are divided into the following types: A (highest), B (medium), C (lowest). This figure assumes that no damage is expected during the warranty period.
Number of poles	Use in three-phase networks involves the installation of contactors with 3 working poles and one additional one that can be used for blocking to fix the “on” position. Poles can be from 1 to 5, depending on AC or DC and the number of phases with which the contactor will work. The number of contacts can be increased thanks to special prefixes. This makes it possible to use the device in the most complex schemes and processes.
Degree of protection	Depends on operating conditions. If the contactor is located in a protected electrical cabinet, then you can opt for an IP20 degree of protection or even less. If the operation takes place in adverse conditions, then the indicator must correspond to IP54 or IP65. This level corresponds to industrial premises, where there is too much dust and high humidity. If there is a possibility of overloads, then it is worth additionally purchasing instantaneous power protection equipment with a thermal relay.

The installation of such contactors is carried out, as a rule, during the construction of facilities, when it comes time to do electrical work. It is possible to install a block of auxiliary contactors during the repair of the power supply system, if necessary. Where to buy protective automation? Best in specialized stores.

If you have certain knowledge and skills, you can install automation at home and with your own hands, after consulting with professional craftsmen or by studying the step-by-step instructions available in the public domain. Self-installation of protective automation will cost less than the services of professional craftsmen.

Ranking of the Best Auxiliary Contact Blocks for 2022

Single pole models

EKF KM 1P 16 A 400/230 V AC

A successful Russian-made device, which is advised to be used by both professionals and ordinary consumers. Produced in a good case, which does not get moisture and dust. The control network is AC, operates at a maximum voltage of 400 V.

The average cost is 1120 rubles.

• functional;
• efficiency;
• affordable price;
• can be operated at high voltage;
• The manufacturer is known for its quality products.

• significant have not been identified.

Legrand 022902

It is used for Osmoz heads, for screwing, for completing push-button posts. Mounted to the base of the contact block. Illumination is not provided. Operates at rated voltage 690 V, 50 Hz.

The average cost is 174 rubles.

• reliability;
• efficiency;
• high quality;
• durability.

• significant ones are missing.

Schneider Electric 29450

Partially integrated beautiful French-made unit. Mainly used at home. It has excellent technical characteristics, is made of high-quality materials using a solid base, which allows the equipment to be used in absolutely any conditions. It has a screw connection, one changeover contact, one normally open contact, one normally closed contact.

Certified products can be purchased for 2300 rubles.

• efficiency;
• reliability;
• ease of operation;
• long service life;
• unique price-quality ratio.

• significant have not been established.

Legrand 416858

The low voltage device is connected via a screw connection. The number of normally closed and open connections is one each. It works with AC current, which is a clear advantage, as it can be used in various fields. Mounted on top of the rail, which is very convenient. Produced mainly for home use.

The average price of the goods is 1300 rubles.

• long service life;
• efficiency;
• quality assembly;
• use of high quality materials;
• ease of operation.

• missing.

Schneider Electric LAEN 11

A high-quality product is mounted in signal units. It has a connection type - screw connection. Operates with AC current. There are normally closed and open contacts in the amount of 1 pc. each. Mounted front to front.

The average cost is 900 rubles.

• availability of a quality certificate;
• assembly;
• durable;
• operational period;
• auxiliary contacts are instantaneous.

• not identified.

Bipolar Models

Legrand 027142

A block of quality auxiliary contacts at an affordable price. Mounted from above with a screw connection. The number of changeover contacts is 2 pieces. Highly functional and convenient for design, assembly and operation.

You can buy at a price of 2236 rubles.

• quality;
• does not cause difficulties during operation;
• durability.

• not identified.

Schneider Electric LADN 20

The manufacturer offers a quality product at an affordable price. Top mounted, screw type connection, two normally open contacts.Works with AC current.

You can buy the product at a price of 1250 rubles.

• availability of a quality certificate;
• ease of installation;
• packaging that prevents mechanical damage;
• operational period.

• missing.

Schneider Electric LAEN 22

A quality product with great functionality. It is easy to install and operate and does not require frequent maintenance. Belongs to the category of partially integrated. The number of normally open and closed contacts is two each. Front installation provided.

The average price for a product is 414 rubles.

• optimal combination of cost and quality;
• easy to operate;
• the use of high-quality materials for manufacturing;
• operational period.

• not identified.

Schneider Electric LADN 02

It is a block of auxiliary contacts with screw terminals. Specifications:

1. Rated operating voltage - 690 V.
2. Rated making capacity - 140 A.
3. Mechanical wear resistance - 30,000,000 cycles.
4. The minimum switching voltage is 17 V.
5. Degree of protection – IP20.
6. Operating temperature - from -5 to +60 degrees.

Products can be purchased at a cost of 800 rubles.

• high quality of the product;
• convenience in subsequent operation;
• long service life;
• high wear resistance.

• not identified.

Schneider Electric LAD8N 20

Production of quality assembly of instant action. Mounting method - on the side. It is operated at a rated operating voltage of 690 V. Mechanical wear resistance is noted, which is three million cycles.The minimum switching current is 5 mA, the minimum switching voltage is 17 V.

The average price is 1350 rubles.

• simple operation;
• reliability;
• durability;
• high wear resistance;
• build quality.

• not installed.

Three-pole models

VS425-40 230 AC/DC

Czech production, designed for a modular machine. Used to close electrical circuits. Has a quality certificate. The degree of protection is IP20, but it is possible, at the request of the buyer, to supply a case that is able to provide protection in IP 40. It is mounted on a DIN rail or on a panel. The manufacturer provides a guarantee for the product up to 5 years.

The average price of the goods is 1333 rubles.

• high quality product;
• durability;
• reliability;
• functionality;
• assembly.

• not identified.

Legrand 417154

Convenient model mounted on top. A screw type connection is used. It has three normally open contacts and one normally closed contact.

Price - 850 rubles.

• good price-quality ratio;
• optimal wear resistance;
• long service life;
• ease of use.

• missing, according to most users.

VS440-40 24V AC/DC

Used to close electrical circuits. The manufacturer provides a quality certificate and a 5-year warranty. It has IP20 protection, but at the request of the customer it can be increased to IP40 for all contactor terminals. Attaches to a panel or DIN rail. The product is very popular among professional electricians. It can be purchased at an affordable price - 5000 rubles.

• made of high quality materials;
• long service life;
• assembly;
• functionality.

• missing.

Four-pole models

Schneider Electric LADN 04

The manufacturer guarantees high-quality and durable assembly, so this product is in great demand among professionals. In the manufacture of the case, high-quality plastic is used, which does not ignite when ignited, but only begins to melt. Mounted from above with a screw connection. Has four normally closed contacts.

Price - 2200 rubles.

• good quality;
• long service life;
• excellent characteristics;
• noteworthy functionality.

• not installed.

Schneider Electric ZD5PA203

Partially integrated product with screw connection and front front installation. There are four normally open contacts. Widely used both in production and at home.

Price - 1533 rubles.

• functional;
• convenient;
• quality assembly;
• reliable;
• easy to maintain.

• significant have not been established.

Schneider Electric LADN 40

The manufacturer produces high quality products with good functionality. The body is made of combustible material, so ignition is excluded. Mounted front to front. There are four normally open contacts.

The average price is 2200 rubles.

• high quality material of manufacture;
• good build;
• convenient to use;
• does not require constant repair.

• significant ones are missing.

Legrand 416857

Auxiliary contact block favored by professional electricians. The manufacturer guaranteed high quality and the best price of 1100 rubles. The device has a screw connection, mounted from above, there are four normally closed contacts.

• convenient;
• durable;
• reliable;
• quality assembly.

• not installed.

Schneider Electric 47887

The goods differ in good functionality, worthy quality, guaranteed long operational term. Used in various fields. It has a screw connection, four normally closed and the same number of normally open contacts. Operates with a power switch.

The product can be purchased at a price of 25,400 rubles.

• long service life;
• reliable;
• convenient to use;
• does not require constant maintenance.

• too high price, but the device is worth it.

Conclusion

When choosing a contactor, the main thing is not to give preference to low cost. It is worth remembering that a quality product will never cost a penny. Refuse also units of dubious brands. These may be cheap fakes that will not even last the warranty period. It is best to pay attention to the products of world producers, even if you have to pay a little more for the name. But you will know for sure that the purchased device will be reliable, durable, of high quality, and you will not need to change it every year for a new one, spending additional money.