Eaton's range of DILEM & DILEEM contactors are predominantly used in larger-scale operations, they are designed to provide a long mechanical and electrical life which in turn accomplishes reliability. Users will commonly find these contactors integrated within industrial buildings and factory installations, enabling automated processes of motors and resistive loads

Easier engineering through identical construction sizes for AC- and DC-operated contactors
Energy savings and higher packing density in control panel due to minimized heat dissipation
High wiring security through doubled box terminals
Less coupler relays: direct actuation from the PLC for contactors up to 32 A
Easy engineering through integrated suppressor circuits for DC
Wide operating temperature
Surface or DIN rail mounting
Ingress Protection Rating of IP20 on the contacts protecting against solid objects up to 12mm, - has no protection against water
Mechanical Interlock for use with DILE* Series 326-740 (does not prevent fitting of auxiliary contact blocks)

If you have asked yourself this question, rest assured you are not the only person that has wondered how contactors work. If you've wondered how do contactors differ from a relay? The following answer will also explain that. A contactor is essentially a relay, it holds very similar functions, but it is typically used in larger-scale applications. In most cases, a contactor is a switch that can be controlled remotely, specifically designed to switch a large amount of electrical power through its contacts.

This 3-pole contactor from Eaton is an electrically controlled switching device. It's designed for repeatedly opening and closing a circuit and is suited to higher current carrying applications, like powerful lighting systems. You can also use it as an electric motor starter. The terminal is double-boxed for greater wiring protection, so there's less risk of the conductors being damaged in harsh operating conditions. A mechanical lifespan of up to 10 million operations makes this device long-lasting and consistently reliable throughout its service life. Its screw terminals accept both solid and stranded wires across a wide diameter range of 18 to 14 AWG (American Wire Gauge) for easy compatibility.

• Snaps quickly onto a DIN rail for rapid and tool-free mounting
• Wide operating temperature range of -25°C to +50°C for use in demanding environments
• Includes short-circuit protection so there's less risk of a power fault affecting a motor starter

The main difference between a contactor and a relay is the load capacity each can handle. Contactors are built to handle much higher power switching applications than relays, which are typically used with loads of around 5 to 15A.

Eaton formerly known as Moeller