Glossary

AC Category (Rating)

Utilization categories for AC rated main circuits according to BS EN IEC 60947-1:2021 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: General rules.  Albright contactors are mainly designed for DC voltage through main circuit, see DC Category (Rating).

Altitude

Albright considers altitudes of less than 1000m to be within the normal operating envelope of the products.  However, we would recommend a de-rating factor for higher altitudes.  Please contact Technical for more information.

Ampere Turns

Ampere Turns is one of the factors that provides an efficient solenoid.  The ampere-turn (AT) is the unit of magnetomotive force, represented by a direct current of one ampere flowing in a single-turn loop in a vacuum.

Example: The ampere-turns for a coil with 1000 turns and a 500 mA current.

N = 1000 turns and I = 500 mA
N = 1000 turns and I = 0.5
NI = 1000 x 0.5
= 5 At
*Magnetomotive force is any physical cause that produces magnet flux.

Application Form

The application form is designed to provide the information required to assess an application.

Armature

Steel movable core of the solenoid, used to drive the moving contact assembly.

Armature Cap

This is a cap to cover the exposed coil end of the contactor which provides protection against contamination.  SW180 and SW200 comes with end caps fitted as standard, SW80 series can be fitted as optional extra.  An armature cap is not necessary for ‘P’ types and is not applicable to busbar contactors.

Auxiliary Contacts (‘A’/’C’)

Single pole double throw auxiliary contacts, used for low power circuit, can be utilised on the majority of our contactors. See the product catalogue for ratings.

“A” Variant = SPDT (2 x NC and 2 x NO)

“C” Variant = SPDT V3 or V4 (1 x NC, 1 x NO and 1 x Common)

Bi-Directional Diode

Non-polarity sensitive suppression predominately used with Magnetically Latched Contactors but can be offered as well for Non-Magnetically Latched Contactors.  Also see Suppression.

Brackets

A variety of mounting brackets are available, as seen within the catalogue sheets and website product page. Generally these are split into a ‘Top hat’ style for mounting parallel to the mounting surface or an ‘L’ shape mounting bracket for mounting 90 Degrees to the surface.

CE

Products placed on the market within the EEA (European Economic Area) may be subject to CE marking to demonstrate that products meet and complies to EU legislation but also allows the free movement of products within the European market.  Additionally, an EC Declaration of Conformity is issued to demonstrate conformity of a product against an applicable directive, see EC Declaration of Conformity.

Change Over / Double Throw (DT)

Contactor with 2 sets of main contacts; one set of Normally Open (NO) contacts and one set of Normally Closed (NC) contacts.  The NO contacts are designed to make, carry and break currents.  The NC contacts are not designed to break currents but are capable of carrying its rated thermal current.  Please see the specific Contactor’s Datasheet for its thermal ratings of the two sets of contacts.

Closing on Load

If the contacts are making load, not switching, then the contactor can be considered as closing on load.

Coil

Housed within the magnet frame, the solenoid (coil) is energised to generate the electro magnetic force for moving the armature and thus operating the main contacts.

Our coil winding wire is Class H, rated for 180 Degree Celsius insulation.

Coil Connection

See Coil Termination.

Coil Finish

Standard finish is shrouded coil with 6.35mm spade terminals unless otherwise stated.  The option of Vacuum Impregnated Coils are available to safeguard against shock and vibration and/or high humidity.

Coil Rating

See Duty.

Coil Suppression

See Suppression.

Coil Termination

A variety of coil terminations are available for the majority of our contactors including a 6.3mm Male Faston Spade Terminal, M5 stud termination and Flying Leads which are amongst the most common options.  Coil terminals are not polarity sensitive unless suppression is fitted, and the coil is marked accordingly. The options available are:

Male Spade Faston Connector
The standard coil termination for Albright, offers either 6.3mm or 4.7mm push fit coil termination.

Flying Leads ‘F’
Leads with a variety of terminations (Plug, Wire or Ring Terminal) can be used to aid installation.  The length and colour of the leads can be determined by the customer.

Flying Leads can be terminated with a variety of finishes including;

Plug

Wire

Ring Terminal

Plug
A mechanically fastened terminal, this 2 pin plug and socket connector type is widely used in the automotive sector. It is commonly referenced as a JPT Connector and Albright provide an integrated coil plug that is directly compatible with its socket counterpart – TE Connectivity part number 282189.

M4/M5 Terminal Board/Stud Fitting
The M5 Terminal Board allows the connection of suitable Ring Terminals to the Coil, and replaces the standard Push Fit Terminals.

Note: the SW60 series and all ‘P’ type contactors have only the option of M4 Stud Terminals, which are mounted to the Faston Push Fit Terminals.

Custom Made Alternatives
If our standard options are not suitable for your needs, we have alternative options available, please contact our technical department for further details.

Contact Electrical Life

Contact Electrical Life varies dependant on Contactor application with factors including duty, load and environment. Please consult Technical for advice.

Current (A or I)

Unit = Amp or Ampere.  An Ampere is the amount of electrons flowing past a given point in the conductor in one second.

DC Category (Rating)

Utilization categories for DC rated main circuits according to BS EN IEC 60947-1:2021 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: General rules. Applicable utilization categories for Albright contactors are:

Degree of Protection

The extent of protection provided by an enclosure around hazardous parts of a product, such as contacts in a contactor, against ingress of solid foreign objects and/or against ingress of water.  The degree of protection is verified by standardised test methods and verified products are given an IP code corresponding to their degree of protection.  Please see Ingress Protection (IP).

Doorbelling

See Hunting.

Double Pole

Contact configuration – two sets of single pole contacts.

Double Pole (DP)

Contact configuration – two sets of single pole contacts

Drop Out Voltage

The voltage (V) required to open the contacts (on a normally open contactor) at 20 degree Celsius.

Dust Shields

See Enclosed Contact Housing.

Duty

An explanation on the terminology used to describe the coil ratings is detailed below:

Very Intermittent (HO) – Up to 25% duty Cycle, up to 3 minutes continuous energisation.  Highest power in coil allowing strongest return spring to be used, giving optimum switching characteristics.

Intermittent (INT) – Up to 70% duty cycle, up to 15 minutes continuous energisation.  High power in coil allowing strong return spring to be used, giving good switching characteristics.

Prolonged (PO) – Up to 90% duty cycle, up to 54 minutes continuous energisation.  More powerful than continuous, weaker than intermittent equivalent. Return spring is stronger than continuous but weaker than intermittent.

Continuous (CO) – 100% duty cycle. Continuous operation. Weakest power coil dictating that a weaker, when compared to the intermittent equivalent, return spring is used.  This does not give the best switching characteristics for applications switching frequently on load.

Duty Cycle

The on period over the total cycle, supplied as a percentage.

duty cycle = D
t = on time (coil energised)

T = Total cycle time (on time + off time)

where

D is the so-called duty cycle;
t is the duration that the function is non-zero;

Τ is the period of the function.

Economy Circuit (‘E’)

Placed in series with the coil via auxiliary contacts, the economy circuit allows for a very strong initial energisation then provides power consumption on the coil.  This allows a strong return spring/coil to be utilised, and thus provides the best switching characteristics.

Economy Resistors

Placed in series with the coil via auxiliary contacts, the resistors allow a very strong initial energisation.  This allows a strong return spring / coil combination to be utilised, and thus providing the best switching characteristics.

EE Types

Meeting the requirements of UL583 for Type EE Trucks, these contactors are fitted with steel shrouds which create enclosures around the contact housing area.  Note these are designed for EE environments and not EX hazardous locations.

EMC

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is the ability of electrical equipment and systems to function acceptably in their electromagnetic environment, by limiting the unintentional generation, propagation, and reception of electromagnetic energy which may cause unwanted effects such as electromagnetic interference (EMI) or even physical damage in operational equipment.

EMF

Electro Magnetic Force (EMF) is the transient voltage from the coil when it is switched off.

Enclosed Contact Housing

The aperture usually found in the top cover housing is sealed to form a barrier to assist prevention of airborne contamination into the contact area.  Dependant on Contactor Type this can take the form of part of the Top Cover Moulding or as a factory fitted insert.

End Cap

See Armature Cap.

Environmental

Albright operate a ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System – Certificate Number: 54527

Environmental Protection

See Ingress Protection (IP)

Fixed Contacts

The non movable main contacts.  Supplied as busbar, stud or female thread termination – dependant on model type selected.

Flame Retardant Materials

UL recognised material means good resistance against flammability.  Plastics used are generally UL94-V0 and used to help extinguish materials should they ignite.

Flying Leads (Coil)

See Coil Termination

Frequency of Switching

How many times does the Coil get energised (Contacts opening and closing) e.g. 2 operations a day or 5 operations an hour.

Fuse Holder

Optional to the SD range, the fuse holder is for fitment of an inline fuse direct to the fixed contact, suitable for 51mm and 62mm mounting centres.  This can also be fitted to the SW80, SW82, RW80, RW82, SU80 and RU80.

Gold Plating

Option available for “A” & “C” Auxiliary Contacts only.  When the current/voltage across the Auxiliary Contacts is below 100mA/24V then the use of gold plated contacts will improve reliability.

Hermetically Sealed

A full airtight seal, across all elements of the HV design of contactor, including PCB.

Humidity

See Temperature.

Hunting

Hunting or Doorbelling is a term used to describe the action of a Contactor opening and closing rapidly unintentionally. This is often due to a low supply voltage, often caused by low or poor battery conditions or high voltage drop within the circuit.  This repeated opening and closing on high loads leads to accelerated contact wear and sometimes welding of Contacts.

Ingress Protection (IP)

Some of our Series of Contactors are available as with higher degree of protection (“P”), such as IP66 or IP67 rated.

JPT Connector – Junior Power/Timer Connector

This is a 2 pin plug and socket connector type widely used in the automotive sector.  It is commonly referenced as a JPT Connector and Albright provide an integrated coil plug that is directly compatible with its socket counterpart – TE Connectivity part number 282189 – please find more information here

Large Tips

Whilst not adding to the thermal characteristics of the contactor, large tips offer significantly more contact material than the standard tip and subsequently benefit in supplying greater contact life.  Inductive loads, frequent switching and such like will dictate the use of large contacts, due to the nature of contact wear.

Load Types

Contactors can be used with a variety of loads that can be Resistive, Inductive and/or Capacitive.

Lockable (‘L’)

Lockable versions of both the ED and SD types are available.  For these versions a key is necessary for the knob to be moved from the “Off” position to the “On” position.  Once in the “On” position, the key can be removed.  Thereafter, the knob may be depressed to the “Off” position where it will automatically lock and remain locked until the key is used again to unlock it.  The suffix ‘L’ in this circumstance denotes Lockable.

Magnet Frame

Steel enclosure housing the coil (solenoid), armature and other ‘coil assembly’ components.

Magnetic Blowouts

Used to assist breaking of arcs associated with high voltage.  Recommended for applications of 48v (inductive) / 60v (resistive) and over.  Fitted within the top cover, there is no increase on the overall dimensions.

NOTE: Generally, contacts become polarity sensitive when magnetic blowouts are fitted.

Magnetic Blowouts – High Powered

High power magnets with greater Gauss allows for increased power loads, especially high Voltages.  Offered as an optional extra.  Fitted within the top cover, there is no increase on the overall dimensions.

NOTE: Generally, contacts become polarity sensitive when magnetic blowouts are fitted.

Magnetic Latching

Contact position is secured with the use of a permanent magnet within the coil assembly.  The coil requires a pulse(~500ms) to close the contacts, and a reverse polarity pulse (~500ms) to operate the armature and open the contacts, but otherwise remains in the last energised state without the need for power.  It should be noted therefore these are not failsafe.

Main Contact

Made of fixed (stationary) and moving contacts – designed to carry the power circuit.  Termination may be stud, female or busbar depending on the contactor type and therefore dictated by requirements and type of application.

Male Spade Faston Connector (Coil)

See Coil Termination.

Manual Override Operation

Some Contactors can be fitted with a Manual Override Knob which allows the user to manually switch the main Contacts.

Mechanical Durability

The number of operations the Contactor can achieve under zero load conditions.  See individual Contactor Datasheets for recommended operations.

Mirror Auxiliary

Positive monitoring of Moving Contact status. An Auxiliary that reflects the opposite position of the Main Contacts.  For further information see also Auxiliary Contacts (‘A’/’C’) and our Mirror Auxiliary Technical Bulletin.

Motor Reversing

Configuration for motor reversing, links supplied – will reverse the armature relative to the motor fields.

Mounting Orientation

Normally Open and Changeover – Mounted vertical or horizontal.
When vertical, main contacts mounted above coil assembly.

Normally Closed – Mounted vertical or horizontal.
When vertical, main contacts mounted below coil assembly.

Moving Contact Assembly

The movable Main Contacts – movement provides the making and breaking of the Main Contacts.

Normally Closed (NC)

Contacts are closed when the coil is de-energised.

Normally Open (NO)

Contacts are open when the Coil is de-energised.

Opening on Load

If the contacts are breaking load, hot switching, then the contactor can be considered as opening on load.

Operation

See Coil Duty.

Part Numbering

Offering more than 100 types of DC Contactors and Emergency Disconnect Switches, over the years we have developed a part numbering system to uniquely identify our Contactors based on technical specification. This includes grouping our products into Series and then sub dividing into Types and lastly assigning a unique identity number with the contactor specification indicated by letter suffixes.  See Part Numbering for a detailed explanation.

Plug (Coil)

See Coil Termination.

Polarity

Polarity to be observed across the main terminals particularly when the “B” Magnetic Blowout feature is fitted as damage can be experienced if terminal polarity is not observed.  Polarity should also be observed across the coil terminals when Diode suppression is fitted, excluding Bi-Directional Diodes.

Power

[P or W] Unit = Watt. W=(VxV)/R

Coil power dissipation can be found on the appropriate catalogue sheets, some typical figures are as follows:

Protected

See Degree of Protection and Ingress Protection.

Pull-In Voltage

The voltage (V) required to close the contacts (on a normally open contactor) at 20 degree Celsius.

PWM Coil Economiser

Pulse-Width Modulation – An optional coil control for Contactors (including HV500), allowing for reduced energy consumption, while maintaining strong opening and closing forces on the Contacts.  Customers can introduce their own PWM control however technical advice for the contactor is recommended.

Quality

Our customers expect high standards of product and Albright has set the standard for high quality of contactors, something others are trying to emulate.  We operate ISO9001:2015 procedures and actively operate a continual improvement ethos.

REACH

Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) is a European Union regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) which addresses the production and use of chemical substances, and their potential impacts on both human health and the environment within the EEA.  Albright are working with our suppliers to ensure products supplied are evaluated and assessed to ensure substance listed on the latest Candidate list in a concentration above 0,1%, or on the authorisation list, are identified.  Please see our REACH Declaration for our full statement regarding REACH.

Rectifier Board

As our coils are wound for DC, a rectifier can be fitted for AC applications.  Connection Terminals are Male Spade Faston Connectors.

Reduced Silver

The Reduced Silver “RW” & “RU” Series Contactors are suitable for applications where infrequent switching is specified. These Contactors offer a lower cost alternative to our standard SW & SU Contactors.  In such applications the degradation of the tip is minimal and therefore a higher volume of silver is unnecessary.

The difference between the standard and reduced silver types can be simply explained by reviewing the link: http://www.albrightinternational.com/blog/en/2016/08/12/reduced-silver-range/

Resistance

The coil resistance (Ohms) will vary dependant on the ambient temperature and coil temperature.  Data provided is at 20 Degree Celsius.

Return Spring

Controls the operation of the Main Contacts when the required voltage is applied to the Coil.

Reversed Polarity

Specially configured contactors for use within welding equipment that can withstand the reversal of the load.

RoHS

Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) is a European Union Directive (Directive (EU) 2015/863) which purpose is to reduce the environmental impact of electrical products.  Albright are working with our suppliers to ensure products supplied are evaluated and assessed to ensure our contactors and switches maintain their RoHS compliance.  Please see our RoHS Declaration for our full statement regarding RoHS.

Silver Plating

Our Busbar range of contactors are plated as standard.  Silver plating provides an optimum electrical conductor interface between the contactor and the application, and allows heat to be distributed more efficiently.  Plating may be excluded at the customer’s option but the effect of temperature rise within the application should be considered.

Single Pole

Contact Configuration – One set of Contacts

Spare Parts

Spare parts are available depending on contactor type. Please contact Technical for more information or see Spare Parts

Suffix

Indicators in the Part Number that show specification options. For explanations on Part Number Suffixes see Part Numbering.

Super Magnets

See Magnetic Blowouts – High Powered.

Suppression

Diode or diode and series resistors are used to pre-determine the Transient Voltage to an acceptable level; however adding a diode will increase drop out time, adding a resistor will reduce the drop out time but increase the transient voltage.

Technical

Albright manufacture their own original designs, and are continually evolving their products in view of cost reduction and new market opportunities.  Technical assistance is available, either directly or via the appointed local distributor.  Electrical testing is performed in house, and used to validate new and existing designs.

Temperature

The typical ambient temperature that the contactors can be operated within is from -40 degrees C to +60 degrees C in a 90% non condensing humidity.  The expected coil temperature rise will be approximately up to +70 degrees C.  This statement applies to all non magnetic latching Albright contactors, magnetically latching contactors have minimal temperature rise due to the extreme short energisation.

For storage: Albright typically states that the contactors can be stored up to +80 degrees C in a dry/clean environment.

Terminal Guard

An optional cover for the HV500, designed to reduce accidental connection of the main contacts.

Termination

See Coil Termination.

Textured Tips

Used in non switching application. Not essential in applications where main contacts are not being monitored via a sensing signal supplying low current <5A.

Top Cover Assembly

Phenolic plastic moulding housing, fixed contacts and in some variants additional components.

UKCA

As a result of Brexit, products placed on the market in Great Britain may be subject to UK conformity assessment (UKCA) marking to demonstrate that products comply with requirements in legislation applying in Great Britain.  The UKCA marking corresponds to the CE marking used within the EEA.  Albright is working on meeting this deadline, please contact our Compliance Department should you have any further questions.

UL Recognition

Albright began to recognise our contactors and switches against UL back in 1986 and now we have 3 files covering several of our most popular products.  The majority of the materials in our UL recognised products are rated to UL94-V0.
Our products are recognised under files:

AU2378 – Industrial Truck Accessories, Battery Powered – Component (YCFT2)
E165921 – Power Distribution Centers for Communications Equipment – Component (QPQY2/8)
E181430 – Switches, Industrial Control – Component (NRNT2/8)

Underwriters Laboratories

Also known as UL Solutions. Global recognised 3rd party for testing, inspection and certification of products, most known for the globally accepted UL Certification Marks.

Vacuum Impregnated Coils

Prevention against Shock, Vibration and high humidity.

Vibration

Many of our contactors are tested for shock and vibration – the standard tested to is BS EN 61373

Voltage (Electromotive Force)

(V or E) Unit = Volt
Amount supplied across the coil or main contacts, this is not necessarily the system voltage due to voltage drop in the circuit.

Washable (‘W’)

The PC60A-W, PC61A-W and PC63A-W are PC Series Contactors designed to go through the flux washing processes used in modern PCB production.  The auxiliary contacts are supplied separately and the contactors auxiliary actuator hole is temporarily sealed with a rubber plug.  After washing the plug can be removed and the auxiliary contact is easily and quickly installed. The PC range fitted with auxiliary contacts cannot be supplied as a Protected (P) Variant.

Welding

A condition on the Main Contacts where the Moving Contact is welded to the Fixed Contacts and the fitted Return Spring cannot break the join. This can be a result of switching under a fault or inrush current or potentially switching a load beyond the Contactors capabilities to successfully switch.

Windings