Most electrical appliances and equipment use definite-purpose contactors to control the electrical power. The definite purpose contactors are customized for commercial, industrial, and residential applications where the power must be controlled to ensure everything works correctly.
In this post, we are going to discuss the difference between a definite purpose contactor 2 Pole vs 3 Pole. Understanding the functions and applications of both these contractors will enable you to choose the best one for your needs.
What is a Definite Purpose Contactor?
A definite-purpose contactor is an electrical switch designed to control large loads of power. It is used in specific applications such as the control of motors, heating systems, lighting circuits, compressors, etc. These contactors are built with a range of currents and voltages in mind to ensure the safe and efficient operation of an electrical device.
How Do Definite-Purpose Contactors Work?
A contactor operates like a bridge in an electric circuit. It is basically an electromechanical switch operating on a coil principle. Once energized, the coil closes the circuit, and electricity flows to the equipment. Once de-energized, the contactor opens, thus breaking the electric flow and shutting the equipment off.
These contactors are ideal for applications requiring large amounts of power but needing to be controlled remotely or automatically. In contrast with manual switches, contactors support much higher electrical loads, so they are best suited for big appliances and systems.
Definite Purpose Contactor 2 Pole
Definite Purpose Contactor 2 Pole is one of the contactors where you have two primary switching contacts. Its purpose is to offer a kind of control over single-phase power supply to devices, mainly used in residential or light commercial services. In this case, when it refers to poles, it refers to the circuits controlled.
Key Characteristics of Definite Purpose 2 Pole Contactor
Two Contacts: This contactor is offered with two contact poles. They make or break two electrical circuits.
Single-Phase Power Control Application: Contactors for such applications control any appliance from a single-phase power supply system, such as air conditioners, water heaters, and smaller appliances.
Rating: They have ratings for the current range of 20 and 90 amps, so it is very suitable for small electrical appliances which will not require heavy loads of power.
Compact Dimension: These being two-pole configurations are relatively compact in their dimension, so they are very suitable to be used in areas where compact dimensions are required, and accommodation of large equipment is not required.
Applications of Definite Purpose 2 Pole Contactor
- Residential air-conditioning units
- Water pumps
- Air conditioning compressors
- Electric heaters
- Lighting controls
You can use the 2-pole contactor to gain efficiency and reliability for your small electrical appliances or homes that use single-phase power.
Definite Purpose Contactor Switch 3 Pole
A definite purpose contactor 3 Pole has three sets of contacts for three-phase power systems. Three-phase electricity is more prevalent, mostly in commercial and industrial settings where tough, heavy-duty machinery and equipment loads must be powered.
Key Features of 3 Pole Contactors
Three Contacts Application: A three-pole contactor is specifically made to control three electrical circuits at once, which is essential in three-phase systems.
Three-Phase Power Control Application: This contactor is appropriate for the three-phase electrical systems. They are more effective when used to supply heavy equipment machinery in industry.
Higher Current Carrying Capability: Three-phase topologies are mostly applied with high power, and contactors three poles were designed to carry higher levels of current, between 30 and 120 amps or more.
Larger in Size: Since they need to handle more circuitry in addition to power loads, contactors’ three poles have been typically much bigger and stronger in dimension.
3 Pole Contactors Applications
- Industrial HVAC systems
- Big compressors
- Commercial and industrial pumps
- Motors and generators
- Big refrigeration units
A three-pole contactor thus is very important for commercial and industries that use heavy machinery and equipment. Therefore, it is a vital product to ensure safe operation of three-phase electrical systems.
The Key Differences: 2 Pole vs. 3 Pole
After comparing both types of contractors, it’s good to point out what makes them different from each other.
Number of Poles: In two pole contactor, there are two control circuits contact points whereas in the case of three pole contactor, there are three circuitry contact points that it controls.
Electrical System: Two-pole contactor is normally applied in the single-phase electrical system whereas; three-pole contactor is used in a three-phase electrical system because it is more efficient and mainly used in the commercial and industrial sites.
Power Rating: Because three-pole contactors are primarily applied in three phase applications, their power rating is more than two-pole contactors. Therefore, they are appropriate for heavy loads whereas for small sized machines, two pole contactors are suitable.
Size: In comparison with two pole contactors, generally the size of three pole contactors is more due to an extra contact and more power capacity.
Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Needs
Without doubt, the most paramount thing to choose between a definite purpose contactor 2 Pole or 3 Pole is the type of electrical system you deal with. In case you are dealing with residential and small commercial applications making use of single-phase power, then a contactor with two poles would be enough.
If a bigger, commercial, or industrial equipment makes three-phase power utilization, then the contactor must be three-pole.
On the other hand, you must consider the power input of your equipment. In case you are working with a high-power device, you will require a contractor that will not overheat and fail because of the electrical load.
Conclusion
Definite Purpose Contactor 3 Pole control electrical power for devices and several systems. Understanding the difference between the two may assist you in picking a good contractor for your application.
Whether it is a 2 pole contactor for your residential air conditioner or a 3 pole contactor for your industrial motor, the right option will definitely ensure that your equipment runs safely and in an efficient way.
