kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
I used to use Cutler Hammer definite purpose contactors almost exclusively several years ago. All the 240 volt versions I used then were rated 208-240, I still had one on the shelf that I just installed on something a few days ago. Is on my mind because of the reason why I used it. I fixed a problem of the existing contactor in that piece of equipment not wanting to pull in while a coincidental load was starting up causing significant voltage drop during that starting period. The original coil was an Allen Bradley contactor but only rated straight 240 volts. Contactor worked fine when you tried testing it , just wouldn't pull in when needed during that starting period because voltage was temporarily too low.You’ve never installed an Eaton commercial charger. They did at one time, don’t know if they still do, but the contactor inside has a 120 volt coil. Eaton engineers said they (Eaton) did not make a contactor with a 208/240 coil. Only straight 208 or 240 volt coils. They may have changed it by now.
The application was a rotary phase converter, 30 HP (largest motor rating, idler motor was more like a 50 HP motor) The contactor was needed during starting only as it closed circuit for starting capacitors but that is also the time when voltage drop is the worst.
I'm sure Eaton likely has rebranded these contactors by now and may or may not have changed the design some.