An auxiliary contactor allows information to be adapted, multiplied, or combined to generate new information.
What is the role of the auxiliary contactor?
The "auxiliary" elements encompass all the information processing components of the control part. An auxiliary does not directly control a power element but is an integral part of its control system.
When your information operates at a different voltage than your application, or when you need to use it in different places and in different ways, you need an auxiliary contactor to adapt this information to your specific requirements.
Case study:
You have a sensor that enables several applications to operate, so you will need to multiply the information from this sensor. Your sensor operates at voltage U1 while your system operates at a different voltage U2. Additionally, your sensor signals the start of one event but also the end of another, so you will need to invert the information by converting normally open contacts to normally closed, and vice versa.
How do I choose an auxiliary contactor?
To choose an auxiliary contactor, you need to consider several factors:
- The supply voltage of the contactor coil (or input voltage), which depends on the supply voltage of the information to be duplicated or adapted
- If applicable, the voltage of the contacts (or output voltage for static contactors)
- The number of auxiliary contacts and their type: normally open or normally closed
- The maximum current that will pass through the auxiliary contacts (or load current), which will guide your selection of the appropriate auxiliary contactor range
- Whether the contacts need to be time-delayed—if so, consider the range of timing relays
- For static relays, the type of switching required, which depends on whether your load is inductive or resistive
The auxiliary contactor also allows you to process this information and generate new data at your desired voltage.
