Vacuum Contactors and Starters

Q: What is a vacuum contactor?

A vacuum contactor is a sealed environment where electrical contacts can make or break a connection between a power source and load inside a vacuum bottle. The vacuum provides a safe, clean environment where the arc can be contained and contaminants avoided.

Q: What is the main function of a vacuum contactor?

The main function of a vacuum contactor is simply to make and break the connection between the power source and the load. One side of contactor is fixed and the other is movable. Once energized, the generated electromagnetic force pulls the movable contact toward the stationary contact and the spring pulls the contactors apart once de-energized. In a vacuum contactor, this process is contained within a vacuum bottle, which can contain the arc and keep contaminants outside.

Q: What is the difference between a vacuum contactor and a vacuum circuit breaker?

Compared to vacuum circuit breakers, vacuum contactors are smaller in size and safer for higher voltages above 600Vs. Vacuum contactors offer lower current chopping and are well suited for applications with frequent switching, generally offering mechanical life of over 3 million operations.

Joslyn Clark offers a range of low and medium voltage vacuum contactors for applications requiring lower current chopping . These serve as load breaking devices for 3-Phase AC Motors, compressor motor starters, air compressor motor starters, VFD motors, and soft start motor contactors. These contactors are also suitable for use in medium voltage switchgear applications that require lower current chopping than vacuum breakers.

Our vacuum contactors come with several advantages that make them a top choice for various motor control applications. With a mechanical life of up to 3 million operations and an electrical life of up to 1 million operations, our contactors require no special maintenance, ensuring minimal downtime. Additionally, the minimal contact bounce and low arc energy of our contactors minimize the risks of contact welding.

Our high-duty cycle contactors can handle up to 1200 operations per hour and can be mounted in any plane, making them a versatile solution for a wide range of applications. With our Joslyn Clark vacuum contactors, you can be assured of reliable and efficient motor control for your compressor motor starters, air compressor motor starters, soft start motor contactors, VFD motors, and more..

Our Advantage

Mechanical life up to 3 million operations
Electrical life up to 1 million operations
No special maintenance requirements
Minimal contact bounce and low arc energy minimizes risks of contact welding
High duty cycle, up to 1200 operations per hour
Ability to be mounted in any plane

Certifications

Joslyn Clark Vacuum Contactors

1140 Series Vacuum Contactors

This series of vacuum contactors delivers a heavy duty motor contactor where space is critical. 1140 Series contactors is critical for any starter contactor application, including longwall mining equipment, continuous miners, conveyors, power centers and other related equipment. With long electrical life and compact size, the 1140 Series Vacuum Contactor gives you the low voltage contactor you need.

CV Series Compact Vacuum Contactors & Starters

CV Series Vacuum Contactors and Starters withstand harsh industrial applications because of their rugged design. These motor contactors and motor starters give the ability to retrofit air break contactors. CV Series contactors enables an existing application to continue with reducing maintenance costs and eliminating down time. These starter contactors are suitable for many motor applications, including high efficiency IEC and NEMA design E motors.

VC Series Vacuum Contactors

This low voltage and medium voltage vacuum contactor series incorporates many features to insure ease of maintenance, versatility, and reliability. These 3-phase motor contactors achieve optimal performance in voltages from 200V to 3.6kV and are rated for 50 to 3,700HP. In addition, the VC Series starter contactors offer easy assembly for quick maintenance.

MVC Series Medium Voltage Vacuum Contactors

MVC Series Medium Voltage Vacuum Contactors are 3-phase motor contactors built for control and protection in applications ranging from 2kV to 7.2kV. These starter contactors offer a modular design for simplified assembly and easy inspection. In-line terminals and alternative line terminal position enables simplified line and load termination.

SVC Series Super Vacuum Contactors

SVC Series medium voltage vacuum contactors are multiple Joslyn Clark VC Series or MVC Series contactors linked together. SVC Series delivers up to 1.5k Amps switching power for applications with grueling switching demands in harsh environments. This three-phase, non-latching vacuum contactor is ideal for power systems with a rated voltage of up to 7.2kV.

Commonly Asked Questions About Vacuum Contactors

What is a vacuum contactor?