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Connecting a Single Phase Motor to a Contactor

How do I connect a single phase contactor to power an electric motor?


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How Contactors are Wired to Control Single Phase Motors
[ad#block]Question: How do I connect a single phase contactor to power an electric motor?

This electrical question came from: Tobi, a Homeowner from Warri, Idaho.
See more about Home Wiring for Idaho

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Tobi.
Electrical Wiring for Single Phase Motor Controls
Tobi, a motor control is simply a relay contactor that acts as a switch which is activated by a different power source or a control circuit. The control circuit may be operated manually, or automatically when the control circuit is wired through sensors or other control devices.  The single phase contactor is sized according to the electric motor voltage and amperage, and the control circuit is designed for the specific type of devices that will be used to control the single phase motor. The control circuit is typically a lower voltage than the motor voltage.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

All About Electrical Control Relays for Motors
electrical-relays

Understanding Electrical Relays

The use of relays that are sometimes needed to control special device loads such as Air Conditioners and other high demand equipment from starting at the same time.

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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

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Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Connecting a Single Phase Motor to a Contactor”
  1. kaushik says:

    I would like a single phase contactor wiring diagram.

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Kaushik,
    It would be helpful to know a little more about the application that you are installing or working with.
    A typical control circuit for a single phase motor is typically a lower voltage than the motor circuit itself. Often the control circuit is from a transformer which may be powered by the primary motor circuit, however the control circuit has it’s own over current protection, such as a fuse or circuit breaker. The control circuit typically is wired to a switch that will then send power to the coil of the relay contactor, which then turns on the motor.
    Please refer to the Control Relay information which may help you as well.
    I hope this helps you,
    Dave