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Automation Community > Blog > Electrical > Difference Between Contactor and Fuse
ElectricalPLC

Difference Between Contactor and Fuse

Editorial Staff
Last updated: 2023/04/29 at 8:00 AM
Editorial Staff
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The contactors and fuses are two different types of electrical components that serve different purposes in electrical systems. In this article, you will learn the difference between a contactor and fuse.

Contents
What is a Contactor?What is a Fuse?Difference Between Contactor and FuseConclusion

What is a Contactor?

A contactor is an electrically controlled switch used for switching a power circuit, similar to a relay. A Contactor is typically used for switching high-voltage or high-current circuits, and it is often used to control motors, lighting, or other electrical loads.

Contactors are commonly used in industrial and commercial applications and can be controlled by a low-voltage control circuit, like a PLC.

What is a Fuse?

A fuse, on the other hand, is a safety device that is used to protect electrical circuits from overcurrent. Fuses are designed to “blow” or open the circuit when the current flowing through them exceeds a certain level.

This helps to prevent damage to the circuit or equipment and reduce the risk of fire. Fuses are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications to protect against electrical overloads.

Difference Between Contactor and Fuse

Difference Between Contactor and Fuse

The below table shows the comparison between a fuse and a contactor.

DescriptionFuseContactor
PurposeControl high-voltage/current circuitsProtect against electrical overloads
OperationElectrically controlled switchBlows or opens the circuit when the current exceeds a certain level
ControlControlled by low-voltage control circuits like PLCNot Controlled
ApplicationsIndustrial and commercialResidential, commercial, and industrial
ProtectionProtection of equipmentProtection of electrical circuits
LifeLonger life compared to fuseShorter life compared to the contactor
Voltage ratingHigh VoltageLow Voltage
Current ratingHigh CurrentLimited current
CostMore expensiveLess expensive
SizeLarger in sizeSmaller in size
MaintenanceNeed regular maintenanceNo regular maintenance required
Failure modeMechanical failureThermal failure

Conclusion

In summary, a contactor is an electrically controlled switch that is used to switch large electrical loads on and off, while a fuse is an overcurrent protection device that automatically opens a circuit when it senses an overcurrent.

Contactors are often used to control motors, heating equipment, and other heavy-duty loads, while fuses are used to protect smaller circuits.

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