A contactor is a heavy‑duty electrical switch that controls power to major HVAC components like the compressor and condenser fan. It acts like a high‑current relay, opening and closing the electrical circuit based on signals from the thermostat or control board.
/ˈkɒntæktər/
A contactor is a heavy‑duty electrical switch that controls power to major HVAC components like the compressor and condenser fan. It acts like a high‑current relay, opening and closing the electrical circuit based on signals from the thermostat or control board.
What does a contactor do in HVAC?
It switches high‑voltage power to major components like the compressor and condenser fan.
Source: The Cooling Company
Contactors safely switch high‑voltage power on and off.
When the thermostat calls for cooling, the contactor closes to send power to the compressor and fan, starting the cooling cycle.
If your system won’t start or cycles rapidly, have the contactor inspected for pitted or burned contacts.
“If your system won’t start or cycles rapidly, have the contactor inspected for pitted or burned contacts.”
Contactors are among the most commonly replaced HVAC electrical parts due to heavy load switching.
Can a bad contactor stop my AC from running?
Yes. If the contactor fails to close, the compressor and fan won’t receive power.
Is a contactor the same as a relay?
It works similarly, but contactors are built for higher currents.
How often do contactors fail?
It varies, but many fail after years of high‑load switching and exposure to heat or weather.
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