3/26/23, 5:54 PM Difference Between AC1 and AC3 Contactor - Electricalterminology

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Difference Between AC1 and AC3

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In the design of systems for buildings, different sets of performance and switching data have
established themselves in relation to the various applications, both in the industrial and the Diode Failures: Causes &
Prevention Tips
residential sectors. These sets of performance data are specified in the national and international
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The verifications are defined to reproduce typical applications, such as motor loads (industry) or
heaters (buildings). The standardized use categories set the current values that the relay or PLC Selection 101: Tips
contactor (https://www.electricalterminology.com/what-is-a-magnetic-contactor/) must switch. and Tricks for a
Successful Choice
The categories AC1 and AC3 refer to data on the switching capacities that have established (https://www.electricalterminol
themselves in the industrial field. A contactor (https://www.electricalterminology.com/what-is-a- selection/)
magnetic-contactor/)‘s duty is characterized by the utilization category together with the rated
operational voltage and current indicated.
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3/26/23, 5:54 PM Difference Between AC1 and AC3 Contactor - Electricalterminology

AC1 vs AC3
The difference between AC1 and AC3 contactors is that AC1 contactors are used for general
purpose resistive loads but AC3 contactors are used for high inductive, squirrel cage motor
switching. The rating of AC3 is lower than AC1. Because AC3 switches high inrush currents.

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AC1 AC3

General Purpose Motor Switching

Resistive loads, Starting and switching

distribution and isolation off running motors

Compressors
Heating Air conditioning
By-pass and isolation for drives and soft starters Chillers
Power supply Pumps
Wind power Fans
Solar power Elevators
etc. Escalators
etc.

AC1
AC1 is the utilization category of non-inductive or slightly inductive loads, resistance-type electric
ovens (with reference to the activation of ohmic loads). They apply to all alternating current devices
with a power factor equal to 0.8.

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AC3
AC3 is the utilization category of squirrel cage motors. They must have an on-off command during
operation (inductive load). The main applications involve, for example, elevators, escalators,
conveyor belts, bucket elevators, compressors, pumps, mixers, air conditioners, and so on. The
power factor is equal to 0.45.

These switching capacities are defined in Standard EN 60 947-4-1 (Contactors and Starters –
Electromechanical Contactors and Starters). The standard describes the starters and/or contactors
that originally were used mainly in industrial applications.

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