contactor vs relay

[crazyirishman34]

I am wondering what the difference between a contactor and a relay is? I am trying to set up a controller for a 120v rims tube.

 

[jasonsbeer]

Contactors are relays, but they are designed to handle high current loads associated with motor start-ups. They're also cheap.

Because of these two attributes, they work great for electric brewing applications.

I used 30 amp power relays in my setup. About the same price, but they are compact not ugly like most contactors. But, these things are usually inside an enclosure, so looks don't really matter. Was just my personal preference.

How many watts is your element?

 

[crazyirishman34]

So I can use this relay in place of a contactor?

 

[P-J]

So I can use this relay in place of a contactor?

Absolutely. For a 120V set up it is a great choice. I would not use it for 240V though as you could then only break one of the 2 hot legs.

 

[jasonsbeer]

Agreed. Looks like a great option for 110V/120V applications.

 

[TimL]

I just bought two of them for my 120v 1500W RIMS tube controller. I won't be building the controller for a while, but I'll post my experience with them.

 

[Shockerengr]

Another thing, relays often (but not always) have Normally open and normally closed contacts, contactors are almost exclusively normally open.

pretty minor difference and they can be used interchangeably if they meet your needs.

 

[TimL]

I've attached my circuit drawing that I plan to use for my 120V 1500W RIMS controller. I'm going to use two of the mini relays, one to isolate input power, the other to isolate/enable element power.

 

[crazyirishman34]

Are you using any fuses or circuit breakers when you reduce the wire size?

 

[TimL]

No, I haven't put any device protection in. Thinking about it, but not certain I'll put it in.

 

[SAMPLER]

Looking for some help as how to wire this relay. I have two as suggested by P-J nut confused as to which side the lead wires go. Thanks for the advice.

 

[BadNewsBrewery]

Reviving an old thread...

Suggest you start a new thread, post a photo of your relay, or at the very least a link to whatever relay you're talking about, so we know what "this realy" is.