Centroid Community CNC Support Forum

Hello, can anyone recommend a good contactor to use with acorn? Thank you.

You can't go wrong with name-brand contactors. You'll sometimes run into problems with cheap contactors on eBay and Alibaba.

Automation Direct is a good source. Perhaps if you were to explain your exact requirements, a more exact recommendation could be made.

I like to use contactors with a 24VDC coil. I wire the coil through one of the Acorn relays, then assign "DriveOK" to that relay. The Acorn powers up and once it clears boot up, the relay closes, that in turn closes the contactor, and my drives get power. Thanks to Gary Campbell for that idea!

GBCues wrote: ↑Sat Apr 10, 2021 12:00 pm I like to use contactors with a 24VDC coil. I wire the coil through one of the Acorn relays, then assign "DriveOK" to that relay. The Acorn powers up and once it clears boot up, the relay closes, that in turn closes the contactor, and my drives get power. Thanks to Gary Campbell for that idea!

Indeed that is a good idea--I think I'll borrow that one as well once my VFD enclosure is finished.

tuffduck wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 11:11 pm Hello, can anyone recommend a good contactor to use with acorn? Thank you.

More info....
What kind of power do your drives take? AC or DC?
What is the voltage of that power?
What is the current of that power?

What kind of drives?

I am definitely a proponent of Estop contactors. But the kind of energy you expect the contactor to break, makes a difference on contactor choice.
Is this an occasional hobby use machine? Production machine?
Marty

Also remember that, depending on the current draw of the contactor(s), you may have to upsize the 24vdc power supply or add a 2nd to accommodate the additional loads

Gary Campbell wrote: ↑Mon Apr 12, 2021 4:23 pm Also remember that, depending on the current draw of the contactor(s), you may have to upsize the 24vdc power supply or add a 2nd to accommodate the additional loads

Great point Gary. I forgot about that....the power supply that comes with Acorn is not large enough to power a contactor coil. Usually you use a separate power supply for that. ALWAYS use suppression across the contactor coil. Quencharch etc.

Just run a solid state relay. Much smaller and cleaner install

vw_chuck wrote: ↑Tue Apr 13, 2021 10:58 am Just run a solid state relay. Much smaller and cleaner install

The original poster has not described the "contactor" its purpose. I was assuming Estop contactor.
Can't make a good suggestion without GOOD information...
He has not gotten back with us.....

Hi,
Power supply - 48v DC 20amps
Drives - steppers 1400oz 4.6 amps
Drivers - Gecko 201x