A lighting contactor is an electrically operated switch. It is typically used to switch high intensity discharge (HID) lighting on and off. The lighting contactor wiring diagram is a detailed description of how a lighting contactor is wired.
What is a Lighting Contactor?
A lighting contactor is a relay that is used to switch high voltage lighting circuits on and off. It is typically used when a switch is not practical, due to the size of the circuit or the high voltage involved.
The lighting contactor consists of a coil, contacts, and a mechanical structure that moves the contacts. The coil is energized by a control circuit that is connected to one or more switches. When the coil is energized, the contacts close, closing the lighting circuit. When the coil is de-energized, the contacts open, opening the lighting circuit.
How Does a Lighting Contactor Work?
A lighting contactor works by using an electrical coil to move the contacts. When the coil is energized, it creates a magnetic field that moves the armature, which in turn closes the contacts. When the coil is de-energized, the contacts open due to a spring mechanism.
By using a lighting contactor, it is possible to switch high voltage lighting circuits on and off without having to manually operate a switch. This is particularly useful in situations where the lighting circuit is too large or too high voltage to be operated by a switch.
How to Wire a Lighting Contactor
Wiring a lighting contactor involves connecting the control circuit to the contactor, as well as connecting the lighting circuits to the contactor. The wiring diagram for a lighting contactor typically shows the following:
- The control circuit wiring
- The contactor coil wiring
- The lighting circuit wiring
The control circuit is typically connected to one or more switches that control the operation of the contactor. The contactor coil is connected to the control circuit, and the lighting circuits are connected to the contactor contacts.
What are the Steps to Wire a Lighting Contactor?
The steps to wire a lighting contactor are:
- Disconnect the power to the lighting circuit
- Select the appropriate contactor for the lighting circuit
- Mount the contactor in a suitable location
- Connect the control circuit wiring to the contactor
- Connect the contactor coil wiring to the control circuit
- Connect the lighting circuit wiring to the contactor contacts
- Reconnect the power to the lighting circuit
It is important to follow the wiring diagram for the specific lighting contactor being used, as the wiring may vary between different models and manufacturers.
Lighting Contactor Wiring Diagram
The lighting contactor wiring diagram shows the wiring connections for a specific lighting contactor. The diagram typically shows the following:
- The control circuit wiring
- The contactor coil wiring
- The lighting circuit wiring
- The contactor auxiliary contacts, if applicable
| Symbol | Description |
| L1, L2 | Line voltage input |
| T1, T2 | Control voltage input |
| COIL | Contact coil |
| NO, NC | Normally open and normally closed auxiliary contacts |
| L1, T1 | Control circuit |
| T2, COIL | Control circuit to contactor coil |
| L1, L2 | Line voltage to contactor contacts |
| T1, T2 | Control voltage to contactor contacts |
FAQs
Q. What is a lighting contactor wiring diagram?
A lighting contactor wiring diagram is a schematic diagram that shows how a lighting contactor is wired. It typically shows the control circuit wiring, the contactor coil wiring, and the lighting circuit wiring.
Q. What is a lighting contactor?
A lighting contactor is a relay that is used to switch high voltage lighting circuits on and off. It is typically used when a switch is not practical, due to the size of the circuit or the high voltage involved.
Q. Why use a lighting contactor?
By using a lighting contactor, it is possible to switch high voltage lighting circuits on and off without having to manually operate a switch. This is particularly useful in situations where the lighting circuit is too large or too high voltage to be operated by a switch.
Q. How do you wire a lighting contactor?
Wiring a lighting contactor involves connecting the control circuit to the contactor, as well as connecting the lighting circuits to the contactor. The wiring diagram for a lighting contactor typically shows the control circuit wiring, the contactor coil wiring, and the lighting circuit wiring.
Q. What is the purpose of a lighting contactor?
A lighting contactor is used to switch high voltage lighting circuits on and off. It is typically used when a switch is not practical, due to the size of the circuit or the high voltage involved.
