Contactor control circuit

Nick Moore · Dec 9, 2018

Hi guys and gals, I am struggling to figure out how to achieve what seems to be a simple control circuit. I’ve wired a test rig and the system works as expected apart from the lamp not illuminating! What I am trying to achieve is a 13amp socket controlled contactor. Part of the control circuit will be a 230v 15watt warning lamp, once the lamp blows or is removed the contactor will drop thus de-energising the 13amp socket. When tested the lamp glows ever so slightly so obviously there’s an issue with such a high resistance of the contactor coil! Is there a different type of coil available on the market with a lower resistance? Is there another method that I’m not thinking of? Advice would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Nick Moore · Dec 9, 2018

Superb advice everyone. This particular forum is a great experience for a first time user. I found a German device that senses 0.02amps to 16amps. The 15w lamp will use 0.06amps @230volts so in theory it should work a treat.

There does not seem to be any CT chamber so I gather that terminals k and l would be wired in series with the load of the lamp. L\N line and neutral permanent supply. Any views on this device?

[ElectriciansForums.net] Contactor control circuit

Bobster · Dec 13, 2018

That would work.

mrloy99 · Dec 15, 2018

Rob said:
That would work.

No doubt I'm missing something here but the ones I've done, are switched from the surgeons panel and just come on at the same time as the socket, not on the control circuit. I don't think there is a requirement to provide a fail safe mechanism. A buzzer might be a better warning than a lamp.