EPCOS Capacitor Contactor Three Phase

Price range: KSh7,000.00 through KSh13,500.00

SKU: N/A Category: Capacitor Brand: EPCOS

EPCOS Capacitor Contactor Three Phase (manufactured by TDK Electronics) are specialized switching devices designed specifically for switching detuned and conventional three-phase capacitors in Low Voltage (LV) Power Factor Correction (PFC) systems. Unlike standard electrical contactors, capacitor duty contactors feature specialized leading contacts with a wiper function and built-in, tamper-proof damping resistors to suppress massive inrush current spikes.

EPCOS Capacitor Contactor Three Phase Key Features & Technical Specifications

Inrush Current Damping: Features a resistor block mounted on top that connects prior to the main contacts, providing excellent damping of high initial current spikes.
Voltage Range: Broad operational envelope from 400 V to 690 V AC .
Output Ranges: Models span power ratings from 5 kvar up to 100 kvar .
Utilization Category: Certified under the AC6b utilization category, specifically designated for switching 3-phase capacitor banks.
System Lifespan Benefits: By enabling “soft switching,” these contactors significantly increase the useful service life of both the main contacts and the capacitors themselves while avoiding voltage sags across the network.

How They Work: Power & Control Wiring Layout

The Damping Principle: The contactor features early-make auxiliary contacts combined with a pre-wired resistor block. When activated, these auxiliary contacts close milliseconds before the main contacts, forcing the incoming surge through resistors to buffer the initial current rush. Once the main contacts close fully, the resistor circuit is bypassed to eliminate continuous ohmic losses.
Power Circuitry: Incoming 3-phase lines pass through a three-pole MCCB/MCB directly to the input terminals of the contactor. Output lines exit the bottom of the contactor and link directly to the three phase terminals (typically labeled R, Y, B or U, V, W) on the capacitor bank.
Control Circuitry: Typically powered by a separate control MCB. It interfaces standard Start/Stop pushbuttons or an automatic Power Factor Correction (APFC) relay output to the contactor’s coil terminals (A1 and A2 ) to cycle the capacitor bank inline as reactive load demands change.