(called 'definite-purpose' for some reason)
No, not the same, but a common misconception.
“Definite Purpose” contactors have only one valid use: as part of an OEM assembly that will itself then be listed by an NRTL (UL, ETL, CSA etc.). If you look, you will see that DP contactors are NOT listed by any NRTL, they have the backward UR symbol, meaning they are UL “Recognized”, which is defined as I said above; only for use in something else that will then be listed as an assembly. So the only valid use of a DP contactor in the field is as direct like-for-like replacement in repairing something. In my opinion, DP should stand for “Don’t Purchase”. I am aware that people put them in all the time as “general purpose” contactors, but technically, it’s a violation every time.
There are plenty of UL listed general purpose contactors out there, but DP are not the same.
fixed typos