Mechanically Held Lighting Contactor

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Sean.Day72

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Location
Florida
Pretty simple question which I think has a simple answer.

I want to use a Mechanically Held contactor with photocell for automatic control of parking lot lighting.

I understand it only takes a momentary voltage on the control coil for the contacts to switch state (close) and the contactor mechanically latches so you don't need constant coil voltage like a electrical held contactor.

Question is what makes it change state back to open (off) when only using a photocell. i.e what clears the contacts. When daylight comes back the contact in the photocell open but this doesn't apply a momentary voltage to the control coil is where I'm getting lost.

Thank you,
 

augie47

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Tennessee
Occupation
State Electrical Inspector (Retired)
The latching contactors I have used in the past have had a "two wire" conversion kit available for SP switch or photocell operation.
 

hillbilly1

Senior Member
Location
North Georgia mountains
Occupation
Owner/electrical contractor

Tulsa Electrician

Senior Member
Location
Tulsa
Occupation
Electrician
I use Eaton mech held. It will work with your set up.
 

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Tulsa Electrician

Senior Member
Location
Tulsa
Occupation
Electrician
This cut will ansawer your question on how it works.

Information available from Eaton
 

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hillbilly1

Senior Member
Location
North Georgia mountains
Occupation
Owner/electrical contractor
The good thing about those, is it is easy to add or replace contacts, but surges take them out pretty easy, and short circuits burn the contacts easily. Also take care on installing the contact blocks. There is a normally closed and a normally open position depending on wether you install the block left or right.
 
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