Best Electrically Held Lighting Contactors for Reliable Lighting Control
People seeking reliable, electrically held lighting contactors will find options that balance load capacity, coil voltage, and installation ease. This guide highlights five practical models suited for commercial and residential lighting circuits, focusing on 120 VAC or similar systems. Each option is described for who it’s best for and why, with clear caveats where needed. The summary table below helps compare key specs at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Max Load | Coil Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Pole Contactor Normally Open Lighting Contactor 120V Coil | Migro | 60A (Resistive/LED), 32A Ballast | 120V |
| Eaton CN35GN2AB 60A, 2P | Eaton | 60A | 120V |
| Eaton CN35BN2AB Nema Open Type | Eaton | 20A | 120V (typical) |
| 40AMP 4 Pole Designer N/O Migro Modular Contactor | Electrodepot | 40A | 120V / 110V (coil) |
12 Pole Contactor, 60A Lighting Control
Product: 12 Pole Contactor Normally Open Lighting Contactor 120V Coil. Brand: Migro. Features include 60A resistive or LED load capability, 32A ballast rating, CE and IEC/EN61095 DIN compliance, and modular 2.2 x 3.3 x 2.5 inches per unit with DIN rail mount included.
Best for: Larger lighting installations where multiple circuits can be switched from a single device. Choose this when you need higher resistive/LED load handling and a compact modular design for a DIN rail system.
Why selected: It offers robust current handling and clear compatibility with common DIN-rail frames, making it a practical choice for multi-circuit lighting control in commercial spaces.
Caution: Verify DIN rail compatibility with your panel; the modular units may require precise mounting clearances.
Eaton CN35GN2AB 60A, 2P, Electrically Held
Product: Eaton CN35GN2AB 60A, 2P, Electrically Held Lighting Contactor. Features include a family-style Freedom design, 2 poles, and 120V control. The listing emphasizes straightforward, reliable control in lighting circuits.
Best for: Systems requiring a compact 2-pole, electrically held contactor with simple wiring and established Eaton compatibility for standard lighting loads.
Why selected: The CN35GN2AB provides dependable, mid-range performance with a familiar brand and a clean 2-pole solution for straightforward lighting control.
Caution: Confirm wiring polarity and coil voltage alignment with your control circuit to avoid misoperation in unusual configurations.
Eaton CN35BN2AB 2P Nema Open Contactor
Product: Eaton CN35BN2AB Nema Electrically Held Lighting Contactor Open Type. Features include 2 poles and 20A rating with a 120V control setup, aligned to standard NEMA enclosures.
Best for: Smaller lighting loads in open-type installations where standard NEMA mounting is preferred and a compact two-pole solution is needed.
Why selected: It matches common electrical trade requirements for lighter circuit lighting control and offers easy integration into open-type enclosures.
Caution: This model has a lower amperage rating, so it’s not suitable for high-load lighting circuits or large ballast loads.
40AMP Four-Pole Designer N/O Migro Contactor
Product: 40AMP 4 Pole Designer N/O Normally Open Migro Modular Contactor for 120/220/277VAC loads. Coil Voltage 120VAC with 50VA inrush and 7VA sealed. DIN rail mount, designed for lighting and heater switching applications.
Best for: Medium to high-load lighting or other switching tasks across multiple poles, with a modular design that fits DIN rails and allows expansion.
Why selected: The four-pole configuration delivers increased control across circuits, making it suitable for more complex lighting setups in commercial environments.
Caution: The specified inrush and sealed VA values should be checked against your actual load profile to prevent nuisance trips.
Buying Guide
What matters most when selecting an electrically held lighting contactor
- Load rating: Match the contactor’s amperage and voltage to your lighting or ballast load. Use higher ratings for future expansion.
- Pole count: Choose 2P for basic lighting circuits, 4P or more for multi-circuit setups.
- Coil voltage: Ensure the coil voltage matches your control circuit (commonly 120V in North America). Some models support alternate voltages or delta configurations.
- Mounting style: DIN rail-compatible units simplify panel assembly; open-type or NEMA variants suit different enclosures.
- Size and footprint: Consider modularity and space within the electrical panel to avoid crowding and ensure proper ventilation.
- Brand and compatibility: Established brands tend to offer broader component compatibility and spare parts availability.
- Safety and standards: Look for CE, UL, or IEC compliance as applicable to your region and project requirements.
FAQ
- What is an electrically held lighting contactor?
- How do I choose between 2P and 4P contactors for lighting?
- Can a contactor switch LED lighting loads?
- Do these contactors require a separate auxiliary power supply?
- What mounting considerations matter for DIN rail installations?
- Are open-type contactors different from enclosed models?
Answer: An electrically held lighting contactor is a relay-style switch used to control lighting circuits with an electrical control signal. A 2P contactor handles two poles, while a 4P version handles four poles for multi-circuit control. LED and ballast loads are common, but ensure the device supports the specific load type. Most contactors do not require a separate power supply beyond the control circuit, but verify coil voltage compatibility. Mounting requires proper DIN rail fit or enclosure space. Open-type vs enclosed models differ in enclosure and protection level; choose based on environmental exposure and safety needs.