Contactor off FCU

[Jackflash]

Hi,

Just wondered..... Is it ok to supply the coil of a contactor from an FCU from a socket circuit or does it need to be a seperate circuit? This is going to be via a timeclock.
Any thoughts much apprciated.

Thanks

 

[telectrix]

don't quite see what you are trying to do. if you supply a contactor coil from a FCU, surely it will be permanently energised.

 

[Jackflash]

I want to take the supply from the FCU then into a timeclock then to the contactor.

 

[telectrix]

ah, i see. as long as the cable is correctly protected e.g. 3A fuse, i see no reason why not. but make sure your time clock is compatible with an inductive load.

 

[Deservices]

ah, i see. as long as the cable is correctly protected e.g. 3A fuse, i see no reason why not. but make sure your time clock is compatible with an inductive load.

I agree

 

[Jackflash]

Oh ok, great thanks. I'm looking at using This Hager es263 contactor. 63 Amp 2 Pole Contactor - 3 Module I know i'l need to fuse it down but how do you technically know what to fuse it down to? will the coil have an Amp rating stated on the contactor?

-Also i was looking to use this timer it states 2A inductive load, is this enough do you think?
GreenBrook Electrical

-Otherwise there's this one with 8A inductive rating
GreenBrook Electrical

 

[telectrix]

you coil will take very little current. as for fusing the FCU, the fuse size is selected to protect the cable feeding the coil. e.g. if your coil draws 1a, you could use 1.0mm cable with a 3A or 5A fuse.

 

[HandySparks]

If possible, it might be better to derive your timer supply from the main contactor supply, suitably fused down. You can then have one point of isolation for all power into the contactor and its associated load.

 

[Jackflash]

Yea this is what i was thinking. It would be better to have 1 point of isolation. So would you fit another 10mm t&e from the supply side of the contactor then into an FCU then 1mm/1.5mm to timclock then back to contactor coils. Is this do-able or would it get awkward? will 10mm fit into FCU?

 

[Rockingit]

What are you trying to switch? Out of interest, as you've mentioned a 63A contactor and now 10mm T&E.

 

[Jackflash]

Oh actually i mean 6mm. haha it's a 50A deck oven i want to switch.

 

[wade88]

Well whether its right or wrong.... i do this, and can no see no logical or theoretical problems with it.

 

[Jackflash]

As in yo usually use an FCU off the ring? I think this is what i'l probably do, might work out easier than dealing with 6mm into an fcu, i'l see.

 

[RogertheBodger]

Presumably you will have a din rail enclosure for your contactor and time switch?
you could fit a 6A mcb in there , loop your 10mm supply into that and use it to protect your coil circuit.

 

[fylthespider]

if you can, use one point of isolation.
had a belt on pub lights cos i thought contactor was isolated, while working on it the time clock switched on. bugger, made me jump.
IF you live you learn.

6mm in fcu? tight but do-able.

 

[Jackflash]

Yea 6A mcb in with the contactor enclosure would be neat. What the most common method of suppying a contactor?

 

[RogertheBodger]

From your CU, into the contactor, out the other side to your load, or do you mean how to connect a contactor?

 

[not clever]

Yea 6A mcb in with the contactor enclosure would be neat. What the most common method of supplying a contactor?

I hope the picture works

 

[RogertheBodger]

Probably need a neutral at your time switch, but yes, that's it.

 

[Jackflash]

Yea looks good! thanks very much for your help!

 

[not clever]

I assumed he would know a neutral was required at the time clock. I'd use a din rail mounted one & site it next to the contactor.