Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley Bulletin 100-E IEC contactors

Rockwell Automation has released the Allen-Bradley Bulletin 100-E IEC contactors to help machine builders design small, energy-efficient panels. Designed for applications from 116 to 2650 A, they replace the Allen-Bradley Bulletin 100-D IEC contactors, which were designed for applications from 115–860 A.

Traditionally, contactors have been used to switch electrical loads in numerous applications, such as motors, fans and pumps. However, large contactors are increasingly used in applications to isolate or bypass these loads and for switching of resistive loads. To accommodate this change, contactors now feature a universal coil, which offers operators flexibility when controlling with multiple voltages. The latest contactors can be controlled with 40 to 50 different voltages, ranging from 24 to 500 V, with only four different coil options.

Previous options were available in multiple voltages and often required an AC or DC coil to control applications. The universal coil means operators can more easily control voltage on multiple applications with fewer parts, according to the company. The coil is designed to be more energy efficient, enabling users to operate the same applications with a smaller power supply.

The latest contactors have a 25% smaller footprint than previous product lines. A more compact contactor allows for a smaller panel and a smaller enclosure.