07/07-08   -   Press releases

New mini-contactors – state-of-the-art control for high performance applications

A new range of mini-contactors will ensure a safer working environment for installers, operators and maintenance staff. Set to launch on 7 July, the CI 5 range of products from Danfoss Motor Controlgear meets the latest stringent International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) requirements.

Mini-contactors are ideally suited to control small air-conditioning units, lighting, window shades and saunas in building installations were space is an issue. Furthermore mini-contactors are commonly found in automated doors, electrical saws, pumps and fans. One of the most important features is status feedback provided by mechanically linked and mirror contacts performance, in conformity with IEC 60947-4-1 and IEC 60947-5-1. In addition, the CI 5 contactors have a safety gap of 6 mm between the accessible and live parts. This gap – in line with the new IEC 60947-1 standard – significantly reduces the risk of shock to maintenance staff working with the equipment.

Bartosz Buniowski at Danfoss Motor Controlgear, comments, “By introducing the demanding dielectric voltage tests, the IEC is creating a safer environment for workers. This is an issue that we take very seriously, and our CI 5 programme of contactors is ready for the new standard. Not only does this make a safer environment for users, it’s also a future proof investment."

The CI5 mini-contactors also have other benefits for users:

• Thanks to the extended DC coil range, the contactors work with extremely low and high voltage fluctuations (up to 30 percent) making them much more reliable

• Specially designed self-cleaning H-blocks have high contact reliability, enabling the contactors to be used down to 2mA 15V

Better product at a similar price
To ensure customers experience a smooth transition from the existing CI 4 programme, the new CI5 mini-contactors do not require any panel redesign. They are available with several contact ratings, a variety of auxiliary contact configurations and accessories such as front-mounted mechanical interlocks and pluggable surge compressor modules.

The new CI 5 also includes dedicated bimetallic overload protection relays with a differential mechanism for sensitivity to phase-loss conditions.

With an extraordinary voltage rating of 690V, the new products cover the power range up to 5.5kW and will be priced in the same bracket as the older models.