C24

About this product

EPCOS/TDK C24 series capacitor duty contactors are designed specifically for the frequent switching duty imposed by automatic power factor correction systems, where standard power contactors are unsuitable due to the high transient inrush currents generated when capacitor stages are connected to the network. Each switching operation on a capacitor bank generates an inrush current pulse many times the rated current, causing contact welding, mechanical wear and premature failure in standard contactors — the C24 series eliminates this through pre-charge contacts with integrated damping resistors that limit the inrush current to safe levels before the main contacts close. The contactors are rated for the specific voltage and reactive power ratings of EPCOS PhaseCap and PhiCap capacitor series and are selected to match the capacitor kVAr rating and network voltage. Pre-charge contact insertion time is optimised for the capacitor-contactor combination to minimise both inrush stress and switching time. The C24 series covers the full voltage range from 230V to 690V across all kVAr ratings in the EPCOS capacitor range. Using standard power contactors for capacitor switching — even on an interim basis — creates a significant risk of contact welding and capacitor damage from repeated inrush stress, particularly at switching frequencies above a few operations per hour. C24 contactors are the mandatory pairing with EPCOS capacitors in all automatic switching applications.

Technical Specifications