Capacitor-Duty Contactor in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Power Factor Company supplies the capacitor-duty contactor for APFC panels and capacitor banks across Saudi Arabia, rated for the inrush that makes an ordinary contactor weld shut. Each contactor is selected by step kVAr at your supply voltage, with damping resistors where the step is not detuned.
What you receive: a written proposal listing the contactor type, coil voltage, quantity and price within one working day of receiving your step data or panel nameplate. Request a quotation
Why does a capacitor bank need a special contactor?
When a step closes, an uncharged capacitor behaves almost like a short circuit for a few milliseconds. The inrush depends on the supply strength and the steps already connected, and it can reach many times rated current. A capacitor-duty contactor, tested to utilisation category AC-6b in IEC 60947-4-1, carries early-make auxiliary contacts and damping resistors. They limit that pulse before the main contacts close.
A standard contactor has neither. Its contacts pit, then weld, and a welded step stays connected as the load falls. That step overheats and damages the capacitors and fuses.
Capacitor-duty contactor supply in Saudi Arabia: what we deliver
| Item | Range / specification | Standard | Typical lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contactor for capacitor steps | Rated by step kVAr at your supply voltage | IEC 60947-4-1, AC-6b | next working day from Dammam stock |
| Damping resistor and auxiliary contact block | Fitted or added to suit the contactor | IEC 60947-4-1 | next working day from Dammam stock |
| Replacement set for a full panel | One contactor per step, fitted and tested | IEC 61439-1/-2 | next working day from Dammam stock |
Contactors in our panels come from ABB, Schneider Electric and Siemens ranges, chosen to suit your specification.
How do I size a capacitor switching contactor?
Work through four points:
- Step rating: use the kVAr of the step at the real supply voltage, since kVAr falls with the voltage squared.
- Switching duty: frequent operation on a varying load, as with cranes or presses, calls for a thyristor-switched design.
- Detuned or plain: a detuned step limits inrush but still needs the same contactor class.
- Ambient: hot enclosures derate the contactor, so we check temperature rise.
How do I know a contactor needs replacing?
Look for a step that stays on when the load falls, a chattering coil, discoloured terminals and burnt resistors. Thermography shows a tired contactor before it welds. When two or more show wear, replace the full set, as the rest have seen the same duty. It is routine work in our capacitor replacement scope.
How do we supply and fit contactors?
- Send the step data. Nameplate photos and the kVAr of each step are enough.
- We select. We match contactor, coil voltage and resistors to each step.
- Supply. Contactors arrive with fitting notes.
- Fit. We replace one step at a time with the panel isolated.
- Test. Each step is switched under supervision.
- Record. You receive a list of what was fitted.
Who we supply
Saudi Power Factor Company has been active since 2010 and holds approvals from Saudi Aramco, SABIC and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu. Our two Dammam workshops build and service panels, and we deliver to every region of Saudi Arabia. Panels needing matching parts can also come through our APFC panel team and spare parts desk.
We have worked on projects for Saudi Aramco, SABIC and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, in all regions of Saudi Arabia. Tell us your plant type and city in the quotation form, and we describe the scope closest to your contactor replacement or retrofit job.
Questions we are asked before quoting
Who provides capacitor-duty contactors in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Power Factor Company provides these contactors from Dammam, built into our APFC panels and supplied separately for replacement. We have worked in Saudi Arabia since 2010 and are approved by Saudi Aramco, SABIC and the Royal Commission.
What affects the cost of a contactor?
Price follows the step kVAr, supply voltage, coil voltage, brand and quantity, and whether damping resistors are built in or added. Send your step list and the proposal prices each size.
How long does contactor delivery take?
Delivery depends on the rating, brand and whether the item is in stock. Our typical lead time is the next working day for items in Dammam stock, and longer for items ordered in. Sending the step kVAr and coil voltage with the first enquiry removes the most common cause of delay.
Can I use a normal contactor for a capacitor step?
Only if a detuning reactor or inrush choke limits the current and the maker states a capacitor rating. Otherwise choose a capacitor duty unit. We check the datasheet for each step before quoting.
What does AC-6b mean?
AC-6b is the IEC 60947-4-1 utilisation category for switching capacitor banks. A contactor tested to it has been proved against that inrush and endurance cycle, so it suits an APFC step.
What should I send to get a quotation?
Send nameplate photos of the existing contactors, or the kVAr of each step, plus the supply voltage and control coil voltage. We reply with part selection, quantity, price and lead time within one working day.
Looking for a capacitor-duty contactor in Saudi Arabia? Send us the kVAr of each step, your supply voltage and coil voltage and receive a quotation within one working day.
Email: inquiry@saudipowerfactor.com | Request a quotation