CP – Modular and compact switchgear

1 pole bi-directional high-voltage contactors, disconnectors, changeover switches for DC and AC for power converters. Rated insulation voltage up to 4,800 V, continuous thermal current up to 2,000 A.

CP1130/12 series 1 pole NO contactor for 1,200 A thermal current and 3,000 V nominal voltage with integreated pre-charging contactor
CP1130/20 series 1 pole NO contactor for 2,000 A thermal current and 3,000 V nominal voltage
CP3130/12 series 1 pole CO contactor for 1,200 A thermal current and 3,000 V nominal voltage

With the CP series Schaltbau is introducing once more an innovative concept to the switchgear market. The arc-handling is done exclusively by permanent-magnetic blowout. This patented technology ensures fully bi-directional breaking capability and a more compact design. By reducing dimensions and weight we save you valuable space.
For the first time the universal devices can be configured as NO/NC contactor, disconnector or changeover switch. This enables us to react flexibly to changing customer requirements. The high switching functionality and reliability ensure practical and cost effective operation.
The combination of innovative technology, compact design and high versatility makes the CP power contactors particularly suitable for use in railway and industrial applications. Thanks to its unique modular design, the new product family includes a variety of possible configurations catering to a wide range of applications.

Features

Innovative Design

  • Easily configurable as NO/NC contactor, disconnector or changeover switch
  • DC bi-directional or AC up to 60 Hz max.
  • Exclusively permanent-magnetic blowout – no critical currents and low wear of main contact system thanks to effective arc-handling
  • High making capacity, also as disconnector and changeover switch
  • Low total cost of ownership, modular and compact

Main contact system

  • Conventional thermal current: 600 A/ 1,200 A/ 2,000 A
  • Nominal voltage: 1,5 kV, 3 kV
  • Double-break contacts
  • 1 pole versions

Easy maintenance

  • Toolless inspection of main contact tips
  • Toolless replacement of the arc chamber

Applications

  • Main contactor, optional with pre-charging contactor and high-voltage discharging contact for traction converters and inverters for auxiliary equipment
  • Switchgear for various mobile applications in locomotives and multiple-unit trains
  • Switchgear for various stationary applications photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, cranes, welding systems,mining
  • Switchgear for the configuration of electrical system, e.g. to select from among various energy sources, configure filter for multisystem operations or connect/disconnect DC links

A product tailored to your needs

Find your ideal switching device and configure it as NO/NC contactor, disconnector or changeover switch

Maximum modularity – whether as a contactor, disconnect switch or changeover switch: The CP series offers countless variation options and is the perfect fit for your application. A scalable power interface in combination with different extinguishing chambers according to the switching requirements make the switchgear universally applicable.
In addition to various auxiliary switch groups, a high-voltage discharge contact and/or a precharging contactor can also be integrated.

Specifications

CP series
Type of voltageDC (bi-directional), AC (f < 60 Hz)
Main contacts, configurationCP11: 1x, SPST-NO
CP21: 1x, SPST-NC
CP31: 1x, SPDT-DB
Nominal voltage Un1,500 V or 3,000V
Rated operating voltage Ue1,800 V or 3,600V
Rated insulation voltage UNm3,000 V or 4,800V
Rated impulse withstand voltage UNi15 kV or 30 kV
Pollution degree
Overvoltage category
PD3
OV3
Conv. thermal current Ith600A, 1,200A or 2,000A
Utilization categoryA2
Rated short-time withstand current Icw15 kA max., series-specific
Contact material main contactsAgSnO2
Pre-charging contactor CPP series, optional,
CP11xx­20: Integrated, factory mounting
CP11xx­12: Integrated, factory mounting
CP11xx­06: Separate, mounting on customer side
High-voltage discharging contactCPD, optional
Aux. contact4 max., w/o HV discharging contact
1x S870 (a1), 1x S870 (b0), 2x S826
4x S826
Coil voltage Us24 / 36...60 / 72...110 V DC
Mono or bistable with integrated PWM module
Coil tolerance–30% ... +25% Us
Coil power consumptionPull-in: 225 W max.@ 250 ms max.
Hold: <10 W
Coil suppressionIntegrated PWM module
(electronic coil controller with suppressor diode)
Mechanical enduranceCoil design monostable: > 1 million operating cycles
Coil design bistable: > 200.000 operating cycles
Vibration / Shock (IEC 61373)Category 1, class B
Mounting orientationHorizontal, vertical
(do not mount upside down)
IP rating (IEC 60529)IP00
Temperature range–40 °C ... +70 °C
Storage temperature–40 °C ... +85 °C
WeightSeries-specific
Show all data

Contactors for high switching capacities

Due to their dielectric strength and heavy-duty capacity, they are used in a wide variety of industries. They form an important unit in many electrical installations and are used where dealing with larger loads is required.

What is a power contactor?

Simply put, it is an electromagnetic switch. Compared to relays, which do not have auxiliary contacts, they are mainly used when turning on high power. Similar in some ways to relays, they provide additional safety because power systems can be controlled remotely. The device controls the ON-OFF switch, turning it to the off position when the voltage is gone and the circuit de-energized. Typical applications include all areas of control and automation technology, electric motors, railroad applications, and renewable energy sources. Common tasks include turning on and controlling electrical heating elements, ventilation, lighting systems and drive motors.

How do they work?

These different types of electrical contactors always work whether switched on or switched off. In this process, the closed state of the load circuit is maintained as long as power flows through the control circuit. This process is called “monostable switching”. During activation, they cannot move to the rest position.

The structure of a power contactor
It usually consists of the following components:
  • Housing
  • Solenoid coil
  • Coil core
  • Metallic armature
  • Switching contacts
  • Armature return spring
  • Arc quenching chamber

The metallic armature is located in the coil and is attracted when a magnetic field is generated by the coil. This moves the power contacts on the contact bridge and enables the user to control them electrically by either opening closing them.
The armature return spring ensures that it is switched into the off position as soon as the voltage is gone – the contacts or current-carrying part of the contactor, are thus back in their original position during power-cutoff.
An arc occurs inside when the contacts are disconnected. This is extinguished safely with the aid of the arc-extinguishing chamber.

Auxiliary and power contactors compared

An auxiliary contactor is designed for low electrical currents. With a power contactor, high currents from approx. 600 amps can be switched, whereas auxiliary ones are designed for smaller loads. The auxiliary contactor basically has the same function as a relay, but looks more like a contactor. They can be used together, auxiliaries primarily perform a control and switching function. For example, an auxiliary contactor can also be used in a control circuit to control a power contactor.

What are the differences between contactors and relays?

The differences between contactors and relays are mainly in the areas of application, because their functions are relatively similar. One main difference is that the former, in contrast to relays, are designed to switch large loads.
Another difference: Relays are single-break, whereas contactors are double-break. This characteristic plays an important role when used in safety functions.
Furthermore, relays do not have an extinguishing chamber or auxiliary contacts.

Related Downloads

Catalogue C40
CP - 1 pole bi-directional high-voltage contactors, disconnectors, changeover switches for DC and AC
Manual C40-M
Contactors CP — Installation and Maintenance Instructions
Safety instructions contactors
AFS / C100 / C110B / C130 / C137 / C152...C159 / C160 / C162 / C163 / C164 / C165 / C193 / C195 / C294 / C295 / C160 / C3xx / C8xx / C400 / C600 / CA / CF / CH / CL / CP / CPP / CS / CT / CU / S100/80 / S132 / S134 / S135 / S005 / S007 / S008 / S306 / S307 / S310
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