AC Contactors Explained In 90 Seconds

Quick video explaining how contactors work. Be sure to watch the full video to see how to replace yours if you have one that has failed.

Thanks for watching and subscribing! As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support!

[GreyRockOne]

Thanks! I do all my own mechanical and electrical work, cleaning and maintenance, except refrigerant for obvious reasons.

[teejay]

Awesome video Benjamin - as usual.
I'm always learning new stuff from you young man.
Thank you.

If I may, just a suggestion, but I've noticed quite a few content creators using the END SCREENS more and more at the end of their videos.
One of my pet peeves considering this is that they block the viewer from seeing the last bit of the video. This is OK if the end of the video is just blank screen or otherwise no-value footage, but all too often there are important details in the last few seconds of the video. For example, in this very video, you can be heard saying that you are showing a 3-phase contactor but the end screen completely blocks it out. This scenario keeps happening over and over all over YouTube and it can be terribly frustrating.
I apologize for complaining - I'm not hating I swear. Perhaps something as simple as allowing for an extra 10 or 20 seconds (however long the average end screen lasts) of B-roll or just blank screen at the end when filming (or added during editing) to account for the end screen. I'm not a creator so I'm just spit-balling here.
Again, I'm sorry to leave a complaint comment, especially since I love your videos as much as I do. I hope it's taken in the same spirit it's given in.
Be well.

[thomasraven]

Thanks for the video. Too bad the link screen at the end covered up the end of the vid.

[tabithafranklin]

Dude, you are awesome! Thanks for the tutorial!

[bobrub]

Very nice Ben, I've "BEEN" watching your channel for many, many years now as you have an excellent teaching/presentation method.
I have no contacter in my condenser, but a communicating "Comfortnet" circuit board, so I guess you would know that to be a Goodman system.
My 2 stage 2 ton HP has worked flawlessly for 12 years now (just 1 cap replacement) and was wondering if you had much experience with that "Comfortnet" system/board and if you'd consider a future video on one and how the board works. Mine also has it's own 24v transformer for the outside system along with the Goodman/Amana communicating T-Srat .
and a 2 stage 95% gas furnace indoor with only 2 data/commucitating wires out to the HP as it (HP) has it's own power transformer. I think this/my system is a 16 seer just before they developed all the inverter A/C systems out now.

[ianbelletti]

You missed the fact that they can, on occasion, weld themselves shut. More common, however, is the fail open issues. Because there are contactors for other purposes, you also need to double check not only that the contacts have the right amperage rating but that your contactor has a 24v coil. The wrong coil will mean that the contactor will not close when the control voltage is applied.

[audiophileman]

So in reality, a contactor is just a relay (electronic switch) that starts the AC unit or does it do something more?

[rhelouin]

If my AC calls for a 20 amp contactor, would there be any downside to using a 40 amp, other than cost ?

[publicmail]

If I have a single pole contactor say 30 amp, I'll replace with a 40 or more double pole and parallel both together, then you have an 80 amp which will last the life of unit.

[CarmeloCapiche]

Should know! Don't tell me what I need to know! Are you vaxxed and boosted up or something? Ever watched the movie They Live??