Looking for a 220V contactor - how to tell bargain from junk?

[JohnAspinall]

I'm looking for a 3-pole 220V contactor for my mill. 15A or so, inductive load of course. I want a 220V coil, because I don't have a neutral on the 220V outlet.
Anyone want to offer an opinion on this one?
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/AC-2...r-LC1D25M7C-for-Electric-Motor/765383742.html ($18)

The comparable item from a domestic supplier would seem to be three times the price or more, e.g.
http://www.cesco.com/b2c/product/188701 ($52)
or
http://www.mcmaster.com/#motor-starting-contactors/=luotgj and go to item 7603K137 ($173)

I don't want to start a fire with a misguided attempt to save a few bucks, but at this price difference, the cheap alternative deserves a bit of attention.
What's the difference here?

 

[phansen39]

The mcmaster carr one is a motor starter. Basically a contactor with a motor overload attached to it. The square d one is a good one but is overpriced.
The 1st hard to say, rating in 5.5 kw at 220/230 volts inductive. Basically 22 amps. Depends on the contact points themselves. Might arc a good bit when turning on or off.

This one looks good has 240 volt coil also still slightly overpriced:
http://www.cesco.com/b2c/product/316352

Use these Furnas brand in HVAC and refrigeration for work no problems:
https://www.spapartsnet.com/Product...&utm_source=GoogleShopping&utm_medium=organic

 

[Ulma Doctor]

john,
any definite purpose contactor will work for your situation. they are generally the least expensive and the most durable.
they are used in air conditioning, lighting , motor starter circuits.
i generally overrate my contactors, just for the simple fact that i don't want to replace them very often. if you were to go with a
25 amp 3 pole you would realize better service life, 30 amps would last a longer time, 40 amps you may never need to replace it again.
just a thought.
here's one from ebay!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DEFINITE-PU...679?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6c4ed8df

they are $14 and will last a long time!

i hope it helps out!!)

 

[JohnAspinall]

Thanks, guys.

Y'know "definite purpose" contactor has always struck me as a hilarious name. I mean, what's the alternative? A "vague intentions" contactor?

 

[Ulma Doctor]

Thanks, guys.

Y'know "definite purpose" contactor has always struck me as a hilarious name. I mean, what's the alternative? A "vague intentions" contactor?

i always found the term definite purpose to be an overstatement of the obvious, you are controlling the flow of electricity...
it's only purpose :lmao:
mike

 

[Tom Faragher]

"Definite purpose" means that the overload protectors cannot be changed out for ones of higher or lower ratings.

 

[lens42]

Another vote for eBay. I got three brand new ABB (German) compact 3-phase contactors for $15 each.