ABB AF 3-pole contactors use an electronic coil interface for AC or DC control and include built-in surge suppression. The range extends from AF09 to AF2850, with AC-3 motor ratings from 4 to 560 kW at 400 V on applicable models and AC-1 current ratings up to 2850 A for power switching.
ABB AF Contactors
- Motor starting for pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, mixers and machine drives.
- Power switching in distribution and feeder circuits, including high-current applications up to 2850 A AC-1 on the largest frames.
- Switching on 690 V and 1000 V AC networks, plus DC circuits within the rating of the selected frame.
- Panel building for direct-on-line, reversing and star-delta starters with compatible overload relays and manual motor starters.
- Industrial plant environments where short voltage dips may affect motor operation; SEMI F47-0706 conditions are available on request.
The ABB AF Contactor series is designed for motor starting, power switching and electrical distribution applications in industrial low-voltage systems. Covering a wide range of operational currents from 9 A to 2,850 A across different product configurations, the series offers 3-pole and 4-pole contactors for various electrical loads. Featuring ABB's electronically controlled AF coil technology, wide AC/DC control voltage compatibility and integrated surge suppression, AF contactors provide reliable switching performance under varying control supply conditions. Their reduced coil energy consumption, flexible terminal options and extensive accessory range make them suitable for industrial automation, motor control centers and high-current switching applications.
Advanced Electronic Coil Technology
The AF series incorporates an electronically controlled coil that converts AC or DC control voltage into an optimized DC voltage for coil operation. This technology allows a reduced number of coil variants to cover a wide range of control supply voltages, simplifying product selection and inventory management. The electronic coil also helps maintain reliable contactor operation during control voltage drops and sags, reducing the risk of unwanted contactor release.
Energy-Efficient Operation and Surge Suppression
Compared with conventional contactor coils, ABB AF technology can reduce coil energy consumption by up to 80%, helping lower control circuit energy requirements. Integrated surge suppression limits voltage transients generated during coil switching, reducing the need for separate external suppression components in compatible configurations. These features support efficient and reliable operation in industrial control systems.
Flexible Wiring and Accessory Integration
The AF series offers multiple connection options, including screw terminals, push-in spring terminals and ring tongue connections, depending on the selected model. Push-in spring technology facilitates fast wiring and helps simplify electrical panel assembly. A wide range of compatible accessories includes auxiliary contacts, mechanical interlocks, connection kits and overload relays. These components support the configuration of reversing starters, star-delta starters and other industrial motor control arrangements.
Reliable Switching and Industrial Control
Designed for different switching duties, AF contactors support AC-1, AC-3, AC-3e and other applicable utilization categories, depending on model and configuration. Mirror contacts and mechanically linked auxiliary contacts are available for selected versions, supporting electrical interlocking and control circuit monitoring. Their broad current range makes them suitable for both standard motor control and high-current power switching applications.
Industrial Applications
ABB AF contactors are suitable for a wide range of industrial motor control and power switching applications, including:
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Industrial motor starting and switching.
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Pumping stations and water treatment equipment.
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Compressors, fans and ventilation systems.
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Conveyor and material handling systems.
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Industrial power distribution and bypass circuits.
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Reversing and star-delta motor starter assemblies.
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Heating and other electrical load switching applications.
Model Selection and Technical Specifications
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Model Range: AF09 to AF2850, including different frame sizes and configurations.
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Pole Configuration: 3-pole and 4-pole versions.
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Rated Operational Current: Up to 2,850 A for selected 3-pole configurations, depending on utilization category.
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Motor Switching Capacity: Up to 560 kW at 400 V AC-3 for selected models.
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Control Coil: Electronic AC/DC coil technology.
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Control Voltage Range: Four coil variants across the family cover 24–500 V AC and 20–500 V DC.
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Energy Efficiency: Up to 80% lower coil energy consumption compared with conventional contactor technology.
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Protection Features: Integrated surge suppression and voltage-drop tolerance.
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Connection Types: Screw, push-in spring and ring tongue terminals, depending on model.
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Auxiliary Contacts: Mirror and mechanically linked contact options for selected configurations.
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Accessories: Auxiliary contacts, mechanical interlocks, connection kits and compatible overload relays.
Parameter
| Parameter | Specification |
| Product type | 3-pole AC contactor |
| Model range | AF09–AF2850 |
| AC-3 motor power | 4–560 kW at 400 V for applicable models |
| AC-1 current | Up to 2850 A; see model table for listed values at 690 V |
| Control supply | AC 50/60 Hz and DC; available voltage range depends on frame and coil code |
| Coil voltage coverage stated in source | 24–500 V AC (50/60 Hz) and 20–500 V DC across the range, with frame-specific coil codes |
| Maximum switching voltage | Up to 1000 V AC; DC rating varies by frame, up to 850 V DC on selected frames |
| Surge suppression | Built in as standard, according to the source |
| Voltage-dip information | SEMI F47-0706 conditions of use available on request |
| Source reference | ABB MAIN CATALOG 2024 — Motor protection and control, Section 03 |
Model Table
Control Voltage and Coil Codes
The source separates coil codes by contactor frame range. Do not assume that every voltage code is available on every AF model.
AF09–AF370
| Coil code | 50 / 60 Hz | DC |
| 11 | 24 … 60 V | 20 … 60 V |
| 12 | 48 … 130 V | 48 … 130 V |
| 13 | 100 … 250 V | 100 … 250 V |
| 14 | 250 … 500 V | 250 … 500 V |
AF400–AF1250
| Coil code | 50 / 60 Hz | DC |
| 68 | — | 24 … 60 V |
| 69 | 48 … 130 V | 48 … 130 V |
| 70 | 100 … 250 V | 100 … 250 V |
| 71 | 250 … 500 V | 250 … 500 V |
Note: coil code 68 is DC only (24–60 V DC). For DC coils, the source says to observe terminal polarity: A1 positive and A2 negative.
AF1350–AF2850
| Coil code | 50 / 60 Hz | DC |
| 70 | 100 … 250 V | 100 … 250 V |
Switching Voltage by Frame Size
| Frame range | Maximum switching voltage listed |
| AF09 … AF38 | up to 690 V AC and 220 V DC |
| AF40 … AF96 | up to 1000 V AC and 220 V DC |
| AF116 … AF140 | up to 690 V AC and 260 V DC |
| AF146 | up to 1000 V AC and 260 V DC |
| AF190 … AF370 | up to 1000 V AC and 340 V DC |
| AF400 … AF750 | up to 1000 V AC and 600 V DC (850 V DC for AF580 and AF750) |
| AF1250 … AF2050 | up to 1000 V AC and 850 V DC |
| AF2650 / AF2850 | up to 1000 V AC |
Model List and Ratings
| Model | AC-3 power at 400 V | AC-1 current at 690 V | UL/CSA 3-phase at 480 V | General use at 600 V |
| AF09 | 4 kW | 25 A | 5 hp | 25 A |
| AF12 | 5.5 kW | 28 A | 7.5 hp | 28 A |
| AF16 | 7.5 kW | 30 A | 10 hp | 30 A |
| AF26 | 11 kW | 45 A | 15 hp | 45 A |
| AF30 | 15 kW | 50 A | 20 hp | 50 A |
| AF38 | 18.5 kW | 50 A | 25 hp | 50 A |
| AF40 | 18.5 kW | 70 A | 30 hp | 60 A |
| AF52 | 22 kW | 100 A | 40 hp | 80 A |
| AF65 | 30 kW | 105 A | 50 hp | 90 A |
| AF80 | 37 kW | 125 A | 60 hp | 105 A |
| AF96 | 45 / 55 kW | 130 A | 60 / 75 hp | 115 A |
| AF116 | 55 kW | 160 A | 75 hp | 160 A |
| AF140 | 75 kW | 200 A | 100 hp | 200 A |
| AF146 | 75 kW | 225 A | 100 hp | 200 A |
| AF190 | 90 kW | 275 A | 125 hp | 275 A |
| AF205 | 110 kW | 350 A | 150 hp | 300 A |
| AF265 | 132 kW | 400 A | 200 hp | 350 A |
| AF305 | 160 kW | 500 A | 250 hp | 400 A |
| AF370 | 200 kW | 600 A | 300 hp | 520 A |
| AF400 | 200 kW | 600 A | 350 hp | 550 A |
| AF460 | 250 kW | 700 A | 400 hp | 650 A |
| AF580 | 315 kW | 800 A | 500 hp | 750 A |
| AF750 | 400 kW | 1050 A | 600 hp | 900 A |
| AF1250 | — | 1260 A | — | — |
| AF1350 | 475 kW | 1350 A | 800 hp | 1350 A |
| AF1650 | 560 kW | 1650 A | 900 hp | 1650 A |
| AF2050 | — | 2050 A | — | 2100 A |
| AF2650 | — | 2650 A | — | 2700 A |
| AF2850 | — | 2850 A | — | 2850 A |
AF09Z–AF38Z PLC-Dedicated Versions
| Version | Range | Coil | Key data |
| AF09Z … AF38Z 24 V DC for PLC | 4 to 18.5 kW | Code 30 24 V DC | Direct control by a 24 V DC ≥ 250 mA PLC output. Pull-in 6 W / 250 mA, holding 1.7 W. N.O. contact opening 29 ms, closing 53 ms. Built-in surge protection. |
| AF09Z … AF38Z AC / DC for specific applications | 4 to 18.5 kW | Codes 20–23 | Coil 20 covers 12…20 V DC. Coil 21 allows direct control by a 24 V DC ≥ 500 mA PLC output. Coils 21, 22 and 23 withstand short voltage sags and dips. |
Main Accessories
| Item | Detail |
| Auxiliary contact blocks — front | CA4-10 (1 N.O.) · CA4-01 (1 N.C.) |
| Auxiliary contact blocks — side | CAL4-11 (1 N.O. + 1 N.C.) · CAL18-11 · CAL19-11 on larger frames |
| Timers | Electronic TEF4-ON · TEF4-OFF |
| Interlocking units | Mechanical VM4 · VM96-4 · VM19 · VM750H / VM750V · VM1650H; mechanical / electrical VEM4 |
| Connection sets for reversing contactors | BER16-4 · BER38-4 · BER65-4 · BER96-4 · BER140-4 · BER205-4 · BER370-4 · BEM460-30 · BEM750-30 |
| Surge suppressors | Built-in surge protection as standard — no external unit required |
Overload Relays and Manual Motor Starters
| Category | Models / details |
| Thermal overload relays | TF42 (0.10–38 A); TF65 (22–67 A); TF96 (40–96 A); TF140DU (66–142 A); TA200DU (66–200 A) |
| Electronic overload relays | EF19 (0.10–18.9 A); EF45 (9–45 A); EF65 (20–70 A); EF96 (36–100 A); EF146 (54–150 A); EF205 (63–210 A); EF370 (115–380 A); EF460 (150–500 A); EF750 (250–800 A); EF1250DU (350–1250 A) |
| Manual motor starters — thermal/magnetic, Class 10 | MS116 (0.10–32 A); MS132 (0.10–32 A); MS165 (10–80 A) |
| Manual motor starters — magnetic protection only | MO132 (0.16–32 A); MO165 (16–80 A) |
| Coordination | Type 1 and Type 2 coordination for direct-on-line, reversing and star-delta starters |
FAQ
Can one AF contactor accept both AC and DC control?
Yes, where the selected coil code specifies both AC and DC operation. The available range depends on frame size; coil code 68 is DC only on AF400–AF1250.
Does the AF range require a separate surge suppressor?
The supplied source states that built-in surge suppression is standard on every AF contactor.
Which AF sizes are listed for power switching only?
AF1250, AF2050, AF2650 and AF2850 are identified in the source as AC-1 power-switching models without a listed AC-3 motor rating.
Which overload relay should be paired with a contactor?
The source lists compatible TF and TA thermal overload relay families and EF electronic overload relay families. Confirm the relay using the motor full-load current, starting duty and exact contactor model.
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