ABB CAL4-11 Side-Mounted Auxiliary Contact Block, 1NO+1NC

The CAL4-11 is a two-pole, side-mounted auxiliary contact block from ABB, ordered as 1SBN010120R1011. It adds one normally open and one normally closed instantaneous contact to a contactor and clips onto the right-hand or left-hand side, so the front of the contactor stays free for other accessories. Screw terminals are used. ABB lists it for AF(C)09(Z)(B) to 96 contactors and for NF(C)(Z)(B) contactor relays. Other starter parts are listed under contactors and overload relays, including the AF09-30-10-11 contactor.

Technical specifications

Where the side block fits in the AF contactor accessory range

ABB’s AF30 datasheet places the CAL4-11 among the side-mounted instantaneous blocks and shows that the accessory fitting depends on how many built-in auxiliary contacts the contactor already has. Use that fitting table before specifying side blocks on both sides of one contactor, and keep the limit on normally closed contacts in mind: the datasheet allows a maximum of four built-in and add-on N.C. contacts on the standard front positions.

Related auxiliary blocks from the same datasheet

Ordering and confirmation

Order the block with the type CAL4-11 or the code 1SBN010120R1011; the -T version in packs of ten has its own code. Before ordering confirm that the contactor series and size are in the AF(C) 09 to 96 or NF family, whether the left or right side is free, and that the contact functions are what the circuit needs. The official product page gives no contact ratings, so check the ABB documentation for the intended load.

Key features of the CAL4-11

• One make and one break contact – a single block gives both a signalling contact and an interlocking contact, which covers the most common auxiliary needs on a motor starter.
• Side mounting – keeps the front of the contactor available for front-mounted auxiliary blocks, timers or other accessories.
• Tool-free clip fixing – the block snaps onto the contactor housing, so extra contacts can be added in the field without dismantling the starter.
• Instantaneous contacts – they change state together with the main poles, suitable for feedback and interlocking.
• Clear terminal marking – the printed numbering follows the usual auxiliary contact convention, which simplifies wiring diagrams and fault finding.
• Common to contactors and contactor relays – one stock item serves several AF contactor sizes and NF relays.

Typical uses of an auxiliary contact block

Auxiliary contacts carry control signals rather than motor current. The normally open contact is commonly used as a self-holding (seal-in) contact in start/stop circuits, to signal “running” status to a PLC input or to switch a pilot lamp. The normally closed contact is used for electrical interlocking between two contactors – for example in reversing or star-delta starters – so both cannot close at the same time, and for “stopped” indication. In safety-related circuits, mirror contacts on the contactor are the reference for feedback monitoring; check the ABB documentation for which auxiliary contacts are declared as mirror contacts before using them in a safety loop.

Installation and wiring guidance

• Isolate the control and main circuits before fitting or removing the block.
• Check the accessory fitting table for the contactor size, especially if blocks will be fitted to both sides.
• Allow for the extra width of side-mounted blocks when planning DIN-rail space in a crowded panel.
• Use ferrules on stranded conductors and tighten terminals to the torque given in ABB documentation.
• Mark the auxiliary contacts on the wiring diagram with the contactor reference and terminal numbers to make later maintenance easier.

Use in Oman and GCC control panels

Motor control centres and starter panels in water treatment plants, HVAC installations, oil and gas facilities and factories across Oman make heavy use of AF contactors with auxiliary blocks. In hot electrical rooms, reliable low-level switching of PLC inputs depends on clean, tight connections, so periodic inspection and retightening of control terminals is good practice. Where panels are being extended or modified, adding a side block is often the quickest way to obtain an extra interlock or status signal without replacing the contactor. Keeping a few spare blocks with the panel spares reduces downtime when a contact wears or a modification is needed on short notice.

What to include in your RFQ

Quote CAL4-11 with order code 1SBN010120R1011, or the ten-piece CAL4-11-T if you need bulk quantities, and state the number required. Tell us the contactor type and size it will be fitted to, and whether other accessories such as front-mounted blocks, surge suppressors or overload relays are needed for the same starters, so that the complete set can be checked against the fitting tables.

Documents and quotation

The linked ABB datasheet is the AF30 contactor datasheet, which lists the CAL4-11 in its accessory ordering table and fitting details. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat; ask for a quotation with the quantity. No price or stock is shown.