Lovato BF0901A230 Contactor 9 A AC-3, 230 V AC Coil

Lovato BF0901A230 three-pole contactor, 9 A AC-3, 230 V coil

The Lovato BF0901A230 is a three-pole power contactor from the BF09 frame with a 230 V AC coil and a rated AC-3 operational current of 9 A. At 400 V that corresponds to 4.2 kW of motor power at an ambient up to 55 °C. Seven Star LLC supplies the BF0901A230 in Oman and the GCC as an independent supplier in Muscat.

The code is built as BF09 for the frame size and 9 A rating, 01 for the integral auxiliary contact arrangement, A for an AC coil and 230 for the coil voltage. The sibling BF0910A230 carries the same frame and coil but a different auxiliary contact code, so the pair should not be exchanged without checking the control circuit. Another sibling, the BF0901A024, differs only in coil voltage.

BF0901A230 technical specifications

How the BF0901A230 switches a motor

When the 230 V coil is energised the magnet closes the three main contacts together with the auxiliary contact. At AC-3 duty the contacts must carry a starting current several times the rated value and break the running current. At 9 A the BF09 does this for a 4 kW class motor at 400 V; the ratings table shows 7.5 kW at 690 V as a maximum for the same current.

The coil figures are important for control design. An inrush of 75 VA at 50 Hz falls to 9 VA when held, so one control transformer or a PLC relay output can drive several contactors without trouble. The wide pick-up window, from 80 percent of coil voltage, lets the contactor close reliably even when a motor start pulls the control supply down.

BF0901A230 in starters and protective chains

A common combination is the BF0901A230 contactor with a motor protection breaker such as the SM1P0650 for a 4 kW pump. For protection by fuses, the data sheet lists 25 A gG or 10 A aM. A thermal overload relay may be added when the starter is built from separate components. The same contactor frame also takes the DC coil and the 24 V versions in the BF09 series.

BF0901A230 selection checklist

• Motor current within 9 A at AC-3 and the starting duty
• Coil voltage 230 V AC at 50 or 60 Hz
• Auxiliary contact arrangement required by the control scheme
• Ambient temperature, because AC-1 current falls to 18 A at 70 °C
• Frequency of operation and expected electrical life
• Short-circuit protection chosen from the listed fuse values
• Wire size within 1 to 6 mm² per terminal

Installing and maintaining the BF0901A230

Fix by screws or on 35 mm rail, vertically within the stated tilt of 30 degrees. Tighten power terminals to 1.5 to 1.8 Nm and the coil terminals to 0.8 to 1 Nm. Keep surge suppression across the coil if the contactor is driven by long cables or by electronic outputs.

Contactors have no routine adjustments, but contacts should be inspected where the device switches inductive loads frequently. Signs of overheating at terminals or a buzzing coil usually point to loose wiring or low control voltage. Replacement is quicker than repair at this size.

Typical BF0901A230 applications in Oman and the GCC

The contactor drives small pumps, fans, door motors and heater stages in building services and process skids. High ambient temperatures in switch rooms reduce the AC-1 rating, so heater switching should be checked against the 55 °C and 70 °C values rather than the 40 °C figure.

BF09 and BF18 contactors compared

Spare-part planning is straightforward for this contactor. Because the BF09 is among the most common frames in industrial panels, maintenance teams often keep a few units with the usual coil voltages on the shelf. When replacing a failed unit, always compare the full code on the label with the new part, including the auxiliary contact digits and the coil letter and voltage, rather than relying on the frame size alone. A mistake in coil voltage is the classic cause of a burnt coil on first energising, and it is easily avoided by checking the code and measuring the control supply before commissioning.

Information to send with an RFQ for the BF0901A230

• Part number BF0901A230 and quantity
• Motor or load data
• Control voltage and frequency
• Auxiliary contact arrangement
• Panel ambient temperature
• Delivery location

Site conditions in Oman for the BF0901A230

Low-voltage switching and protection devices in Oman often sit in motor control centres and outdoor panels where internal temperatures are high for much of the year. When you select the BF0901A230, check its rated values at your real ambient temperature, as stated in the manufacturer documentation, and confirm the coordination with upstream protection and with the motor or load it serves. Short-circuit levels differ from site to site, so verify the breaking capacity required at the point of installation.

Standardising ratings and coil voltages across a project reduces the number of spare part numbers that need to be stocked. Keeping a small stock of the BF0901A230 and recording settings such as trip ranges or ramp times shortens repair work during a breakdown.

Documents and quotation

Send the part number BF0901A230 and we will confirm the documents available for it, such as the technical data sheet, wiring diagram and instruction sheet, together with availability and lead time.

Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat and is not an official channel of the manufacturer. Share the quantity, delivery location and project reference with the request and we will answer with a formal quotation.