Lovato BF1801A230 Contactor 18 A AC-3, 230 V AC Coil

Lovato BF1801A230 three-pole contactor, 18 A AC-3, 230 V coil

The Lovato BF1801A230 is a three-pole contactor from the BF18 frame, rated 18 A in AC-3 and 32 A thermal. It switches motors of about 7.5 kW at 400 V and is controlled by a 230 V AC coil. Seven Star LLC supplies the BF1801A230 in Oman and the GCC as an independent supplier in Muscat.

The code breaks down as BF18 for the frame and the 18 A rating, 01 for the integral auxiliary contact version, A for AC coil and 230 for volts. The BF1810A230 sibling in our range shares frame and coil but has the alternative auxiliary arrangement. The BF18 frame is where contactors start to need real attention to heat and to short-circuit protection, so the ratings below deserve a careful read.

BF1801A230 technical specifications

The BF1801A230 at AC-3 and AC-1

AC-3 describes squirrel-cage motor starting and stopping while running, which is the main use. At 400 V the 18 A rating gives 7.5 kW. For resistive loads such as heaters, the AC-1 current of 32 A at 40 °C gives 21 kW at 400 V, but the value drops to 26 A at 55 °C and 23 A at 70 °C, so heater stages in hot panels must be sized from the lower figures.

The electrical life of 1.6 million operations at AC-3 400 V is shorter than the 2 million of the smaller BF09, which reflects the heavier current. Frequent starting, jogging or plugging reduces life further, so applications with heavy duty should use a larger frame.

BF1801A230 in a combination starter

Combine the contactor with a motor protection breaker like the SM1P1800 (13 to 18 A) for a coordinated starter. The data sheet recommends 32 A gG or 20 A aM fuses for short-circuit protection. With an 18 A thermal overload relay or an electronic motor relay, a full direct-on-line starter results. The contactor also forms the main element of reversing and star-delta starters when paired with a second or third unit.

BF1801A230 selection checklist

• Motor current of 18 A or less at AC-3 and starting duty
• 230 V AC coil and available control supply
• Auxiliary contact arrangement needed
• Panel ambient temperature and AC-1 derating
• Fuse or breaker protection within the listed values
• Operating frequency and electrical life target
• Terminal wire size, up to 6 mm² flexible

Installing and maintaining the BF1801A230

Mount on rail or by screws with at least the clearances shown in the instruction sheet; terminals take 1.5 to 1.8 Nm and the coil terminals 0.8 to 1 Nm. A contactor operating near its limit runs warm, so avoid stacking units without space.

Inspect for discolouration, check coil voltage under starting conditions and replace the unit when switching becomes noisy. If the coil is driven by an electronic output, add suppression to protect the output stage.

Typical BF1801A230 applications in Oman and the GCC

The 18 A contactor appears on water transfer pumps, ventilation fans, small compressors and conveyors. In coastal sites, humidity and salt in the air make an enclosure with good sealing and anti-condensation heating wise, since corrosion attacks terminals first.

BF18 contactors in this range

When the motor current is close to 18 A, consider the start-up current and the time spent starting. A pump with a long run-up on a weak supply may heat the contacts more than the AC-3 rating suggests, and a larger frame such as the BF2510A230 gives more headroom. For loads that start rarely and run for long periods, the BF18 is an economical choice. Review the cable cross-section too: at 18 A a 4 mm² conductor is commonly used, which sits inside the terminal capacity, but long runs in hot trays may need the next size up to keep voltage drop low and avoid heating at the lugs.

Information to send with an RFQ for the BF1801A230

• Part number BF1801A230 and quantity
• Motor data and duty
• Control voltage
• Auxiliary contact needs
• Temperature in the panel
• Delivery location

Site conditions in Oman for the BF1801A230

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 BF1801A230, 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 BF1801A230 and recording settings such as trip ranges or ramp times shortens repair work during a breakdown.

Documents and quotation

Send the part number BF1801A230 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.