Lovato BF1810A230 18A Three-Pole Contactor

BF18 three-pole contactor: rated currents and coil data

The BF1810A230 is a three-pole contactor from the Lovato Electric BF18 series. Its AC-3 operating current is 18 A, equal to 7.5 kW at 400 V and 4 kW at 230 V for a standard squirrel-cage motor. The coil is rated 230 V, and the insulation voltage Ui is 690 V.

Mechanical life is 20,000,000 cycles, the free-air thermal current is 32 A and the unit weighs 358 g.

Technical specifications

Reading the ratings

For motor starting use the AC-3 figure, not the thermal current. AC-1 values (resistive loads) are higher and are listed in the datasheet for heaters and similar duties, but they do not apply to motors.

Order-code reading, derived from the catalogue entry: BF1810 identifies the contactor size and auxiliary-contact arrangement, and the last characters give the coil voltage (230 V).

Using it in a starter

Typical uses are motor starters for pumps, fans and compressors, heater switching, and lighting or capacitor duty where the datasheet allows. With a thermal or electronic overload relay and a short-circuit device it forms a direct-on-line starter.

Mass is 358 g; fixing is by screws or 35 mm DIN rail. Use terminal torques from the datasheet and keep the specified spacing between adjacent contactors if they will be operated continuously.

For panel design and commissioning, the practical figures to keep at hand are: operating temperature (min) -50 °C; operating temperature (max) 70 °C; operating position, normal Vertical plan; operating position, allowable ±30°; fixing Screw / DIN rail 35mm; weight 358 g. These come straight from the datasheet and are repeated here so that the key installation limits are visible without opening the PDF.

Selection considerations for the BF1810A230

Size the contactor from the full-load current of the motor and the utilisation category of the load. For a standard squirrel-cage motor started direct-on-line and stopped while running, AC-3 applies, and the 18 A rating (up to 440 V at 55 °C) is the figure to compare with the motor nameplate current. If the application involves inching, plugging or frequent reversing, check the lower AC-4 value instead, because these duties wear the contacts much faster. For resistive heating loads, the AC-1 values apply and they reduce as the ambient temperature around the contactor rises.

Confirm that the 230 V AC coil matches the control circuit of the panel. A coil supplied from the wrong control voltage will either fail to close reliably or overheat, so the control transformer or control supply should be checked before the parts list is finalised.

Installation and commissioning practice

Mount the contactor in the normal vertical plane, within the allowable tilt given in the datasheet, either with screws or on 35 mm DIN rail. Route power and control wiring separately where possible, tighten terminals to the datasheet torque values, and keep wiring neat so that the unit can be inspected without disturbing adjacent devices. Coordinate the contactor with the overload relay and the short-circuit protective device selected for the starter, using the fuse ratings given in the datasheet as the reference.

During commissioning, energise the control circuit with the main supply isolated and confirm that the contactor closes and opens cleanly on command. Then test the starter under load, check the motor current against the overload setting and verify that interlocks and stop circuits behave as designed.

Operation and maintenance in GCC panels

Motor control centres in Oman and the GCC often run hot, particularly in outdoor kiosks and plant rooms without air conditioning. Because the AC-1 rating falls as temperature rises, panel ventilation and the spacing between contactors matter. Dust and humidity also affect switching devices over time, so keep panels closed, inspect them periodically, and look for signs of overheating such as discoloured insulation or loose terminations. Record the number of operations on high-duty starters so that the electrical life of the contacts can be considered in maintenance planning.

What to include in your RFQ

State the order code, quantity, motor rating or load current, control voltage and utilisation category. If the contactor is part of a starter, mention the overload relay and protective device you intend to use so the combination can be reviewed.

Documents and quotation

Attached is the English datasheet that Lovato Electric’s online catalogue generates for BF1810A230; the specification table above reproduces its values. Ordering checklist: the motor current, coil voltage, the number and type of auxiliary contacts and the utilisation category of your load. Data in the datasheet is subject to change by the manufacturer. For related parts browse contactors & overload relays. Send the order code BF1810A230, the quantity and the delivery location through the quotation form and Seven Star LLC, an independent supplier in Muscat, will reply with availability.