Lovato BF2600A230 26A Three-Pole Contactor

A compact three-pole contactor for motor switching

The BF2600A230 is a three-pole contactor from the Lovato Electric BF26 series. Its AC-3 operating current is 26 A, equal to 13 kW at 400 V and 7.3 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 45 A and the unit weighs 424 g.

Technical specifications

Selecting by duty category

Check three things before ordering: the AC-3 current against the motor nameplate, the coil voltage against the control supply, and the auxiliary-contact configuration against the control scheme.

Order-code reading, derived from the catalogue entry: BF2600 identifies the contactor size and auxiliary-contact arrangement, and the last characters give the coil voltage (230 V).

Applications and mounting

Besides motors, contactors in this range switch resistive heaters (AC-1), lighting banks and, where the datasheet allows, capacitor steps, so the same coil data and auxiliary arrangement apply across many panel types.

It mounts on a 35 mm DIN rail or by screws, weighs 424 g and operates between the temperature limits in the table. Tighten power and coil terminals to the torque values in the datasheet.

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 424 g. These come straight from the datasheet and are repeated here so that the key installation limits are visible without opening the PDF.

Understanding AC-1, AC-3 and AC-4 ratings

The utilisation category describes the kind of load the contactor switches, and the same device carries different ratings for each. AC-1 covers non-inductive or slightly inductive loads such as resistive heaters, where the contacts make and break close to the rated current. AC-3 covers squirrel-cage motors started directly and switched off while running, which is the most common motor duty in pumps, fans and conveyors. AC-4 covers inching, plugging and reversing duty, where the contacts must break the high starting current repeatedly; that is why the AC-4 value in the table is much lower than the AC-3 value. Select the BF2600A230 against the category that matches the real operating pattern of the load, not only against the nameplate current.

Coil supply and control circuit considerations

The coil of this version is rated for 230 V AC at 50/60 Hz, so it suits control circuits fed directly from a phase-to-neutral supply or from a control transformer with a 230 V secondary. Verify that the control voltage at the coil terminals stays within the manufacturer tolerance under all conditions, including long control cables and voltage dips during motor starting. If your panel uses a different control voltage, a version with a matching coil code from the same series should be selected rather than adapting this one.

Short-circuit protection and coordination

The table lists the maximum gG and aM fuse ratings for the contactor. Protective devices upstream of the contactor should be chosen so that the contactor is protected against short-circuit currents, and the motor overload protection should be set according to the motor full-load current. Coordination between these devices is part of the panel design and should follow the applicable standards and the manufacturer data.

Panel installation and maintenance practice

Mount the contactor in the normal vertical position or within the allowable tilt, leaving enough space for wiring and heat dissipation. Use conductors sized for the load current and terminate them according to your panel wiring standard, keeping power and control wiring clearly separated and labelled so that later fault finding is straightforward. During commissioning, energise the coil without load first to confirm that the contactor closes cleanly, then check operation under load. In service, periodic inspection of terminal tightness and signs of overheating helps detect problems early, particularly in panels exposed to high ambient temperatures or dust, where the pollution degree rating should be respected.

Specifying the contactor in an RFQ

Quote the exact order code BF2600A230 and the quantity. If the contactor replaces an existing unit, add a nameplate photo and describe the load and duty category, so the selection can be checked before ordering.

Documents and quotation

Download the attached datasheet for BF2600A230 from the Lovato Electric online catalogue (English) to see every parameter in full. 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. See contactors & overload relays for similar items. Quote request: give the exact code BF2600A230, the quantity and where it must be delivered, and Seven Star LLC (independent supplier, Muscat) will respond.