Solenoid.....Relay.....Contactor all terms that are used to describe the above device.
In researching this for my own interest, I have come to see the following...
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A relay is in essence a switch with two positions, on and off. A solenoid, meanwhile, enables mechanical components to physically move and change position, for example, a starter motor engaging a flywheel." Thus, the solenoid coil is part of the relay assembly.
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And here is the definition from IEEE.
Relay: A device by which contacts in one circuit are operated by a change in conditions in the same circuit or in one or more associated circuits.
Contactor: A device for repeatedly establishing and interrupting an electric power circuit."
I have to admit, that I have mixed the terminology around myself. But from the definitions that I have just discovered, I find that the proper term would be:
Starter Contactor.
In my line of work, I have always associated relays handling light electrical loads while a contactor handles heavy electrical loads but never knew the true definition. Looks like I learned something today.
