Literature
Technical Tips & FAQs
Maximum number of Terminal Wires on CA7 Contactors
Question: How many wires per terminal can be used in the CA7 contactor?
Answer: You can use multiple wires per terminal on CA7.
When using multiple wires, all wires must be of the same type, i.e. solid or stranded.
On the 9 to 23 amp contactors, two wires per terminal can be used, with a size range of #16 to #10 AWG. The maximum cross section is two #10 wires. We do not recommend using more than two wires of any gauge from #16 to #10 in each power terminal.
You can use any combination of two wires between #16 AWG and #10 AWG per terminal as long as both wires are of the same type - solid or stranded. For example, you can use two #10's, or two #12's, or two #14's, or two #16 wires, or a combination of any two other sizes in the range of #16 to #10.
Contactor size difference
The 9 to 23 amp devices use a single saddle clamp type terminal and one wire could be used on each side of the saddle clamp for a maximum of two wires. The wires do not have to be the same size. These devices have been tested and passed with one wire being #16 AWG and the other being #10 AWG and one wire being #16 AWG and the second wire being #16 AWG.
The 30 to 97 amp contactors have a dual box lug designed to receive one or two wires, one in the top saddle clamp and/or one in the bottom flat clamp. The surface in the middle has ridges that provide additional mechanical secureness. The recommendation is to place only one conductor in each opening and torque properly per product specifications. The two conductors do not have to be the same size. These devices have been tested and passed with one wire being the smallest of that contactor's wire range and the other being the largest. You cannot use one opening for two conductors.
The 30 and 37 amp contactors have a wire range of #14 to #4 AWG.
The 40 amp contactor has a wire range of #14 to #6 AWG.
The 43 and 55 amp contactor has a wire range of #14 to #4 AWG.
The 60 through 97 amp contactors have a wire range of #14 to 1 AWG.
Categories: Contactors
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