The main limitation with respect to controlling dust collectors is the start up current surge and not the running current.

In many cases the start up current can be as much as four to five times the running current and last for several seconds. This initial surge can over time damage the contacts in the iVAC units.

The iVAC Switch Box and iVAC Pro Switch units S11515NA / S11520NA which operate at 115Vac, have a power switching capability of up to 1HP. In the case of the iVAC Pro Switch unit S24020NA that operate at 240Vac, this model have the ability to control dust collectors up to 2.0HP.

An area of concern is the 1.5HP dust collectors that are wired to run at 115Vac. Some of these units have a running current of 16Amps and start up surge currents in excess of 70Amps. This level of current can over load the contacts and often trip the circuit breaker of the iVAC units designed to operate at 115Vac.

As a result BCT iVAC strongly recommends the use of the iVAC Contactor for any dust collectors operating on 115Vac that are over 1HP and for any dust collector over 2.0HP operating on 240Vac. Failure to use the iVAC Contactor will result in early failure of the iVAC Pro Switch.

The iVAC Contactor is basically a heavy duty 3 pole relay; housed in an electrical box. It can be controlled from an iVAC Switch Box or an iVAC Pro Switch S11515NA / S11520NA.

It has the ability to with stand start up currents of up to 150 Amps and then maintain a running current of up to 40 Amps. The contacts are also rated to operate at up to 600Vac, either single or three phase.

By referring to the above table it can be seen that the iVAC Contactor has the ability to control dust collectors up to 10HP.

Since the installation of the contactor usually requires a custom connection, the installation must be performed by a certified electrician. The installation guide can be seen on the iVAC web site.

The iVAC Contactor kit contains a contactor, electrical box, interconnect cable to the iVAC Switch Box or iVAC Pro Switch S11515NA and S11520NA and a set of required hardware. All electrical materials are UL certified.

Specifications

• Electrical Box: 8 x 8 x 4in, UL E109311
• Contactor Rating: 600Vac
• 150Amps surge current
• 40 Amps running current.
• 3 pole.
• 115Vac control voltage.
• UL E249187
• Control Cable
• 115Vac. 6ft long.
• UL approved