Contactors for Newbies

In large hydroponic systems, being able to time control multiple

devices (pumps and/or lights) can be simplified by the use of
“contactors” or “relays”.
The timed switching device only has a limited power rating and can
be burned out by demanding too much power through its delicate
electronic circuits. An example of this is the CAP NFT repeat
timer.
To keep the power requirements low on the timer, the timer
activates a contactor (relay) that handles the high power appetite
of multiple of several pumps.
 Contactors for Newbies

Here is what a contactor
looks like:

DPST – double pole,
single throw

30 amp rating

120 volt coil
 Contactors for Newbies

You need:

The contactor

A power strip

A short piece of
extension cord

A container to enclose
the contactor and wiring
(not shown)
 Contactors for Newbies

The short length of extension
cord will connect the CAP NFT
with the contactor.

Skin back the covering about 3-
4” being careful not to cut the
wire insulation.

Bare the ends of the wires and
add connectors.

(Connectors will depend on the
contactor's terminals)
 Contactors for Newbies

The power strip plugs in to your
AC power and you will plug
the pumps into it.

Skin a section 6-8” in the cord,
exposing the three wires.

Cut the black “hot” wire and
connect the terminals

The white wire is called the
“neutral” and the green wire is
the “ground”.
 Contactors for Newbies

Connect the black leads to
the contactor as shown.

When the timer “turns on”
it will energize the
contactor's coil completing
the circuit in the power
strip.

(Note: another power strip
could be connected to the
other relay terminals.)
 Contactors for Newbies

Here the extension cord
is connected to the
contractor's coil
terminals.
 Contactors for Newbies

You need two AC wall plugs
mounted with at least 15-amp,
120V on each one.

Plug the timer into one.

Mount the contactor near the
plugs and cover for safety.
(Attach the extension cord's
ground wire to the mounting
body of the contactor.)

Plug in the extension cord into
the timer.

Plug the power strip into the
other wall plug.
 Contactors for Newbies

Making sure the power strip is off the floor, plug in

your pumps.

Using a contactor will make it easy on your timer and

power all the pumps you AC power line will allow.

Grow safe, Grow long.

420hydro