Why is the AC Contactor Not Pulling in 2022

If an AC contactor is not pulling in, there are a few potential reasons why. The first thing you should check is whether or not the power to the contactor is turned on. If it is, then the next thing to check is whether or not the contactor itself is defective. Let’s go over some of the reasons why a contactor might not be pulling in.

Voltage

One common reason why a contactor might not pull in is because the coil that creates the magnetic field necessary to close the contacts has burned out. This can happen if the coil overheats due to too much current flowing through it.

Another potential reason why the coil might burn out is if there is an problem with the voltage supply that it’s connected to – if there are spikes or dips in the voltage, this can damage the coil.

Contacts

Another potential reason why an AC contactor might not be working properly is because the contacts themselves are dirty or damaged.

Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the contacts, which can prevent them from closing properly. Additionally, if there’s any corrosion on the contacts, this can also inhibit their ability to close properly.

If you’re having trouble with your AC contactor, one of these issues could be to blame. However, don’t panic just yet!

Your first course of action should be to test the contactor to see if it’s actually broken. Here’s how you should go about doing that:

1. Turn off all power to the contactor and the lighting circuit it controls.
2. Visually inspect for injured or burned conductor wiring insulation.
3. If the wire insulation is burned or broken, do not continue. Hire a licensed electrician (or your residential full service air conditioning repair contractor) to troubleshoot and repair wire damage.
4. Remove the contactor from its mounting position carefully. Visually inspect for loose or burned wiring connections.
5. If the wire connections or terminals appear loose or burned, connect wires to a different contactor. Proceed to test the contactor in Step 6 to test if the new contactor is faulty. If the new contactor works, the original contactor is defective. Replace the old contactor with the new contactor.
6. Use a multi-meter to test voltage on the contactor wiring terminals.
7. Restore power to the lighting circuit.

Be sure to check all of the above things before replacing the contactor -__* oftentimes, simply cleaning or replacement of parts can fix the issue and save you money!

From AC Contactor to Compressor

The compressor of the AC is controlled by the AC contactor and it is the heart and soul of your AC unit. A large amount of electrical energy passes through the contacts to provide the energy required to energize the start and run windings of the compressor motor. This causes the compressor to operate at high speed and pressure. These are subjected to electrical arcing and damage, and the AC contactor contact points also require checking frequently.

Air Conditioner Contactor

An air conditioner contactor usually needs replacement after a period of 5 years and this will depend greatly upon your usage and the frequency of failures. So it is essential to pay heed to the signs of a failing AC contactor point for any damage and do not forget to turn off the power to the outside unit before doing so.

Estimating HVAC Costs for your Home

Here is one final tip, before you leave and go out shopping for a new home AC unit or replacing the HVAC components. It is prudent to check out current market and compare the cost of big home AC units and appliances.