Allowing or preventing power to the unit, the air conditioner contactor on your A/C unit is a switch basically. To pass through to the functioning parts of the condenser like the compressor and motor, it sits at the contactor waiting while there is always power at the unit.

The contactor, like all switches, is like a drawbridge. Until the bridge is closed, nothing can pass. Of course to make the unit come on like you do a light, you don't have to flip this switch by going out and but nonetheless just a fancier version of one, it's a switch.

From your thermostat, Starting or stopping your compressor after a small signal is received. Much like the ignition circuit of your car, the contactor in your air conditioner is a small electrical relay.

Contactors Attributes

To operate in a normally open condition, these devices are designed which means when it’s de-energized, there’s no connection. Spring-loaded contacts are used in better contactors to ensure the circuit is broken when it’s de-energized.

Arc suppression is offered by rheem air conditioner contactor and to interrupt the circuit if a current exceeds a pre-selected threshold for a prescribed time period, they incorporate overload protocols. Contactors also require an additional power supply for excitation and based upon the amp ratings of the load they’re deployed to manage.