ABB A185-30-11-80 AC Contactor

Order No.: 1SFL491001R8011｜Status: Legacy A series discontinued, direct replacement AX185-30-11-80 (1SFL491074R8011)

Typical applications: 3-phase motor starting, bypass circuits, power distribution, HVAC water pumps, fans, air compressors, capacitor switching (AC-1). Compliant with IEC/GB14048.4

✅ Model Breakdown

A185: Frame size, rated 185A at AC-3, 415V

30: 3 normally open main contacts, no main normally closed contacts

11: Built-in auxiliary contacts 1NO+1NC

80: Coil code → AC220-230V 50Hz / AC230-240V 60Hz

📌 Core Electrical Specifications

Poles: 3P

Max main circuit voltage: 690V

Conventional thermal current Ith (40℃ free air): 275A

AC-3 (motor duty, 55℃): 400/415V → 185A

AC-1 (resistive load, 55℃): 690V → 250A

Coil holding power: 35VA @50Hz; Inrush power: 550VA @50Hz

Operating voltage range: 0.85~1.1×Uc

Mechanical life: 5 million operations; Electrical life AC-3: approx. 1 million operations

Max operating frequency: 300 cycles/hour for AC-3; 3600 cycles/hour mechanical

🔌 Wiring Specifications (Main Circuit Copper Cable)

Single solid conductor: up to 120mm²

Auxiliary contact wiring: 0.75~2.5mm² (with crimp terminals)

🧩 Compatible Accessories (Interchangeable with AX185)

Thermal overload relay: TA200DU (for 185A range)

Auxiliary contact blocks: CAL18 (side mount), CA5 (front mount)

Surge suppressors: RC snubber, varistor

Mechanical interlock, busbar connectors, terminal shrouds

🔁 Replacement Information (Key Notes)

Discontinued legacy model: A185-30-11-80

Fully compatible replacement: AX185-30-11-80, identical mounting dimensions, cutout and wiring, upgraded performance and readily available stock

Coil code cross reference: 81=24V, 83=48V, 84=110V, 85=380V, 80=220/230V

📎 HS Code

HS code: 85364900 (electromagnetic contactor, >32A)

⚠️ Selection & Maintenance Tips

For heavy-duty motors, reversing or frequent start-stop applications, select next higher frame size or AF series (AC/DC wide-voltage coil);
Derating is required for ambient temperature＞55℃ or installation inside enclosed cabinets;
Verify coil voltage code during replacement; code 80 is the most common AC220V coil for China market;
Prioritize AX new model for spare parts procurement, genuine brand-new A series stock is nearly unavailable.

ABB A185-30-11-80 Contactor Application Cases (AC-3 400V, suitable for 75kW 3-phase motor, AC220V coil, built-in 1NO+1NC auxiliary)

Remark: A series is discontinued. AX185-30-11-80 shall be adopted for new projects. Mounting and wiring logic are identical for all cases below.

Case 1: Heating Station Circulating Water Pump (DOL Direct-On-Line Starting)

Load: 75kW hot water circulating pump, 380V, for industrial/municipal heat exchange stations, primary chilled water pumps of large commercial HVAC systems

Configuration: A185-30-11-80 + TA200DU thermal relay (setting range 140~200A) + moulded case circuit breaker for protection

Control logic: PLC / local pushbutton start-stop; built-in 1NO for run feedback, 1NC for interlock

Features: Continuous stable operation; AC-1 resistive rating 250A ideal for steady pump loads; auxiliary contacts send status signals to BMS building management system

Risk note: Derating and cabinet cooling fan required in summer for enclosed cabinets; avoid frequent cycling

Case 2: Variable Frequency Multi-Pump Cabinet, Mains Bypass Contactor

Load: 75kW main water supply pump for constant-pressure water supply, VFD + mains dual circuit

Scheme: Contactor at VFD output + A185 mains bypass contactor, mechanical interlock accessory fitted between two contactors

Logic: Pump runs via VFD under normal condition; upon VFD fault, PLC opens VFD circuit and closes A185 bypass to run motor directly on mains for uninterrupted water supply

Critical requirement: Electrical + mechanical interlock mandatory to prevent catastrophic parallel connection of VFD output and mains; 1NO/1NC for bypass status feedback and interlock signals

Industries: Water treatment plants, sewage plants, high-rise secondary water supply, park water supply

Case 3: Soft Starter Bypass for Screw Air Compressor Main Motor (matched with ABB PSTX soft starter)

Load: 75kW screw air compressor main motor

Scheme: ABB PSTX soft starter + A185-30-11-80 bypass contactor

Process: After soft start completes and current drops, PLC energizes A185 to short-circuit the soft starter; motor runs continuously via bypass contactor to reduce heat loss on soft starter thyristors

Advantage: Air compressor is heavy inductive load; bypass configuration greatly extends soft starter service life. 5 million mechanical cycles suit compressor stations with multiple daily starts

Accessories: CAL18 side-mounted auxiliary contact expansion, RC surge suppressor to absorb coil back EMF

Case 4: Dust Removal Fan / Induced Draft Fan Control (Boiler & Dust Treatment)

Load: 75kW centrifugal induced draft fan, main baghouse dust fan, for cement plants, chemical plants, waste incineration facilities

Control: DCS remote start-stop, interlocked with differential pressure, temperature and vibration signals; A185 switches main circuit, thermal relay for overload protection

Operating characteristics: High inertia, long start duration; not suitable for frequent jogging; usually DOL start or soft start + bypass

Selection note: AF wide-voltage AC/DC series is preferred if frequent forward/reverse operation is required

Case 5: Main Contactor for Star-Delta Reduced-Voltage Starting (KM Main)

Load: 75kW high-power motor, star-delta starter cabinet

Cabinet combination: 1 A185 as main contactor KM1 + 2 smaller contactors for star and delta switching

Suitable for sites with limited grid capacity and strict inrush current limits; auxiliary contacts send start-phase and completion feedback to PLC

Caution: Transient impulse current occurs during star-delta transition, accelerating contact wear compared with standard DOL; regular inspection of contact erosion required

Case 6: Capacitor Bank Switching in Low-Voltage Reactive Power Compensation Cabinet (AC-1 resistive load)

Load: Low-voltage power factor correction capacitor bank, total 3-phase capacitor current ≤250A (A185 AC-1 rating 250A)

Remark: Capacitor switching belongs to AC-1 resistive duty with high switching inrush current; standard A185 is only suitable for slow, infrequent switching. ABB dedicated UA capacitor contactors are recommended for high-frequency switching

Application: Factory power rooms, commercial power distribution boards, low switching frequency (≤10 times per day)

Case 7: Heavy-Duty Belt Conveyor Drive (Mining / Sand & Aggregate / Building Materials)

Load: 75kW main drive motor for sand transport, mining feed conveyor

Operating condition: Heavy start torque, risk of stall; A185 + TA200DU thermal relay + stall interlock

Limitation: A series has poor AC-4 performance for frequent reversing and jogging; AF series upgrade is recommended

✅ General Selection & Site Reminders

Coil code 80 = AC220V, most widely used in domestic control cabinets; AF wide-voltage coil is recommended for sites with large voltage fluctuation
Built-in 1NO+1NC satisfies standard feedback; add CAL18 side auxiliary blocks if more signal points are needed
Replacement note: A series discontinued; AX185-30-11-80 is direct replacement with identical cutout, wiring and accessories
Protection matching: MCCB for short-circuit protection + TA200DU thermal relay for overload protection

Operating Principle of ABB A185-30-11-80 AC Contactor

This is an electromagnetic AC contactor. Its core function is using electromagnetic force to drive mechanical linkage to switch main and auxiliary contacts. Coil code 80 means AC220V coil, built-in 1NO+1NC auxiliary contacts, 3-pole main contacts for 3-phase motors, pumps, fans and other loads.

Remark: A series discontinued; AX185 shares identical working principle.

Main Internal Components
Electromagnetic coil (excitation coil): Control circuit component, energized by AC220V to generate alternating magnetic field
Fixed core, moving core (armature): Magnetic circuit. Fixed core is stationary; moving core couples with contact carrier. A shading ring is embedded on the end face of fixed core, unique to AC contactors.
Main contacts (3 pairs of normally open main contacts): Carry high current to switch 380V main loads (motors, pumps etc.)
Auxiliary contacts (built-in 1NO+1NC): Low-current signal contacts for latching, interlock, run feedback, PLC/DCS signalling
Return spring: Pushes moving core back and opens contacts when coil is de-energized
Arc chute: Elongates and cools electric arc during contact separation, extinguishes arc to prevent contact melting and phase-to-phase short circuit
Complete Working Sequence

2.1 Coil energized (pull-in stage)

AC220V rated voltage applied to control coil → alternating magnetic field generated, fixed core magnetized and electromagnetic attraction produced.

Attraction overcomes the force of return spring and contact pressure springs, pulling moving core down to close.

Linked mechanism operates synchronously:

3 pairs of main NO contacts close, 3-phase main circuit energized, motor/load starts running

Auxiliary contacts switch simultaneously: NO closes, NC opens

The 1NO can be used for self-latching or sending run status to PLC; the 1NC is used for interlock and fault feedback.

✅ Shading ring function: AC magnetic field crosses zero every half cycle, causing temporary loss of attraction. Eddy current induced in shading ring creates a lagging magnetic field to maintain suction and eliminate hum and chatter of the core.

2.2 Coil continuously energized (holding stage)

Core stays closed, main circuit remains conductive.

Coil consumes low holding power (much lower than pull-in inrush power). Contact springs maintain adequate contact pressure to reduce contact resistance and avoid overheating under high current.

2.3 Coil de-energized (release & breaking stage)

Control circuit de-energized → magnetic field disappears, electromagnetic attraction vanishes.

Return spring rebounds and resets moving core:

3 main contacts open, main power supply disconnected

Auxiliary contacts reset: NO opens, NC closes

Arc forms at contact separation, cut and cooled by arc chute for arc extinction. Switching cycle completed.

Auxiliary Contact Logic (Key Point)

A185-30-11-80 built-in 1NO+1NC:

Coil de-energized: NO open, NC closed

Coil energized: NO closed, NC open

They operate synchronously via mechanical linkage and are not independently controlled.

Key Performance & Application Notes
It is a control switch: It does NOT provide short-circuit protection. It only performs remote electric switching. Upstream circuit breaker for short-circuit protection and thermal relay for overload protection are mandatory.
AC-3 (motor duty) characteristic: Make motor starting inrush current, break rated running current. Not suitable for frequent breaking of locked-rotor current (AC-4 duty). Frequent reversing and jogging accelerate contact wear.
Arc quenching principle: Grid-type arc chute splits long arc into multiple short arcs, cooled by air for rapid extinction, suitable for inductive loads up to 690V.
Operating voltage window: 0.85~1.1×Uc. Low voltage causes insufficient suction, contact chatter and arcing damage.
Simple Control Example (Self-Latching Circuit)

Press start button → coil energized, contactor pulls in, built-in NO auxiliary contact closes and parallels across start button. When start button is released, coil remains energized via this NO contact (self-latching). Press stop button, coil de-energized and contactor drops out.

Common Misconceptions

AC contactor cannot provide electrical isolation for maintenance. Upstream circuit breaker must be opened for service work.

Shading rings are only fitted on AC magnetic cores; DC contactors do not have shading rings.

Main contacts and auxiliary contacts are mechanically linked but electrically isolated. High main circuit current will not leak into low-voltage control signal circuits.

Model Coding Rule (A185-30-11-80)

AXX-30-XX-XX