ABB ESB20-20N-06 contactor

ABB ESB20-20N-06 Technical Analysis Report

This is a 2-pole, 20A, 2NO, 230V AC/DC universal coil modular installation contactor, suitable for single-phase load control in residential and industrial environments. It features silent operation, low power consumption, and integrated overvoltage protection, with a width of only 18mm and standard 35mm DIN rail mounting. Order code: 1SBE121111R0620.

1. Model Breakdown

2. Core Specifications

Electrical Data

Mechanical & Environmental Data

3. Function Description
4. Universal coil technology: AC/DC universal coil, no AC/DC distinction, flexible installation, completely silent and vibration-free operation.
5. Integrated overvoltage protection: Built-in overvoltage suppression in control circuit, improves system reliability and service life.
6. Modular design: Only 18mm wide, fully compatible with other modular DIN rail components, saves cabinet space.
7. Accessory compatibility: Supports standard accessories (auxiliary contacts, mechanical interlocks, etc.), tool-free plug-and-play installation.
8. Safety design: Complies with EN/IEC/UL standards, provides reliable electrical isolation for personnel and equipment safety.
9. Wide application: Suitable for controlling electric heaters, hot water systems, pump/fan motors, lighting and other single-phase loads.
10. Selection Recommendations

Suitable Applications

Lighting, heating, ventilation control in residential and commercial buildings

Single-phase motor control (pumps, fans) for small industrial equipment

Noise-sensitive environments (hospitals, offices, homes)

Space-limited distribution boards / control cabinets

Selection Criteria

1. Load type matching:

Resistive load (AC-1): Use 20A rated current directly

Motor load (AC-7a/7b): Recommended ≤9A (4.6kW) at 230V single-phase

Inductive load: Derating or surge suppressor recommended

2. Coil voltage selection:

Match control system supply (230V AC/DC)

Other voltages available: ESB20-20N-01 (24V), ESB20-20N-04 (110V)

3. Contact configuration:

This model: 2NO, suitable for two independent circuits

For NC contacts: ESB20-02N series (2NC)

For auxiliary contacts: Add auxiliary contact modules

4. Environmental conditions:

Derate above +40°C ambient temperature

Extra protection required in humid or corrosive environments

5. Installation Notes

Pre-Installation

Verify model matches order, inspect for physical damage

Confirm coil voltage matches control supply

Prepare standard 35mm DIN rail and suitable terminals

Installation Procedure

Clip contactor firmly onto 35mm DIN rail

Wire main and control circuits per diagram; coil is non-polarized

Terminal torque: 2.5N·m (conductor: 0.5–2.5mm²)

Accessories clip directly onto top/side without tools

Safety

Isolate and verify voltage-free before installation

Separate main and control wiring to avoid interference

Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent overheating

Maintain ≥5mm clearance around contactor for heat dissipation

Commissioning & Maintenance

Check wiring before first energization

Test contactor operation for correct switching and no abnormal noise

Inspect contacts and terminal tightness regularly (at least annually)

6. Alternative Models

Same-Series Alternatives

Upgraded Alternatives

ABB ESB20-20N-06 is a compact, high-performance installation contactor. With silent operation, universal coil, low power consumption and modular design, it is an ideal solution for single-phase load control in residential and industrial applications. Proper selection, installation and maintenance ensure long-term reliable performance and safe, efficient control for electrical systems.

ABB Contactor Standard Selection Procedure

(Industrial & Building, for sales / quotation / design)

Using ESB (building) and AF/A (industrial) as examples – 8-step precise selection ready for proposals and quotations.

1. Define Application & Product Family

Building / Residential / Distribution board: Lighting, heating, pumps, fans, small motors → ESB/EN series (silent, DIN rail, narrow width)

Industrial / Equipment / Control cabinet: Fans, pumps, compressors, motor main circuits → AF/A series (wide voltage, long life, heavy-duty)

2. Determine Load Category (Critical for Derating)

Per IEC 60947 utilization categories:

AC-1: Resistive loads (heaters, lighting) → use rated current directly

AC-3: Squirrel-cage motor DOL (most common industrial) → motor current ≤ contactor rated current

AC-7a/7b: Building small motors, fans, pumps → use building contactor rated values

3. Calculate Operating Current & Rated Capacity
4. Determine current from power / voltage
5. Allow 1.1–1.25x safety margin (inrush, continuous duty)
6. Select corresponding rated current (Ie) from ABB catalog

Example: 230V single-phase 2kW heater ≈ 8.7A → ESB20-20N is sufficient

4. Select Number of Poles

1P: Single-phase, single circuit

2P: Single-phase, double-pole (L+N switching, building standard)

3P: Three-phase motors / industrial (most common)

4P: Three-phase + N or double-break

5. Select Coil Voltage & Type
6. Control voltage: 24V, 110V, 230V, 400V, etc.
7. Coil type:

Building: AC/DC universal coil (ESB series, non-polar, silent)

Industrial: Wide-range coil (AF series, stable at 85–110% Un)

6. Define Auxiliary Contact Requirements

Built-in: From model (20=2NO, 02=2NC)

Expandable: EH series auxiliary contacts (1NO+1NC, 2NO, etc.)

Used for: Status feedback, interlocking, sequential control

7. Environmental & Special Requirements

Altitude >1000m, temperature >40°C → derate or upsize

Silent requirement (residential/office): Must use ESB silent type

Protection: IP20 normally sufficient for panel mounting

Mechanical interlock / reversing: Use dedicated interlock accessories

8. Final Verification: Model + Certifications
9. Confirm full model: family–current–contacts–coil

Example: ESB20-20N-06

2. Verify certifications: CCC, IEC, RoHS
3. Confirm mounting: 35mm DIN rail / screw mounting

Simplified Selection Mnemonic

1. Choose family by application
2. Choose duty by load type
3. Calculate current with margin
4. Confirm poles and coil voltage
5. Add aux contacts for control
6. Check environment and derate
7. Verify model for final list