Lovato BFK3800A230 three-pole power factor correction contactor with AC control circuit, built-in limiting resistors, 30 kvar rating at 400 V and 230 V AC 50/60 Hz coil for capacitor bank switching applications.
£230.62
The Lovato BFK3800A230 is a compact and robust three-pole power factor correction contactor designed for controlled capacitor bank switching in industrial electrical panels, reactive power compensation systems and automatic power factor correction assemblies. As part of the Lovato BFK38 series, it is purpose-built for AC-6b capacitor switching duties and includes limiting resistors to help reduce high inrush current when capacitor stages are energised.
This contactor is rated for a maximum IEC operational power of 30 kvar at 400 V, with additional capacitor switching ratings of 17 kvar at 230 V, 33 kvar at 440 to 480 V and 36 kvar at 690 V. It uses a 230 V AC 50/60 Hz coil, making it suitable for standard industrial AC control circuits used in capacitor bank and power factor correction panels.
With 3 normally open main poles, 56 A conventional free air thermal current, screw or 35 mm DIN rail mounting, IP20 terminal protection when correctly wired and recognised international approvals, the BFK3800A230 is a dependable choice for capacitor switching stages where compact size, controlled inrush performance and long service life are required.
Power factor correction contactors are designed to switch capacitor stages safely and repeatedly in automatic capacitor banks. When capacitors are energised, high transient inrush current can occur. The Lovato BFK3800A230 uses built-in limiting resistors to help reduce these current peaks, supporting longer contactor life and more stable capacitor bank operation.
The 30 kvar at 400 V rating makes this model suitable for larger capacitor bank stages where compact installation, reliable AC control operation and repeatable switching performance are required. Its 230 V AC 50/60 Hz coil, BFK38 frame, controlled inrush design and IP20 front protection make it straightforward to integrate into professional power factor correction panels.
| Current | 43 A |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 230 V |
| Phase | Three Phase |
| Series | BFK38 |
| Product designation | Power contactor |
| Product type | Contactor for power factor correction with AC control circuit |
| Application | Capacitor bank and power factor correction switching |
| Number of poles | 3 |
| Main contact configuration | 3 NO |
| Type of coil | AC coil 50/60 Hz |
| Rated coil voltage | 230 V AC at 50/60 Hz |
| Operational frequency | 25 to 400 Hz |
| IEC operational power at 230 V | 17 kvar |
| IEC operational power at 400 V | 30 kvar |
| IEC operational power at 440 to 480 V | 33 kvar |
| IEC operational power at 690 V | 36 kvar |
| Rated operational current | 43 A |
| IEC conventional free air thermal current Ith | 56 A at ≤40 °C |
| Rated insulation voltage Ui | 690 V |
| Rated impulse withstand voltage Uimp | 6 kV |
| Short-time allowable current | 320 A for 10 s |
| Protection fuse | 63 A gG |
| Making capacity | 380 A RMS |
| Breaking capacity | 304 A at 440 V, 240 A at 500 V, 192 A at 690 V |
| Average resistance per pole | 2 mΩ |
| Power dissipation per pole at Ith | 6 W |
| Terminal tightening torque | 2.5 to 3 Nm |
| Coil terminal tightening torque | 0.8 to 1 Nm |
| Maximum connectable wires per terminal | 2 |
| Maximum conductor section | 6 AWG/kcmil |
| Flexible conductor section without lug | 2.5 to 16 mm² |
| Flexible conductor section with lug | 1 to 10 mm² |
| Flexible conductor section with insulated spade lug | 1 to 10 mm² |
| Power terminal protection | IP20 when properly wired |
| Operating position | Vertical plane, allowable ±30° |
| Mounting type | Screw fixing / 35 mm DIN rail |
| Approximate dimensions | 45 x 126 x 123 mm |
| Weight | approx. 488 g |
| Mechanical life | 20,000,000 cycles |
| Electrical life | 1,400,000 cycles |
| B10d rated load cycles | 400,000 |
| B10d mechanical load cycles | 20,000,000 |
| Maximum mechanical operating frequency | 3,600 cycles/h |
| AC coil operating range at 50 Hz | 80 to 110% Us pick-up, 20 to 55% Us drop-out |
| AC coil operating range at 60 Hz | 85 to 110% Us pick-up, 20 to 55% Us drop-out |
| AC coil consumption at 50 Hz | 75 VA inrush, 9 VA holding |
| AC coil consumption at 60 Hz | 70 VA inrush, 7 VA holding |
| Dissipation at holding | 2.5 W at 50 Hz |
| UL rated operational voltage | 600 V AC |
| UL general use current | 56 A |
| Operating temperature | -50 °C to +70 °C |
| Storage temperature | -60 °C to +80 °C |
| Maximum altitude | 3,000 m |
| Pollution degree | 3 |
| EMC compatibility | Yes |
| ETIM classification | EC001079 - Capacitor contactor |
| Package quantity | 10 |
| Package dimensions | 265 x 265 x 135 mm |
| Package volume | 948.038 cm³ |
| EAN | 8013975164365 |
| Certifications | CCC, EAC, cULus |
| Standards | IEC/EN/BS 60947-1, IEC/EN/BS 60947-4-1, UL 60947-1, UL 60947-4-1, CSA C22.2 No. 60947-1, CSA C22.2 No. 60947-4-1 |
| HS Code | 85365080 |
The Lovato BFK3800A230 is used for switching capacitors in automatic power factor correction systems, reactive power compensation panels and industrial capacitor bank assemblies.
It is rated for 30 kvar at 400 V. It is also rated at 17 kvar at 230 V, 33 kvar at 440 to 480 V and 36 kvar at 690 V for AC-6b capacitor switching duty.
The BFK3800A230 uses a 230 V AC 50/60 Hz coil, making it suitable for standard AC control circuits in power factor correction panels.
Yes. The contactor includes limiting resistors to help reduce capacitor inrush current when capacitor stages are switched on.
No. This BFK3800A230 variant has 0 built-in auxiliary contacts. External auxiliary contact blocks may be selected separately where signalling or interlocking is required.
It can be installed using screw fixing or mounted on a standard 35 mm DIN rail, making it suitable for capacitor bank panels and electrical control cabinets.
Lovato BFK capacitor switching contactors are trusted by panel builders, facilities engineers and energy management specialists for dependable power factor correction, compact installation and reliable capacitor switching performance in industrial electrical systems.
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2025 has been a big year for LED Controls, and our blog has expanded accordingly. We've covered a wide range of topics across industrial control and factory automation this year. From core technology explainers and new product releases to panel building best practice...