Why Choose the Lovato BFK3800D024 30 kvar 3-Pole Capacitor Contactor?
The Lovato BFK3800D024 is a 3-pole power factor correction contactor designed specifically for controlled capacitor bank switching. Part of the Lovato BFK38 series, it provides a capacitor switching rating of 30 kvar at 400 V and uses a 24 V DC control coil, making it suitable for power factor correction systems operating from low-voltage DC control circuits.
Unlike a conventional motor contactor, the BFK38 platform is purpose-built for capacitor switching and incorporates limiting resistors to reduce the high inrush currents that occur when capacitor stages are energised. This helps provide controlled switching in automatic power factor correction panels and reactive power compensation systems.
The BFK3800D024 combines a 56 A conventional free-air thermal current, 690 V rated insulation voltage and 6 kV impulse withstand voltage with flexible screw or 35 mm DIN rail mounting. Its robust BFK38 construction makes it suitable for industrial and commercial capacitor bank installations where dependable repeated switching is required.
Key Advantages
- Purpose-built 3-pole contactor for power factor correction applications.
- Rated for capacitor switching up to 30 kvar at 400 V.
- 24 V DC control coil for low-voltage DC control systems.
- Integrated limiting resistors help reduce capacitor energisation inrush current.
- High 56 A conventional free-air thermal current.
- Flexible screw or 35 mm DIN rail mounting simplifies panel integration.
Key Features
- Lovato BFK38 power factor correction contactor.
- 3 main power poles.
- 30 kvar capacitor switching rating at 400 V.
- 24 V DC coil.
- Designed specifically for capacitor bank switching.
- Integrated limiting resistors for controlled capacitor energisation.
- 56 A conventional free-air thermal current.
- 690 V rated insulation voltage.
- 6 kV rated impulse withstand voltage.
- Screw or 35 mm DIN rail mounting.
- Suitable for automatic power factor correction systems.
Controlled Capacitor Switching for Power Factor Correction
Power factor correction capacitor banks can produce substantial transient inrush currents when a discharged capacitor stage is connected to an energised electrical system. Contactors intended for this duty therefore require characteristics specifically suited to repeated capacitor switching rather than conventional motor-control operation.
The Lovato BFK3800D024 incorporates limiting resistors that help control the initial capacitor charging current during switching. Combined with its 30 kvar rating at 400 V and 24 V DC coil, this makes it particularly suitable for automatic power factor correction panels where capacitor stages are switched according to changing reactive power demand.
Typical Applications
- Automatic power factor correction panels.
- Three-phase capacitor bank switching.
- Reactive power compensation systems.
- Industrial low-voltage distribution boards.
- Commercial building power factor correction systems.
- OEM capacitor bank and PFC assemblies.
- Industrial control systems using 24 V DC control circuits.
