Why Choose the Lovato BFX5500 Side-Mount Mechanical Interlock?
The Lovato BFX5500 is a purpose-designed mechanical interlock for side-by-side BF series contactors. It mechanically prevents two associated contactors from closing simultaneously, making it an important accessory for reversing, changeover and other electrically interlocked contactor arrangements.
Installed between two compatible contactors positioned side by side, the BFX5500 provides direct mechanical interlocking without auxiliary electrical contacts. When one contactor is closed, the mechanism physically prevents the second contactor from closing, providing an additional level of protection alongside the electrical control circuit.
The BFX5500 is associated with Lovato BF160 and larger BF contactor assemblies. Lovato's current catalogue lists the accessory for BF160–BF630 contactors, while earlier BF160–BF400 catalogue documentation lists BFX5500 for that range. It is supplied individually and has a manufacturer-listed weight of 89 g.
Key Advantages
- Provides positive mechanical interlocking between two contactors.
- Designed for side-by-side Lovato BF contactor assemblies.
- Physically prevents both mechanically linked contactors from closing simultaneously.
- Ideal for reversing, changeover and other mutually exclusive contactor arrangements.
- Provides mechanical protection independently of the electrical interlocking circuit.
- Purpose-designed Lovato accessory for straightforward integration with compatible BF contactors.
Key Features
- Lovato BFX5500 contactor accessory.
- Mechanical interlock operating between two contactors.
- Side-by-side mounting arrangement.
- No integrated auxiliary contacts.
- Current Lovato catalogue compatibility extends from BF160–BF630.
- Applicable to BF160–BF400 installations covered by earlier Lovato catalogue documentation.
- Manufacturer-listed weight of 89 g.
- cULus certified.
- Designed for industrial motor control and power switching assemblies.
Reliable Mechanical Interlocking for Contactor Assemblies
Mechanical interlocks are used where two contactors must never be mechanically closed at the same time. In a reversing motor starter, for example, simultaneous closure of the forward and reverse contactors could create a serious electrical fault. The Lovato BFX5500 provides a physical interlocking mechanism so that operation of one contactor prevents the other from closing.
This mechanical protection complements the electrical interlocking normally incorporated into the control circuit. The side-by-side installation arrangement makes the BFX5500 particularly suitable for compact industrial control panels, motor control centres and switching assemblies using compatible Lovato BF contactors.
Typical Applications
- Three-phase reversing motor starters.
- Forward and reverse motor control circuits.
- Changeover contactor assemblies.
- Industrial motor control centres.
- Machine control and automation panels.
- Conveyors and bidirectional drive systems.
- Industrial switchboards and OEM machinery.
