SMC-C
May 12, 2026

SMC-C

Product Overview The SMC-C Series is a 3-phase AC capacitor switching contactor designed for switching capacitor banks in power factor correction (PFC) systems. It integrates pre-charge resistors to suppress inrush currents, making it ideal for frequent capacitor switching in industrial and commercial applications.

Description

1. Product Overview

The SMC-C Series is a 3-phase AC capacitor switching contactor designed for switching capacitor banks in power factor correction (PFC) systems. It integrates pre-charge resistors to suppress inrush currents, making it ideal for frequent capacitor switching in industrial and commercial applications.
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2. Key Features

  • Integrated Inrush Limiting: Built-in pre-charge resistors reduce switching inrush current to ≤ 25× rated current.

  • Wide Power Range: Covers 5–50 kVAr (400 V) with models from 9 A to 100 A.

  • High Electrical Endurance: Up to 200,000 operations (light models) / 100,000 operations (heavy models).

  • Frequent Switching: Rated 240 cycles/hour (≤40 A) / 100 cycles/hour (≥50 A).

  • Standard Coil Voltages: 220–240 VAC, 400–440 VAC (50/60 Hz).

  • Certifications: CE, CB, ISO 9001.

  • Compact Design: DIN rail mountable, saves panel space.


3. Technical Specifications

3.1 Model & Ratings

ModelRated Current (A)400 V Rating (kVAr)690 V Rating (kVAr)
SMC-9C958.6
SMC-12C126.711.5
SMC-18C181017.3
SMC-22C2212.521.6
SMC-32C321831.1
SMC-40C402543.3
SMC-50C503052
SMC-65C654069
SMC-75C754578
SMC-85C855086
SMC-100C10060104

3.2 General Parameters

ParameterSpecification
Main Circuit
Rated Voltage200–690 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Rated Frequency50 Hz / 60 Hz
Insulation Voltage1000 VAC
Impulse Withstand6 kV (1.2/50 μs)
Coil
Standard Voltages220–240 VAC, 400–440 VAC
Operating Range85–110% Un
Power Consumption≤ 10 VA (hold), ≤ 70 VA (inrush)
Contact
Configuration3P+NO (main) + 1NO+1NC (aux)
MaterialSilver alloy
Endurance (Mechanical)1,000,000 cycles
Environmental
Operating Temp–5 °C to +55 °C
Storage Temp–25 °C to +70 °C
Humidity5–95% RH non-condensing
ProtectionIP20 (front)
Mechanical
MountingDIN rail (35 mm)
Dimensions (W×H×D)45×80×95 mm (≤40 A); 60×90×105 mm (≥50 A)
Weight0.5–0.8 kg

4. Application Scope

  • Power Factor Correction (PFC): Switching low-voltage capacitor banks in industrial plants, commercial buildings, and substations.

  • Reactive Power Compensation: Step control of capacitor banks to maintain target power factor (0.95–0.99).

  • Harmonic Filtering: Switching passive harmonic filter banks (with detuned reactors).

  • Motor Capacitor Switching: Starting and running capacitor switching for single-phase motors.


5. Installation & Wiring

5.1 Installation Requirements

  1. Mounting: Install vertically on a 35 mm DIN rail; allow ≥25 mm clearance above/below for ventilation.

  2. Environment: Avoid direct sunlight, dust, moisture, and corrosive gases.

  3. ESD Protection: Discharge static before handling (no internal ESD-sensitive parts).

5.2 Wiring Diagram

5.2.1 Main Circuit (3-Phase)

  • L1/L2/L3: Line side (400/690 VAC).

  • T1/T2/T3: Capacitor bank side.

  • PE: Protective earth (connect to system ground).

5.2.2 Control Circuit

  • A1/A2: Coil voltage (220/400 VAC).

  • NO/NC: Auxiliary contacts (for status indication/interlocking).

5.3 Wiring Notes

  • Capacitor Discharge: Ensure capacitors are fully discharged (<50 V residual) before re-switching.

  • Fusing: Use gG-type fuses rated 1.5–2× contactor current (e.g., 63 A fuse for SMC-40C).

  • Cable Size: 2.5–6 mm² (main circuit); 1.5 mm² (control circuit).

  • Torque: Tighten terminals to 1.2–1.5 Nm.

  • Pre-charge Resistors: Do not bypass or modify the built-in resistors.


6. Operation

6.1 Working Principle

  1. Pre-charge Phase: When the coil is energized, auxiliary contacts close first, connecting the capacitor bank via pre-charge resistors to limit inrush current.

  2. Main Closure: After 50–100 ms, the main contacts close, bypassing the resistors and connecting the capacitor directly to the line.

  3. Opening: When de-energized, main contacts open first, followed by auxiliary contacts.

6.2 Normal Operation

  • Coil Energized: Indicator LED (if equipped) ON; main contacts closed; capacitor bank connected.

  • Coil De-energized: LED OFF; main contacts open; capacitor bank disconnected.

  • Switching Frequency: Adhere to rated cycles/hour to avoid overheating.


7. Safety Precautions

  • High Voltage Hazard: Only qualified electricians may install/service. Disconnect all power before wiring.

  • Capacitor Discharge: Capacitors retain charge after disconnection. Discharge for ≥5 minutes before touching terminals.

  • Inrush Current: Never bypass pre-charge resistors; severe damage to contacts and capacitors may occur.

  • Overloading: Do not exceed rated current/kVAr; risk of contact welding and fire.

  • No Modification: Do not open the contactor or modify internal circuits; voids warranty.

  • Environmental Limits: Operate only within –5 °C to +55 °C.


8. Maintenance

8.1 Regular Maintenance (Every 6 Months)

  1. Visual Inspection: Check for loose terminals, burnt contacts, or discolouration.

  2. Cleaning: Wipe with a dry cloth; remove dust from vents.

  3. Terminal Tightness: Retorque to 1.2–1.5 Nm.

  4. Contact Check: Inspect main/aux contacts for wear or pitting.

  5. Resistor Check: Verify pre-charge resistors are intact (no cracks/burn marks).

8.2 Replacement

  • Contacts: Replace if worn >1 mm or pitted.

  • Coil: Replace if burnt or shorted (measure resistance: ~500 Ω for 220 V coil).


9. Troubleshooting

Fault PhenomenonPossible CauseSolution
Contactor fails to closeNo coil voltage / wrong voltage / coil burntCheck A1/A2 wiring; verify voltage; replace coil.
Loud noise when closingLow coil voltage / loose core / dirty contactsIncrease voltage; tighten core screws; clean contacts.
Contacts weld shutOverload / frequent switching / inrush too highReduce load; decrease switching frequency; check pre-charge resistors.
OverheatingLoose terminals / blocked ventilation / overloadRetorque terminals; clear vents; reduce load.
Capacitor damageInrush current too high / no discharge timeCheck pre-charge resistors; increase off-time between switching.

10. Warranty

  • Model: SMC-C Series Capacitor Switching Contactor.

  • Warranty Period: 18 months from delivery (normal installation/use per manual).

  • Warranty Exclusions: Misuse, overvoltage, lightning, water ingress, unauthorised modification, or failure to discharge capacitors.

  • Specifications Subject to Change: Manufacturer reserves the right to update specifications without notice.




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