The electrical panel contactor is used to manage the operating time of the water heater. With this accessory, the device will only turn on during off-peak hours and other times when electricity is cheaper. It significantly reduces expenses related to hot water.
Like impulse relays, the contactor is a specific component that is part of the electrical panel accessories. Basically, it is used to:
- open or close a high-power electrical circuit ;
- manage a high-power circuit centrally with a very simple action, through a push button ;
- control the switching on and off of an electric water heater equipped with a storage tank (it is not suitable for instantaneous electric water heaters).
The electrical panel accessory is especially useful for ENEDIS customers who have subscribed to the off-peak option. It allows:
- to turn on the water heater during periods when electricity costs less ;
- to turn off the device during other times of the day ;
- to save up to 10% on expenses related to the use of the water heater ;
- to contribute to environmental protection by reducing energy consumption.
To understand how the accessory works, it is necessary to place it in the overall diagram of an electrical installation, including:
- a command section designed to manage the contactor and transmit the order for the current to pass or not ;
- a power section: the current passes through the accessory to supply the water heater ;
- the contactor: the accessory allows the current to pass or not, depending on the order coming from the command section ;
- the receiver (in this case, the water heater).
The electrical panel contactor is managed by the command section:
- when it is activated, it is in "passing" mode, and the water heater receives power to operate normally ;
- when it is deactivated, it is in "non-passing" mode, and the water heater is no longer supplied with electricity. As a result, the device no longer operates.
In general, the accessory is equipped with a selector displaying:
- an ON or 1 position (forcing the device to operate and providing hot water) ;
- an AUTO position (the order to activate or deactivate the contactor is sent by ENEDIS, and the user cannot intervene) ;
- an OFF or 0 position (stopping the current supply to the water heater).
The electrical panel contactor is used to manage the operating time of a storage tank water heater. It is also called a Day Night contactor or off-peak contactor. Indeed, it allows the device to turn on only during periods when electricity is cheaper (off-peak hours).
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