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We offer a complete range of contactor solenoids and motor solenoids tailored for various industrial, commercial, and automotive applications. From rugged reversing contactors to compact single-acting solenoids, our products are built for performance and longevity.
Whether you’re upgrading a forklift, building a custom EV circuit, or replacing a worn-out relay, we have the right component. Our inventory includes DC contactors, automotive solenoids, industrial solenoids, and more, covering voltage ratings from 12V to 48V and beyond.
Our team is on hand to help you select the right product based on load type, operating conditions, and compatibility with your existing electrical setup. Our solenoids work with most forklift systems, industrial control panels, and electric motor circuits.
We believe in making it easy to get the components you need. All our motor solenoids come with clear pricing, no hidden fees, and fast lead times. Plus, we offer technical support to assist with installation and troubleshooting, ensuring your equipment runs smoothly from day one.
Contactor solenoids are electrically controlled switching devices used to manage the flow of current in circuits, particularly where high-voltage or high-current loads are involved. These components play a critical role in controlling electric motors, battery systems, and other power-hungry devices by safely opening and closing circuits without the need for manual intervention.
Motor solenoids are a specific type of contactor designed to serve as the key link between a power source and an electric motor. When activated, they engage or disengage the motor’s circuit, making them essential for controlled operation and protecting equipment from electrical overload or short circuits. These components are widely used in equipment where frequent starting, stopping, or reversing of motors is required.
Contactor solenoids are commonly found in forklifts, electric vehicles (EVs), heavy-duty machinery, construction equipment, and a wide range of industrial automation systems. Their robust design allows them to handle large electrical loads with high efficiency and minimal wear over time.
In industrial environments, motor contactors, reversing contactors, and high-current contactors are crucial for managing power to large motors and systems. These solenoids ensure reliable operation in conveyor belts, production lines, and automated control systems where frequent switching is required.
Automotive solenoids are also vital components in vehicle electrical systems, particularly in starter circuits and winch setups, where they control heavy bursts of current needed to power motors. Their fast response and compact form make them ideal for mobile and rugged use cases.
For more precise electrical control, DC contactors and electrical contactors are preferred in battery-powered systems and low-voltage applications. They are trusted for their reliability, safety, and resistance to arc faults, especially in systems requiring continuous duty cycles and high endurance.
While the terms solenoid, relay, and contactor are often used interchangeably, they serve distinct roles. A relay contactor is typically used for low-current, low-voltage applications, while a power solenoid is built for heavier loads and direct actuation of high-current circuits.
The main differences lie in their switching capacity, response speed, and electrical rating. Contactors are designed for high-current use, while relays are more suitable for signal-level switching. Solenoids, especially motor solenoids, use electromagnetic force to produce a mechanical movement, enabling the switching of electrical connections.
A single-acting solenoid, for example, is designed to move in one direction when energised and return to its original position by spring force or gravity. These are often used in compact hydraulic systems or space-constrained environments where precision and simplicity are key.
When selecting a contactor solenoid, several key factors must be considered. Start with the voltage rating, such as 12V, 24V, or 48V, depending on your system requirements. Next, assess the current capacity, ensuring the solenoid can safely handle the load without overheating or causing electrical faults. Also, consider the contact configuration—whether it’s normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC)—to match your control logic.
A heavy-duty contactor is recommended for large motors or continuous operation in demanding conditions. For more compact equipment such as warehouse vehicles, a forklift solenoid or mini motor solenoid may be more appropriate.
Ultimately, sourcing high-quality motor solenoids ensures your electrical systems operate safely and reliably. Premium components are built to withstand arc erosion, resist vibration, and provide long service life, even in high-cycle environments like industrial machinery and EV systems. Investing in the right solenoid means better protection for your equipment and fewer breakdowns over time.
Investing in high-performance contactor solenoids provides tangible benefits for electric, automotive, and industrial systems. These components ensure smooth electrical switching, improved equipment protection, and enhanced reliability in high-demand environments.
High-quality motor solenoids and DC contactors minimise the risk of electrical faults, arcing, or overheating. They ensure stable connections during operation, especially in high-current applications like electric forklifts and industrial motors. This translates into fewer disruptions and safer working environments.
Premium high current contactors are designed with arc-suppression materials and durable contact points, significantly lowering the wear and tear that comes from frequent switching. This helps preserve the lifespan of connected motors and circuit components.
By reducing contact bounce and ensuring firm electrical engagement, high-grade motor contactors protect sensitive equipment from voltage spikes and irregular current flow. This not only extends the life of motors but also improves the overall performance of battery-powered machinery.
Keeping your solenoids and contactors in good working condition is essential for reliability and safety. Regular inspections and preventive maintenance can help detect issues early and avoid equipment failure.
Begin by disconnecting power and removing the cover. Check the contacts for any signs of pitting, burn marks, or uneven wear. Also, inspect the coil for discoloration or damage. If contact points are severely eroded, the DC contactor should be replaced to prevent failure.
Dust, moisture, and grime can degrade performance. Use a dry cloth or soft brush to clean housing surfaces. For terminals, apply a contact-safe cleaner and ensure no debris remains. Avoid using water or harsh chemicals on automotive solenoids or exposed industrial solenoids to prevent corrosion and conductivity loss.
Common signs include delayed engagement, inconsistent operation, or audible clicking without activation. If your forklift solenoid or relay contactor shows signs of sluggish performance or intermittent failure, replace it promptly to avoid costly system breakdowns.
A contactor solenoid is an electromechanical device used to control the flow of electricity in a high-current circuit. It uses a magnetic coil to engage or disengage electrical contacts, allowing current to pass through or be interrupted without manual operation. These devices are widely used in motor starters, battery-powered equipment, and industrial automation systems.
When voltage is applied to the solenoid coil, it generates a magnetic field that pulls a plunger or armature, closing or opening the contacts. This action connects or disconnects power to a load, such as a motor or pump. Contactor solenoids are preferred in applications where frequent switching or remote control of power circuits is necessary.
Although both relays and contactors are used for switching electrical circuits, they differ in design and capacity. A relay is generally used for low-current applications, such as signal switching or light control, while a contactor is built to handle higher current loads in power circuits, such as electric motors and heavy-duty industrial equipment.
Contactors typically have larger contacts, arc-suppression features, and auxiliary connections to support control circuits. In contrast, relays are smaller and less rugged. When choosing between the two, the main considerations are current handling capability, application size, and frequency of operation.
A motor solenoid acts as a control switch for electric motors, especially in starter systems, battery-powered vehicles, and industrial equipment. It serves as the intermediary between the power source and the motor, ensuring that current is only delivered when needed. This helps protect motors from overloading and ensures efficient starting and stopping cycles.
Motor solenoids are widely used in forklifts, electric vehicles, compressors, and other equipment that requires reliable, high-current switching. They are known for their fast response, mechanical durability, and ability to handle demanding operational environments.
A contactor solenoid should be replaced when it shows signs of wear or malfunction, such as irregular operation, delayed engagement, arcing sounds, or visual pitting on contact points. Electrical failure or overheating may also indicate that the solenoid is no longer operating efficiently.
Regular inspection is recommended in high-use environments to identify early wear. Replacing a faulty solenoid before complete failure helps avoid system downtime, protects connected equipment, and ensures continued electrical safety.
A heavy-duty contactor should be rated for high current loads, typically above 100 amps, and constructed from durable, arc-resistant materials. Features to look for include silver-alloy contact points, built-in arc suppression, high insulation resistance, and a compact design that fits your existing system layout.
Other important considerations include the voltage rating (12V, 24V, 48V or higher), contact configuration (normally open or closed), and compatibility with AC or DC systems. Choosing the right contactor ensures reliable switching and a longer service life in demanding industrial or automotive environments.
A reversing contactor allows for the directional control of electric motors. It achieves this by switching the polarity of the motor's power supply, enabling the motor to rotate in either a forward or reverse direction. This is especially useful in applications like hoists, conveyors, and electric vehicles, where direction control is required.
Reversing contactors typically consist of two contactors and a mechanical or electrical interlock to prevent both from being activated simultaneously. Proper installation and control logic are essential to ensure safe and effective operation in industrial settings.
Yes, contactor solenoids are commonly used in low-voltage DC systems, such as those in electric forklifts, solar inverters, marine systems, and backup power supplies. They are designed to handle significant current at voltages as low as 12V or 24V, making them ideal for battery-powered equipment.
DC contactors require specific designs to suppress arc formation, as DC current does not naturally pass through zero as AC does. As such, DC contactors often have magnetic blowouts or arc chutes to safely extinguish the arc and ensure long-term reliability.
A single-acting solenoid is a type of linear actuator that moves in one direction when energised and returns to its original position via a spring or external force when power is removed. These are typically used in simple push or pull mechanisms, such as locking systems, valves, and compact automation devices.
Single-acting solenoids are valued for their low energy consumption and straightforward design. They are ideal for applications that require momentary motion, especially where space is limited and only one directional movement is necessary.
Yes, automotive solenoids are specifically designed for vehicle applications and are typically compact, weather-resistant, and rated for high cranking currents. They are commonly found in starter motors, winches, and auxiliary systems in cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles.
Industrial solenoids, on the other hand, are built for stationary or controlled environments. They may be larger, have higher duty cycles, and include features for continuous operation, such as thermal protection or arc-resistant contacts. Each solenoid type is engineered for its intended environment and operational demands.
Common causes of contactor solenoid failure include overheating due to electrical overload, contact erosion from frequent switching, accumulation of dust or moisture, and poor-quality materials that degrade over time. Improper installation or mismatched voltage ratings can also shorten the lifespan of a solenoid.
Preventive maintenance, including regular inspection of contacts, coil resistance checks, and keeping the device clean and dry, can significantly extend the life of a contactor solenoid. Using high-quality components with proper voltage and current ratings is essential to avoid premature failure in critical systems.
At East Elite we’re proud to stock an extensive range of material handling equipment. Our range includes pallet jacks, pallet stackers and trolleys, all of which is built to lift and move any pallet or load in your warehouse with ease. We also stock a variety of forklift attachments and plastic pallets to enable your warehouse team to tackle and load.
Call us on 011 913 8042