LOVATO Electric announces its electromechanical contactor portfolio, which spans the BG series mini-contactors, BF series contactors and DPBF series Definite Purpose Contactors, is certified for use in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment employing A2L mildly flammable refrigerants. This certification gives HVAC and refrigeration OEMs a complete, drop-in compliant switching solution as the industry transitions away from R-410A.
Source: LOVATO ElectricThe certified product lines cover common loads found in compressor motor, fan motor and electric heating elements in residential, light commercial and commercial refrigeration applications:
- BG series Mini-Contactors (11BG09–12): Three-pole mini-contactors rated 6 A to 12 A (up to 7.5 HP at 480 V UL/CSA), available with AC, DC and low-consumption DC coils.
- BF series (BF09–25): Three- and four-pole contactors rated 9–25 A (up to 15 HP at 480 V UL/CSA)
- BF series (BF26–38): Three- and four-pole contactors rated 26–38 A (up to 30 HP at 480 V UL/CSA), available with AC or DC coils.
- BF series (BF40–94): Three- and four-pole contactors rated 40–94 A (up to 60 HP at 480 V UL/CSA), available with AC or AC/DC electronic coil options.
- BF series (BF95–150): Three- and four-pole contactors rated 95–150 A (up to 100 HP at 480 V UL/CSA), available with AC or AC/DC electronic coil options.
- DPBF series (Definite Purpose rated): Definite Purpose-rated versions of the BF series contactors, designed for HVAC and refrigeration OEM applications requiring Definite Purpose ratings. Full load amp (FLA) ranges from 14 to 80 A and locked rotor amp (LRA) ranges from 84 to 480 A.
With R-410A equipment imports ended as of January 1, 2025, A2L certification now applies to every arc-producing component in refrigerant zones. Each time an electromechanical contactor opens or closes, it generates an arc at the contact gap — a potential ignition source where mildly flammable refrigerant could accumulate. A contactor without A2L certification is a non-compliant ignition risk regardless of its electrical rating. LOVATO Electric’s contactors eliminate that risk.
Products carry UL LZGH2/8 certification under Certificate Number E93602, confirming compliance with UL 60335-2-40 and UL 60335-2-89 under UL and CSA standards. Specifying a LZGH2/8-certified electromechanical contactor enables UL to waive Annex FF leak simulation testing at the system level, reducing product development timelines by several weeks.
