Contactor control

A computer program product comprising computer-executable components for causing a controller to perform a method of controlling a mechanical contractor having at least one pair of contacts for conducting a mains current (Im) when the contactor is in a closed position, and an electromagnet arranged to close the contractor, and maintain the contractor in the closed position, by forcing the pair of contacts towards each other when a control current (Ic) runs through a coil of the electromagnet;

• wherein when no control current (Ic) is flowing through the coil, the contactor is in its open position;
• wherein when the control current (Ic) is turned on and thus flowing through the coil, the contactor is brought from its open position to its closed position;
• and
• while the control current (Ic) is flowing through the coil, the contactor remains in the closed position;
• the method comprising:
• while the control current (Ic) is flowing through the coil, obtaining an indication of unintentional separation of contacts of the pair;
• and
• in response to the obtained indication, turning off the control current (Ic), thereby avoiding reclosing of the contacts after the unintentional separation.

A controller for a mechanical contactor, the controller comprising:

• processing circuitry;
• and
• storage storing instructions executable by said processing circuitry whereby said controller is operative to preform a method of controlling a mechanical contractor having at least one pair of contacts for conducting a mains current (Im) when the contactor is in a closed position, and an electromagnet arranged to close the contractor, and maintain the contractor in the closed position, by forcing the pair of contacts towards each other when a control current (Ic) runs through a coil of the electromagnet;
• wherein when no control current (Ic) is flowing through the coil, the contactor is in its open position;
• wherein when the control current (Ic) is turned on and thus flowing through the coil, the contactor is brought from its open position to its closed position;
• and
• while the control current (Ic) is flowing through the coil, the contactor remains in the closed position;
• the method comprising:
• while the control current (Ic) is flowing through the coil, obtaining an indication of unintentional separation of contacts of the pair;
• and
• in response to the obtained indication, turning off the control current (Ic), thereby avoiding reclosing of the contacts after the unintentional separation.

A mechanical contactor comprising:

• a controller;
• a pair of contacts for conducting a mains current (Im) when the contactor is in a closed position;
• and
• an electromagnet arranged to close the contactor, and maintain the contactor in the closed position, by forcing the pair of contacts towards each other when a control current (Ic) runs through a coil of the electromagnet;
• wherein the controller includes processing circuitry and storage storing instructions executable by said processing circuity whereby said controller is operative to perform a method of controlling the mechanical contractor;
• wherein when no control current (Ic) is flowing through the coil, the contractor is in its open position;
• wherein when the control current (Ic) is turned on and thus flowing through the coil, the contractor is brought from its open position to its closed position;
• and
• while the control current (Ic) is flowing through the coil, the contractor remains in the closed position;
• the method comprising:
• while the control current (Ic) is flowing through the coil, obtaining an indication of unintentional separation of the contacts of the pair;
• and
• in response to the obtained indication, turning off the control current (Ic), thereby avoiding reclosing of the pair of contacts after the unintentional separation.