When maintaining an air conditioning system, choosing the right relay or contactor is crucial for reliability and efficiency. This guide highlights five quality relays and contactors designed for 24V control circuits and up to 40A or more, suitable for residential and light commercial HVAC setups. Each product includes practical features such as coil compatibility, durability under temperature and humidity, and compatibility with common HVAC brands. Read on to compare options and find the best relay for your AC unit’s specific needs.
| Product | Coil / Poles | Max Load | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOJACK 1 Poles FLA 40 Amp Coil 24 VAC | 1P | 40A FLA | Compact single-pole design, reliable 24V coil |
| Dreyoo 1 Pole 24V Coil 40A | 1P | 40A FLA / 50A RES | UL508, moisture-sealed coil, robust terminals |
| AP APPLI PARTS APFR-380 24 VAC | 2 NO / 5-6 NC | 14 FLA / 8 FLA | Versatile SPDT switching, universal fit |
| LVACODV APFR-360 24V AC | SPST | 12 FLA / 8 FLA | Universal compatibility, multiple HVAC uses |
| CGele 1 Pole 40A 24VAC Contactor | 1P | 40A FLA / 50A RES | High-quality contacts, durable housing |
BOJACK 1 Poles FLA 40 Amp Coil 24 VAC Contactor
This 1-pole contactor is designed for 24V AC control with a 40A full-load current (FLA). It provides a compact solution for single-stage cooling systems and is suitable for standard condensers and air handlers requiring a definite purpose contactor. Its simple configuration supports quick installation in residential HVAC setups, helping to ensure reliable relay operation with minimal voltage drop in typical 24V controls.
Dreyoo 1 Pcs 24V Coil 40A 2 Pole Contactor
The Dreyoo two-pole contactor features a 24V coil with a 40A FLA and 50A resistive capacity, compliant with UL508 standards. Its hermetically sealed coil helps prevent moisture-related issues, while silver oxide contacts keep resistance minimal for low voltage drop. Designed for 24-48VAC systems, this contactor is compatible with many split-phase HVAC configurations and up to 600VAC motor loads, making it versatile for various outdoor condenser and rooftop units.
Durability is emphasized through dust and water resistance and vibration-proof terminals. It’s tested across wide temperatures (-40°F to +221°F) and high humidity, suitable for harsher installation environments and industrial refrigeration applications requiring robust performance over time.
APFR-380 90-380 24 VAC Heavy-Duty Switching Fan Relay
AP APPLI PARTS offers a universal 24V AC coil switching relay suitable for fan functions in HVAC systems, including auxiliary fans in furnaces and cooling units. The relay provides both normally open and normally closed contacts (2 NO / 5-6 NC operation), with a 14 FLA and 84 LRA at 125 VAC, and 8 FLA at 250 VAC. It’s designed for versatile applications beyond standard air conditioning, with a flexible mounting arrangement to fit different control boards.
LVACODV APFR-360 24V AC Single Pole Fan Relay
The LVACODV model is a single-pole SPST relay intended for HVAC blowers, humidifiers, and related components. It uses a 24V AC coil and includes terminals for input signal and load power. It supports 12 FLA at 125 VAC and 8 FLA at 250 VAC, with a resistive rating of 25A at 277 VAC. Its universal compatibility makes it a flexible choice for a wide range of heating and cooling systems, including Goodman and other common equipment lines.
CGele 1 Pole 40 Amp 24VAC Contactor
The CGele contactor offers a 1-pole, 40A FLA with a 24VAC coil. It features a rugged, flame-retardant housing and high-quality silver alloy contacts to resist oxidation. Copper terminals and a full-turn copper coil provide reliable electrical performance, with suitability for devices up to 600 VAC. This makes it a robust option for HVAC systems requiring dependable control in challenging environments.
EvertechPRO 5-2-1 Hard Start Capacitor Relay Kit
The EvertechPRO 5-2-1 kit provides a compressor saver hard start relay solution for 1 to 3 ton units. This 208/240VAC kit includes 88-108uF capacitors, designed as a functional equivalent to OEM specifications. While primarily serving as a start-capacitor module, it plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient startup and reducing strain on HVAC compressors, especially in older or high-load systems.
Dreyoo 24V Coil 1 Pole Contactor For Carrier
This Dreyoo model features a 24V coil with 1 pole and a 40A FLA capacity, designed for Carrier HVAC systems and compatible with a range of 24-48VAC configurations. It uses a sealed coil to resist moisture and provides robust terminals for reliable field connections. The unit is designed to withstand wide temperature ranges and is suitable for rooftop and commercial refrigeration setups that require consistent actuation of motor loads up to 10 HP.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
Coil Voltage and Load: Ensure the coil matches your control board (commonly 24V) and that the contactor’s full-load amperage (FLA) aligns with the compressor or fan motor draw in your system. Consider resistive loads as well to avoid undersizing.
Pole Configuration: Single-pole (1P) contactors are common for basic cooling units, while two-pole (2P) designs may be necessary for certain compressors or multi-stage units. Always verify compatibility with your equipment model.
Durability and Environment: Look for moisture resistance, dust/water ingress protection, and temperature tolerance. Extreme environments demand rugged housings and sealed coils to prevent failure.
Electrical Ratings: Check voltage ratings for both control circuits and line voltage. Confirm compatibility with up to 600 VAC motor loads if your system uses higher voltages or future upgrades are planned.
Compatibility: Some models list compatible brands and replacement part crossovers. If replacing an existing contactor, verify nut and lug sizing, terminal types, and mounting footprint to ensure a seamless swap.
Warranty and Certifications: UL508 or CSA certifications provide assurance of safety and performance. A longer warranty can reflect durability and service support from the manufacturer.
Installation and Accessibility: Consider whether the unit supports straightforward wiring with quick-connect terminals or requires professional wiring. Some products include universal brackets for flexible mounting in varied HVAC assemblies.
Overall, selecting a suitable relay or contactor involves matching coil voltage, pole count, and current rating to your specific HVAC setup, while prioritizing reliability, environmental resistance, and ease of installation.