Understand the difference.

Compare the meaning, drawing context and source references of two entries. A similar graphic or shared abbreviation does not establish equivalence.

KM

Symbols

Contactor

A contactor uses an operating mechanism to switch its main contacts and may include auxiliary contacts for control or indication. On a power drawing it represents the main switching path; on a schematic its coil and contacts may be distributed and connected by identifiers.

Drawing use

SLD / Schematic

Application

Control circuits

Reference family

IEC / IEEE / ANSI

A distinction that matters

A contactor and circuit breaker have different duties. Adding an overload relay does not make every contactor assembly equivalent to a circuit breaker.

Full referenceAdd to legend

Coil

Symbols

Relay coil

A relay coil represents an operating element that changes the state of associated contacts when the device operates. Coil and contact representations are often drawn in different locations to make the circuit easier to read. Their shared identifier and cross-references establish the relationship.

Drawing use

Schematic

Application

Control circuits

Reference family

IEC / IEEE / ANSI

A distinction that matters

A relay coil is not a contactor power pole. Similar operating-element marks can represent equipment with different switching duties.

Full referenceAdd to legend

Original educational previews. Follow the source references on each full entry for the appropriate standard or selected product.