# Contactor

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/contactor
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-13
Lookup label: KM
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI

An electrically operated switching device commonly used for repeated switching duties.

## What it represents

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.
Its ability to switch a particular load depends on the selected device and utilization category. Overload or short-circuit protection can be provided by other devices in the arrangement. Do not treat the generic contactor representation as a complete protective device.

## How to read it

- Distinguish main power poles from auxiliary control contacts.
- Use the common equipment identifier to connect the power and control drawings.

## Information to show or reference

- Reference the load duty and contactor specification.
- Show the coil supply and associated contacts.
- Identify separate protective equipment where applicable.

## Important distinction

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

## Facts

- Main role: Repeated electrical switching
- Tag example: KM is a convention, not a universal requirement
- Protection: Confirm the complete arrangement

## Public references

- [Elementary switching devices](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Elementary_switching_devices) — Schneider Electric — Electrical Installation Guide. Manufacturer description of contactors and associated protection.
- [Relays and contacts: public symbol reference](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-011C62B8-9EC8-485C-B47D-B22A3F7B7574.htm) — Autodesk. Public operating-coil and contact representations.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.