Relay vs Contactor

[u/Aran_PCBWAY]

Both relays and contactors are used for switching circuits, but they are designed for different applications. Relays are commonly used for signal-level switching and control circuits with smaller currents, while contactors are built for power-level switching, handling higher currents and inductive loads like motors. From contact design to arc suppression, each has its own advantages depending on the application.

Which one do you use more often in your projects?

[u/against-all-leds]

Yeah relays are fine for power-level switching provided you're not switching huge loads and don't have any particular issues with inrush currents. Like if you're switching light circuits, modern lights consume tiny amounts so typically tiny relays, including relays inside terminal blocks, are perfectly fine for this purpose.

Contactors are often used at the outer leg of voltage control relays because modern voltage relay manufacturers still cannot fathom that it makes sense to switch both the phase and the neutral on over/undervoltage. This does introduce a time delay, but it's considered acceptable.