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BF3800L048 – 3P CONTACTOR 38A AC3 48VDC LOW C.
Lovato BF3800L048 three-pole power contactor with a 38 A AC-3 rating, 18.5 kW motor rating at 400–440 V and a low-consumption 48 V DC coil for industrial motor-control applications.
£133.15
Why Choose the Lovato BF3800L048 Low-Consumption Power Contactor?
The Lovato BF3800L048 is a compact three-pole power contactor with a low-consumption DC coil, designed for reliable motor and load switching in industrial automation systems. Part of the Lovato BF38 series, it combines robust power-contact performance with reduced control-circuit power requirements.
Rated for an AC-3 operational current of 38 A, the BF3800L048 can control three-phase motors rated up to 18.5 kW at 400–440 V. Its long mechanical and electrical service life makes it suitable for frequently operated machinery, motor starters and automated control panels.
The contactor features a 48 V DC low-consumption coil requiring only 2.4 W during inrush and holding. Screw or 35 mm DIN-rail mounting, IP20 power-terminal protection when properly wired and a broad operating temperature range support straightforward installation in demanding industrial environments.
Key Advantages
- Low-consumption 48 V DC coil requiring only 2.4 W.
- 38 A AC-3 operational current for industrial motor switching.
- Controls three-phase motors rated up to 18.5 kW at 400–440 V.
- Long mechanical life of up to 20 million operating cycles.
- Flexible screw or 35 mm DIN-rail mounting.
- Suitable for operation in ambient temperatures from -50 °C to +70 °C.
Key Features
- Lovato BF38 series three-pole power contactor.
- 48 V DC low-consumption control coil.
- 2.4 W coil consumption during inrush and holding.
- 38 A AC-3 rated operational current at up to 440 V and 55 °C.
- 56 A conventional free-air thermal current.
- 18.5 kW AC-3 motor rating at 400–440 V.
- Rated insulation voltage of 690 V.
- IP20 power-terminal protection when correctly wired.
Efficient Control for Industrial Motor Switching
Power contactors enable motors and other electrical loads to be switched remotely by an automation controller or control circuit. The BF3800L048 uses a 48 V DC electromagnetic coil to operate its main contacts while consuming only 2.4 W, helping reduce the power demand placed on control-system power supplies.
The low-consumption coil makes this contactor particularly suitable for PLC-controlled equipment and panels containing multiple contactors. Its switching capacity, compact BF38 construction and long operating life support dependable use in direct-on-line starters, reversing starters and coordinated motor-control assemblies.
Typical Applications
- PLC-controlled machinery and automation panels.
- Three-phase motor starters and control systems.
- Industrial pumps, fans and compressors.
- Conveyors and material-handling equipment.
- Manufacturing and processing machinery.
- Control panels using 48 V DC power supplies.
Technical Specifications
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| Terminal Type | Screw | |
|---|---|---|
| Coil Voltage Range | 42–48 V | |
| Current | 38 A | |
| Power | 18.5 kW | |
| Poles | 3-pole | |
| Device Type | Contactor | |
| Coil Type | DC | |
| Current AC-1 | 56 A | |
| HS Code | 85365080 | |
| Manufacturer | Lovato Electric | |
| Series | BF38 | |
| Model | BF3800L048 | |
| Product type | Three-pole power contactor | |
| Number of poles | 3 | |
| Coil type | Low-consumption DC coil | |
| Control coil voltage | 48 V DC | |
| Coil pick-up range | 80–110% of rated control voltage | |
| Coil drop-out range | 10–40% of rated control voltage | |
| Average coil consumption | 2.4 W inrush and holding | |
| AC-3 operational current | 38 A at up to 440 V and 55 °C | |
| AC-1 operational current | 56 A at up to 40 °C | |
| Conventional free-air thermal current | 56 A | |
| AC-4 operational current | 15.5 A at 400 V | |
| AC-3 motor rating | 11 kW at 230 V; 18.5 kW at 400–440 V; 20 kW at 500 V; 22 kW at 690 V | |
| Rated insulation voltage | 690 V | |
| Rated impulse withstand voltage | 6 kV | |
| Operational frequency | 25–400 Hz | |
| Making capacity | 380 A RMS | |
| Short-time allowable current | 320 A for 10 s | |
| Recommended IEC fuse protection | 63 A gG or 40 A aM | |
| Mechanical life | 20,000,000 cycles | |
| Electrical life | 1,400,000 cycles | |
| Maximum mechanical operating frequency | 3,600 cycles/h | |
| Power-terminal protection | IP20 when properly wired | |
| Mounting type | Screw or 35 mm DIN rail | |
| Operating temperature | -50 °C to +70 °C | |
| Maximum operating altitude | 3,000 m | |
| Weight | 564 g | |
| EAN-13 | 8013975168813 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lovato BF3800L048 used for?
The BF3800L048 is used to switch and control three-phase motors and other electrical loads in industrial machinery, motor starters and automation panels.
What makes the BF3800L048 a low-consumption contactor?
Its 48 V DC coil consumes only 2.4 W during both inrush and holding, reducing the load placed on the control-circuit power supply.
What is the AC-3 current rating of this contactor?
The contactor has an AC-3 operational current rating of 38 A at voltages up to 440 V and an ambient temperature of 55 °C.
What motor power can the BF3800L048 control?
It can control a three-phase motor rated up to 18.5 kW at 400–440 V under AC-3 operating conditions.
How is this contactor mounted?
The BF3800L048 can be installed with screws or mounted on a standard 35 mm DIN rail inside an electrical enclosure or control panel.
Trusted Industrial Switching from Lovato Electric
Lovato Electric BF series contactors provide durable and efficient load switching for motor-control panels, industrial machinery and automated systems operating in demanding electrical environments.
