What is the difference between electrically held and mechanically held lighting contactors?

Issue:
What is the difference between electrically held and mechanically held lighting contactors?

Product Line:
NEMA Lighting Contactors

Environment:
Products sold and used in the United States

Cause:
Selecting mechanically versus electrically held lighting contactors

Resolution:
Electrically held devices require a maintained voltage to the control coil in order for the power contacts to stay closed. Mechanically held devices use a mechanical latch, instead , and therefore have retentive memory . Removal of voltage from the control circuit allows them to operate quietly and consume a very little amount of control power .

Released for:Schneider Electric Australia