Allen Bradley 100E400E 3-Pole 400A Contactor for High-Power Motor Control

The Allen Bradley 100E400E is a three-pole contactor designed to handle 400A continuous current and switch motors up to 220kW at 400V AC. Part of the Bulletin 100E family, this contactor is built for rigorous industrial applications requiring reliable make-and-break of high inductive loads. Its compact frame houses silver-alloy contacts that resist welding and erosion.

Electrical Specifications

Rated operational voltage: 690V AC. Impulse withstand voltage: 8kV. AC-3 duty rating: 400A for motor starting and stopping. AC-1 duty: 500A for resistive loads. Short-circuit protection coordination with Type 1 and Type 2 co-ordination levels. The 100E400E features a low coil consumption design, available in AC (50/60Hz) or DC control voltages, directly compatible with PLC output cards.

Mechanical Construction and Interface

Built with a magnet system that minimizes bounce and contact chatter, the contactor ensures clean switching even under voltage fluctuations. The PLC Interface designation indicates that the coil driver incorporates surge suppression and low hold-in power, allowing direct connection to transistor outputs (24V DC) or relay outputs (110-230V AC). Screw terminals accept busbars or lugs for up to 240mm² cables.

Performance for 220kW Motors

At 400V AC, the 100E400E safely starts and stops 220kW squirrel cage motors without contact welding. Its arc chutes are engineered to extinguish plasma in less than half a cycle, preserving contact life over 1.2 million electrical operations under normal conditions. For demanding reversing or plugging applications, the contactor can be paired with mechanical interlocks.

Integration with Allen Bradley Automation

Seamless integration with Logix PLC platforms through optional auxiliary contact blocks and surge suppressors. Feedback status can be wired to 1756 or 1769 I/O modules. The contactor also supports DeviceNet or EtherNet/IP via external communication adapters for predictive maintenance. Panel builders appreciate the modular add-on accessories such as timers and overload relays.

Environmental and Safety Approvals

The 100E400E carries UL, CSA, CE, and CCC certifications. Ambient temperature range: -40°C to +70°C with derating. IP20 finger-safe terminals and optional IP40 enclosure. Vibration resistance of 5g and shock withstand of 15g ensure reliable operation in mobile equipment like cranes or mining conveyors.

Installation and Maintenance

Mounting via four M5 screws or DIN rail adapter. Coil terminals are clearly marked A1/A2, and main terminals are torque-indicating. Periodic inspection of arc chamber and contact wear is simplified by removable front covers. Replacement coils are field-installable. For high-duty cycle applications, a larger cooling clearance is recommended.

Conclusion

The Allen Bradley 100E400E represents the standard in high-current contactors for motor control centers, pump stations, and compressors. Its PLC-ready coil interface reduces integration time and component count. For critical processes, this contactor delivers consistent performance with minimal maintenance.