Eaton Cutler-Hammer 6-26-2 3‑Pole NEMA Size 4 Contact Replacement Kit

The Eaton Cutler-Hammer 6-26-2 is a genuine OEM contact replacement kit designed for NEMA Size 4 contactors and motor starters. This kit is compatible with Eaton's Citation Series A1 and Freedom Series B1 vertical-lift contactors. The 6-26-2 provides all necessary components to rebuild the main power contacts of a 3‑pole device, restoring full electrical performance and extending the service life of the contactor. The kit is suitable for applications requiring reliable switching under high current loads, including motor starting, heating circuits, and lighting control.

Technical Specifications

Functional Description

Contactors in industrial applications experience electrical wear on their main contacts due to arcing each time the circuit is opened or closed under load. Over time, the contact tips erode, pitting forms, and the contact resistance increases, leading to overheating and eventual failure. The 6-26-2 contact kit allows maintenance personnel to replace the worn contacts, arc chutes, and springs, restoring the contactor to near-new condition without replacing the entire device. The kit includes three movable contacts (each with silver‑cadmium oxide tips for high arc resistance), six stationary contacts, six arc chutes, return springs, and all necessary mounting hardware.

Compatibility

The 6-26-2 kit is specifically designed for Eaton Cutler-Hammer NEMA Size 4 contactors and motor starters, including:

• Citation Series A1 (e.g., A210, A215, A220, A230)

• Freedom Series B1 (e.g., B210, B215, B220, B230)

It is not compatible with Size 3 or Size 5 devices. Users should verify the contactor nameplate to confirm the correct NEMA size before ordering. The kit can be used on both electrically held and mechanically held contactors (with appropriate modifications).

Kit Contents Detail

Upon opening the 6-26-2 kit, the user will find:

• Movable Contacts (3): These are the silver‑cadmium oxide tipped contacts that attach to the contactor's movable armature assembly.

• Stationary Contacts (6): These mount in the contactor base, two per pole.

• Arc Chutes (6): Each pole has two arc chutes (splitter plates) to extinguish the arc.

• Return Springs (3): Coil springs that assist in opening the contacts.

• Mounting Hardware: Screws, washers, and insulation barriers as needed.

Installation Procedure

Installing the 6-26-2 contact kit requires disconnecting power, removing the contactor from its enclosure, and disassembling the contactor. The general steps include:

1. Power off and lock out the electrical supply.

2. Remove the contactor from the panel and note wiring connections.

3. Remove the arc chutes and note their orientation.

4. Extract the movable contact assembly from its guides.

5. Remove the stationary contacts using a screwdriver.

6. Clean the contactor base and inspect for damage.

7. Install the new stationary contacts, torquing to specification.

8. Install the new movable contacts with return springs.

9. Reinstall the new arc chutes.

10. Reconnect the contactor and perform functional tests.

For detailed step‑by‑step instructions, consult the Eaton instruction sheet (IL01001005E) included with the kit.

Safety and Maintenance

Contact replacement should be performed only by qualified electrical maintenance personnel. After installation, verify electrical continuity through all three poles in the closed position. Perform a megger (insulation resistance) test to ensure no shorts between poles or to ground. The contactor should be operated under load for a short period to seat the new contacts, then re‑torque the main terminals. Contact life after rebuild is typically 100,000–500,000 operations, depending on load duty cycle.

Applications

The 6-26-2 kit is used in motor control centers (MCCs), industrial heating systems, lighting panelboards, pump control systems, and conveyor motor starters. It is commonly stocked as a spare part for maintenance departments to minimize downtime when contactors wear out.

Advantages of Rebuilding vs. Replacement

Rebuilding a contactor with the 6-26-2 kit is often more cost‑effective than purchasing a new size 4 contactor, especially for large enclosures where fitting a new device would require modifications. Rebuilding also preserves the original wiring and mounting configuration. However, if the contactor's coil or arc chute housing is damaged, complete replacement is recommended.

Conclusion

The Eaton Cutler-Hammer 6-26-2 contact replacement kit provides a complete, economical solution for rebuilding NEMA Size 4 contactors, extending the service life of critical motor control equipment with genuine OEM components.