In modern industrial control systems, relays and contactors are the core components that enable motor start stop, logic control, and safety protection. ENTRELEC-SCHILE (now under Smiths Connectors) provides a complete solution from control relays to power contactors for fields such as metalworking, building automation, HVAC, and packaging machinery, thanks to its innovative dual auxiliary contact technology, forced guide contact structure, and highly reliable electromagnetic system. This article is based on the original product catalog, systematically organizing and deeply analyzing the technical characteristics, electrical parameters, selection codes, and application advantages of HL series control relays, DL series compact contactors, KL series small contactors, and supporting system components, providing authoritative and professional technical references for engineering designers.
Common core technologies
1.1 ENTRELEC-SCHILE Dual Auxiliary Contact Technology
All HL, DL, and KL series products adopt the dual auxiliary contact structure patented by ENTRELEC-SCHILE. Compared with standard contacts, this technology improves the reliability of control circuit contacts by 1000 to 10000 times, making it particularly suitable for low-level signal switching and high safety requirements. The dual auxiliary contacts provide positive guided contacts function, which complies with the German metal processing industry press safety specification ZH 1/457, ensuring that the contacts can still be forcibly disconnected in the event of welding.
1.2 Safety isolation and finger protection
All series meet the finger protection requirements of VDE 0106 Part 100, and the wiring terminal design ensures that operators cannot touch live parts. The coil and contact components achieve a maximum safe isolation of 400V AC, in compliance with DIN VDE 0106 Part 101 and subsequent revised A1 (draft 2/98), ensuring electrical isolation between the control circuit and the main circuit.
1.3 Dual frequency coil
Control relays and compact contactors come standard with 50/60 Hz dual frequency coils, eliminating the need to replace coils based on power frequency, simplifying inventory and selection. The coil voltage code follows the color identification of IEC 309-1 (e.g. 24V AC is purple, 24V DC is green). For N series contactors, single frequency coils (50Hz or 60Hz) can be provided.
1.4 Convenient wiring design
All terminals are equipped with plus/minus screws and self elevating clamps. The clamps are in the "open" position when leaving the factory, allowing for direct insertion of wires and tightening, greatly improving wiring efficiency. The terminal space is ample and can accommodate cables ranging from 2 × 6 mm ² to 25 mm ².
1.5 Installation method
All products support 35mm DIN rail card mounting, while reserving screw fixing holes (diameter 4mm) to adapt to different control cabinet layouts.
HL series control relay
The HL series control relay offers two basic specifications: 4-pole and 8-pole, which can be expanded to 8 contacts through additional auxiliary contact modules. This series is suitable for control circuits that require high contact reliability, such as programmable controller output isolation, signal amplification, and safety interlock circuits.
2.1 Model and Contact Configuration
HL 4 KD: 4-pole control relay, providing multiple contact combinations:
HL 4 KD-C-311:3 normally open+1 normally closed
HL 4 KD-C-221:2 normally open+2 normally closed
HL 4 KD-C-401:4 normally open+0 normally closed
HL 8 KD: 8-pole control relay, providing:
HL 8 KD-C-441:4 normally open+4 normally closed
HL 8 KD-C-531:5 normally open+3 normally closed
HL 8 KD-C-621:6 normally open+2 normally closed
HL 8 KD-C-711:7 normally open+1 normally closed
HL 8 KD-C-801:8 normally open+0 normally closed
2.2 Coil parameters and power consumption
AC coil: power consumption of only 6.5/8.8 VA, can be directly driven by a programmable controller
DC coil: power consumption 3W (standard) or 1.8W (interface type KHi)
Dual frequency coil: 50/60 Hz universal
Standard voltage: AC 24V/42V/110V/230V/400V; DC 24V/110V/220V (other voltages can be customized)
2.3 Interface type control relay KHi
The KHi series is an interface relay with DC operation, built-in coil suppressor, and LED operating status indication. The working voltage range of its coil is 0.7 to 1.3 times the rated voltage, with a power consumption of only 1.8W, and can be directly driven by the PLC output module. This series only allows the addition of 2-pole auxiliary contact modules. Model example:
KHiS-311:3 normally open+1 normally closed
KHiS-221:2 normally open+2 normally closed
KHiS-401:4 normally open+0 normally closed
2.4 Contact Rating and Safety Characteristics
Rated thermal current Ith: 10A
Forced opening of contacts: compliant with ZH 1/457
Terminal number: in accordance with DIN EN 50 011 standard
Weight: Approximately 0.18kg (screw terminal type) to 0.235kg (interface type)

DL series compact contactor
The DL series covers motor control applications ranging from 4 kW to 18.5 kW (AC-3 load, 400V), offering multiple versions including AC operation, DC operation, and DC switching (for DC loads). All models are integrated with ENTRELEC-SCHILE dual auxiliary contacts and can be equipped with additional auxiliary contact modules as needed.
3.1 Model and Power Classification
Contactor model AC-3 Power (400V) Rated current Ie (AC-3) Suitable for thermal overload relay
DL 4 K 4 kW 9 A M 23 K
DL 5 K 5.5 kW 12 A M 23 K
DL 7 K 7.5 kW 16 A M 23 K
DL 11 K 11 kW 23 A M 23 K
DL 15 K 15 kW 30 A M 40 K
DL 18 K 18.5 kW 37 A M 40 K
3.2 Contact configuration options
The DL series offers a variety of combinations of main and auxiliary contacts:
DL 4 K-101: 3-pole main contact+1 normally open auxiliary contact
DL 4 K-011: 3-pole main contact+1 normally closed auxiliary contact
DL 4 K-221: 3-pole main contact+2 normally open+2 normally closed auxiliary contacts (pre installed)
DL 4 K-4H: 4-pole main contact (without auxiliary contact)
DL 4 K-22:3 pole main contact+2 normally open+2 normally closed (same as 221)
3.3 DC Operation Version
The DL series DC operation contactor adopts energy-saving circuit coils with suction and holding windings, which are divided into two types:
DL 4 K~DL 18 K: DC operation, AC switching coil (for AC loads)
DLg 4 K~DLg 18 K: DC operation, DC switching coil (for DC load, six fold disconnection)
The coil power consumption of DC operated contactors is low and supports a wide voltage range (24V/110V/220V DC, etc.). For example, the rated current of DLg 4 K under DC-1 load is between 22A (24V DC) and 6A (220V DC).
3.4 AC operated contactor (with economy circuit)
For situations where AC power supply is required but DC loads need to be switched, DLg series AC operation/DC switching models are provided, with dual frequency AC coils and built-in rectifiers, which can achieve noise free operation. For example, DLg 4 K-101 can switch between 22A at 24V DC and 6A at 220V DC.
KL series small contactor
The KL series is suitable for low-power motor control of 2.2 kW and 4 kW (AC-3400V), and is widely used for switching between resistive and inductive loads in building automation, air conditioning, heating, lighting, and other fields. This series offers three wiring methods: screw terminals, Faston quick connect terminals (2 × 2.8mm or 1 × 6.35mm), and solder pins (1.7mm diameter PCB socket).
4.1 Basic Model
KL2:2.2 kW / 3 HP (460V), Rated current 20/6 A (AC-1/AC-3)
KL4:4 kW / 5 HP (460V), Rated current 20/9 A (AC-1/AC-3)
4.2 AC Operation Version
KL2S/KL4S (screw terminals), KL2F/KL4F (Faston), KL2L/KL4L (solder pins):
Coil power consumption: 4.5 VA (AC operation)
Dual frequency coil 50/60 Hz
Optional built-in coil suppressor (models with suffix "5", such as KL45S-101)
Suppressors are suitable for up to 230V AC
4.3 DC Operation Version
KLDC2S/KLDC4S, etc.:
Coil power consumption: 3 W (standard) or 1.8 W (interface type KLi)
Optional built-in coil suppressor (up to 220V DC)
Interface type KLi with built-in LED indicator switch position, coil working voltage range of 0.7~1.3 times rated voltage, can be directly driven by PLC
4.4 Silent contactor KLb
The KLb series is AC operated, equipped with built-in rectifiers and coil suppressors, and has no electromagnetic noise, making it particularly suitable for noise sensitive building equipment. The coil power consumption is only 3 VA, and the standard voltages are 24V, 110V, and 230V AC (50/60 Hz). Model example: KLb4S-101.
4.5 Reverse contactor KLW/KLWDC/KLWb
The reverse contactor mechanically interlocks two contactors and pre sets the main circuit wiring (screw terminal model), which can be directly used for motor forward and reverse control. The specifications are the same as the corresponding single contactor:
KLW2/KLW4: AC operation, 4.5 VA coil
KLWDC2/KLWDC4: DC operation, 3 W coil
KLWb4: AC operation, silent type, 3 VA coil
All reversing contactors come standard with mechanical interlocks and support screw terminals, Faston or soldered pins.

System components
5.1 Auxiliary Contact Module
The auxiliary contacts also adopt ENTRELEC-SCHILE dual contact technology, providing two versions:
No push rod (standard type): used for simple signal expansion
With push rod (manual operation type): can manually test the contact action
Installation method:
Front installation: directly card mounted on the front of the contactor or relay, models such as Hi-11, Hi-22, Hi-02, Hi-20, Hi-40, etc
Side installation: used for flat control boxes, models S11 and S20
The contact combination includes various types such as 1 normally open+1 normally closed, 2 normally open+2 normally closed, 4 normally open, and 4 normally closed.
5.2 Coil Suppressor
To protect PLC output or eliminate electromagnetic interference, three types of suppressors are provided:
Type Applicable Voltage Range Order Number
RC Suppressor AC or DC operation 24~48V/110~240V/220~400V AC/DC RC-K 01/02/03
Diode Suppressor DC Operation 12-220V DC DK-01
Varistor Suppressor AC or DC operation 12~65V/60~130V/120~260V/260~400V/400~690V AC V-K 01~05
All suppressors are fixed to coil terminals A1 and A2 with buckles and can be reinforced with screws.
5.3 Electronic module (top mounted)
To simplify the design of the control system, provide functional modules that can be directly installed on the top of the contactor, connected to coil terminals A1/A2 through soft leads:
NP-K low signal module: used for reliable switching of low-level voltage/current, with built-in RC suppressor, supporting 24V, 42V, 230V, 400V AC/DC.
YZ-K star delta timing module: delayed connection, time range 1.5-30 seconds, suitable for star delta starters below 30kW/400V.
ZM-K timing module: delayed connection, providing three time ranges of 0.2-4 seconds, 1.5-30 seconds, and 12.5-250 seconds, suitable for controlling timing.
RM-K Relay Interface Module: Used as an interface between PLC and AC operated K-series contactors (up to 18.5kW), with an input of 24V DC and an output of 380-415V AC or 215-250V AC.
All modules come standard with LED status indicators, with NP-K and RM-K having built-in RC suppressors.
5.4 Other Components
Mechanical Interlock MV-e: Used to achieve mechanical interlocking between two contactors to prevent simultaneous closure.
Electromagnetic retaining lock head MV-BN: maintains contact state when the coil is powered off, suitable for occasions requiring memory function, voltage range 12-240V AC/DC.
Pneumatic Timer PZ: Provides delayed connection or delayed disconnection, with a time range of 0.1~3 seconds, 0.1~30 seconds, and 10~180 seconds.
Single pole connector: used to connect 3-pole contactors in parallel to form a 1-pole high current contactor, which approximately doubles the rated thermal current. Suitable for DL 4 K~11 K and DL 15 K~18 K.
Three pole connector: used for connecting contactors and manual motor starters, model MSU-K.
Motor protection relay M 06
M 06 is a phase sequence fault sensitive motor protection relay with a current setting range of 0.1~11.5 A, equipped with:
1 normally open+1 normally closed auxiliary contact for electrical isolation
Manual/automatic reset optional
The setting parameters can be protected by a sealing cover
Pre wired control terminal, can be directly installed under the contactor (compatible with DL/KL series)
Phase loss protection function
Coil voltage code and selection guidance
All contactor and relay order numbers must be accompanied by a voltage code (two digits) and a coil type suffix. For example, when ordering DL 4 K-101, voltage codes such as "06" (24V AC) or "40" (220V DC) need to be added. Color identification is only applicable to compact contactors (HL 4 K/HL 8 K and DL 4 K~DL 18 K).
Standard voltage (stock available):
AC:24V、42V、110V、230V、400V
DC:24V、110V、220V
Other voltages can be customized.
Application scenarios and selection suggestions
PLC output isolation and signal amplification: Choose KHi interface relay (1.8W, with LED) or standard KHDC relay (3W).
Motor direct start (≤ 18.5kW): Select DL series contactor according to power, and cooperate with M 23 K or M 40 K thermal overload relay.
Motor forward and reverse control: Choose KLW series reverse contactor (≤ 4kW) or use two DL contactors with MV-e mechanical interlock.
Star Triangle Start: Choose two DL contactors and one YZ-K timing module, or use a dedicated Star Triangle kit.
Low noise occasions (hospitals, office buildings): Choose KLb or DL series silent (with rectifier) contactors.
DC load switching: choose DLg series DC switching contactor (six fold disconnect) or KLDC series.
Compact control system: Top mounted NP-K, ZM-K, RM-K modules are selected, eliminating the need for external relays or timers.
