ECOTECHNICS 4 WAY POWERSTAR CONTACTOR (3KW)

Description

Ecotechnics 4 Way Powerstar Contactor (3kW) is a professional electrical contactor unit providing safe, switched control of up to four grow lights or other high-wattage electrical loads simultaneously, rated at 3kW total switching capacity. We have been recommending Ecotechnics electrical control equipment to UK growers since 2017 as a reliable and properly certified approach to switching high-power grow room electrical systems — a correctly rated contactor is essential safety equipment for any grow room running multiple high-wattage lights from a single timer circuit.

Why a Correctly Rated Contactor Is Essential Safety Equipment

Standard 13-amp plug sockets and consumer-grade plug timers are not designed to switch the inductive loads created by magnetic ballasts and transformer-driven lighting systems. The inrush current when a magnetic ballast powers on can be 5–10 times the running current for a fraction of a second, and when multiple ballasts are switched simultaneously this creates switching current spikes that cause arcing inside standard timer contacts — leading to accelerated contact wear, heat build-up, and a serious fire risk over time. The Ecotechnics 4 Way Powerstar Contactor uses heavy-duty industrial-rated switching contacts designed to handle these inrush events repeatedly without degradation, controlled by the low-current signal from your timer or environmental controller. The 3kW rating provides comfortable headroom for four 600W lights, four 400W lights, or other combinations within the total capacity. The 4-way format allows independent connection of each light while maintaining centralised switching control.

How to Use the Ecotechnics 4 Way Powerstar Contactor

The Powerstar Contactor should be installed as part of a dedicated grow room electrical installation by or under the supervision of a qualified electrician. Connect each light circuit to one of the four switched outlets. Connect the control input to your timer or controller signal output. The timer switches the low-current control circuit, which in turn energises the contactor coil and closes the heavy-duty switching contacts for all four lights simultaneously. Always ensure the total connected load does not exceed the 3kW rated capacity. Fit appropriate MCB circuit protection upstream of the contactor to protect the wiring and equipment.

Pair the Ecotechnics 4 Way Powerstar Contactor with a quality digital timer, environmental controller, and your lighting setup for a safe, professional, and compliant grow room electrical installation. Browse our full range of grow room electrical and control equipment.

Browse the full range: Explore our complete New Products range at The Horticulture Company. Also in this range: IONIC CALMAG PRO, UGRO XL BASIC 70LITRE, EXHALE CO2 BAG, PLANT !T YOYO (PACK OF 8).