Contactor Price in Pakistan 2026 — Magnetic Contactor Buyer's Guide (12A-265A CJX2s) | CNC Electric

Updated: May 2026 · CNC Electric Pakistan

What Is an Electrical Contactor?

An electrical contactor is a heavy-duty electromagnetically-operated switch used to control power to motors, heaters, lighting circuits, capacitor banks, and HVAC compressors. Unlike a small control relay that switches only a few amperes, a contactor is engineered to make and break circuits carrying tens to hundreds of amperes, repeatedly, over millions of operating cycles.

Last updated: 19 May 2026 · By CNC Electric Pakistan

If you have ever heard a sharp "clack" from your DB box or a motor-starter panel when a water pump kicks on, you have heard a contactor closing. This guide walks through every type of contactor sold in Pakistan in 2026, full pricing for the CNC CJX2s range, sizing rules, AC1 vs AC3 duty classification, coil-voltage selection, top picks, and a buyer's FAQ to make sure you order the right device the first time.

Contactor Price in Pakistan 2026 (CNC CJX2s Range)

Live prices for CNC Electric three-phase AC magnetic contactors sold through authorised channels in Pakistan as of May 2026. All variants ship with NO + NC auxiliary contacts and selectable coil voltage (24V / 110V / 220V AC / 380V):

Current Rating	Model	Pole Count	Typical Use	Price (Rs.)
12A	CJX2s-1210	3P + 1NO	1.5HP motors, 1-ton AC	2,000
18A	CJX2s-1810	3P + 1NO	3HP pump, 1.5-ton AC	2,200
25A	CJX2s-2510	3P + 1NO	5HP motor, 2-ton AC, ATS	3,400
32A	CJX2s-3210	3P + 1NO	7.5HP motor, generator changeover	3,400
40A	CJX2s-4011	3P + 1NO + 1NC	10HP motor, capacitor bank	9,000
50A	CJX2s-5011	3P + 1NO + 1NC	15HP submersible pump	9,550
65A	CJX2s-6511	3P + 1NO + 1NC	20HP motor, 10kW heater	11,000
80A	CJX2s-8011	3P + 1NO + 1NC	25HP motor, factory line	14,200
95A	CJX2s-9511	3P + 1NO + 1NC	30HP motor	16,200
100A	CJX2s-100	3P + 2NO + 2NC	30-40HP motor, ATS panel	21,200
120A	CJX2s-120	3P + 2NO + 2NC	50HP motor, large compressor	31,200
160A	CJX2s-160	3P + 2NO + 2NC	60HP motor, factory mains	32,600
225A	CJX2s-225	3P + 2NO + 2NC	100HP motor, industrial ATS	39,200
265A	CJX2s-265	3P + 2NO + 2NC	125HP motor, large genset	41,600

Prices include 18% GST. Free shipping to Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and 50+ cities on orders over Rs. 5,000. Cash-on-delivery available nationwide. Browse the full Magnetic Contactors range for live stock and variant selection.

Types of Electrical Contactors

1. AC Magnetic Contactor (Most Common)

The AC magnetic contactor is the standard 3-phase power-switching device used in 95% of Pakistani panels. An electromagnet pulls a movable armature into contact with three fixed terminals, completing the circuit. CNC's CJX2s series (12A-265A) is the country's best-selling 3-phase contactor — direct factory import from China, PSQCA-registered, and rated for IEC 60947-4-1 utilisation category AC3.

2. DC Contactor

DC contactors switch direct-current loads such as battery banks in solar systems, DC motor drives, traction control on lift motors, and electric-vehicle charging stations. They look similar to AC contactors but have heavier arc-quenching chambers because DC arcs do not self-extinguish at zero-crossings like AC. For solar EPC projects above 5kW, CNC offers DC contactors rated 32A-150A at 1000V DC; contact us via WhatsApp for project quotation.

3. Vacuum Contactor

Vacuum contactors are sealed in evacuated chambers, eliminating arc-flash and oxidation of contacts. They are specified for medium-voltage applications (3.3kV, 6.6kV, 11kV) in industrial substations, cement plants, and mining operations. CNC manufactures vacuum contactors but stock is project-only — these are not retail items.

4. Capacitor-Duty Contactor

Capacitor-duty contactors (with damping resistors and early-make auxiliary contacts) are required when switching power-factor-correction capacitor banks. They limit the inrush current that would otherwise destroy regular AC3-class contactors. For PFI panels in factories, ask for capacitor-duty (CJX2K series) — these are project-priced and NOT interchangeable with the standard CJX2s.

5. Smart / WiFi Contactor

An emerging 2026 category — contactors with built-in WiFi or Modbus communication that report state (closed/open), current draw, and operating-cycle count to a SCADA / building-management system or a mobile app. CNC's BMS-integrated contactors are typically used in commercial buildings and pumping stations. Ask for technical sheets if you need IoT-enabled motor starters.

How to Size a Contactor for Your Motor or Load

The correct contactor rating depends on three factors: motor HP, supply voltage, and duty class.

Step 1 — Calculate Full Load Amperes (FLA)

For a 3-phase motor at 400 V:

• FLA (A) ≈ HP × 1.5 at 400V, 0.85 PF, η=0.9
• Example: 10 HP motor → 10 × 1.5 = 15 A FLA

For single-phase motors at 230 V, multiply by ~3 instead of 1.5.

Step 2 — Apply Sizing Multiplier

• Continuous duty (water pump, factory line): contactor rating ≥ FLA × 1.25
• Frequent start-stop (lift, crane): contactor rating ≥ FLA × 1.5-2
• Heating loads (electric heater): FLA × 1.0
• Capacitor switching: FLA × 1.4 minimum (always use capacitor-duty contactor)

So for a 10 HP continuous-duty motor: 15 A × 1.25 = 18.75 A → pick the CJX2s-25A at Rs. 3,400.

Step 3 — Match Utilisation Category (AC1 / AC3 / AC4)

• AC1 — resistive loads (heaters, lights). Use the rated current as-is.
• AC3 — squirrel-cage motors (pumps, fans, compressors). Standard rating for most Pakistani applications.
• AC4 — heavy-duty (lifts, cranes with plug braking). Derate the contactor by ~50%.

All CNC CJX2s contactors are rated AC3 — the right pick for motor loads. For purely resistive loads (10kW immersion heater), you can use a lower-rated contactor at its AC1 capacity.

Contactor vs Relay vs MCB — What's the Difference?

This is the question we get most often on WhatsApp. The three devices look superficially similar but serve completely different roles:

• Contactor — switches POWER (10A-300A) under repeated electromagnetic control. No overload protection. Used to start/stop motors and large loads on a control signal.
• Relay — switches CONTROL signals (1A-10A typically). Tiny, fast, used to drive a contactor's coil from a PLC, thermostat, or float switch. See our detailed Contactor vs Relay guide.
• MCB — manually-operated PROTECTION device. Trips automatically on overcurrent / short circuit. Should NEVER be used as a regular on/off switch.

A correctly-engineered motor starter combines all three: MCB upstream (short-circuit protection), thermal-overload relay (overload protection), contactor (power switching), and a small control relay (PLC interface). For factory motors, you also add a separate DOL or star-delta starter circuit.

Coil Voltage — 24V vs 220V vs 380V

The contactor coil is the small electromagnet that pulls the contacts together. Coil voltage is independent of the power being switched. Selection rules:

• 24V AC / DC — PLC-driven control panels, safety-critical lift / crane applications, anywhere a tech may touch the wiring. Safer.
• 110V AC — common in older industrial panels, US-style designs.
• 220V AC — most common in Pakistani residential and light commercial panels. Coil powered from one phase + neutral.
• 380V AC — large industrial 3-phase panels where 220V neutral is not available. Coil wired phase-to-phase.

The CNC CJX2s contactors are sold with a "coil voltage" variant selection — please specify when ordering. The wrong coil voltage will either fail to pull in (under-voltage) or burn out (over-voltage) within hours.

Top 5 Contactor Picks for 2026

1. Best Overall — CNC CJX2s-25A — Rs. 3,400

The right pick for 5HP motors, 2-ton air conditioners, generator-changeover ATS panels, and most small commercial applications. CJX2s-25A handles a 1.5-ton AC compressor with margin and costs less than a single service call by an unqualified electrician.

2. Best for Home Water Pump — CNC CJX2s-18A — Rs. 2,200

For a 3HP single-phase or 2HP three-phase residential water pump, the 18A variant is the sweet spot. Use a thermal-overload relay (CNC JR28s) downstream for pump-burnout protection.

3. Best for Mid-Size Factory — CNC CJX2s-65A — Rs. 11,000

For a 20HP main motor or 10kW industrial heater bank, the 65A variant gives generous headroom and survives daily starting/stopping cycles in textile, food-processing, and packaging plants.

4. Best for Submersible Pump 15HP — CNC CJX2s-50A — Rs. 9,550

The CJX2s-50A is the right size for an agriculture-tubewell 15HP submersible pump on a star-delta starter. Combine with a thermal-overload relay sized at 36-50A.

5. Best for ATS / Large Genset — CNC CJX2s-100A or 160A — Rs. 21,200 / 32,600

Generator changeover and main-bus ATS panels for offices, banks, and small factories typically use 100A or 160A contactors in a 2-contactor mechanical-interlock arrangement. The 100A handles up to a 60kVA gen-set; 160A handles 100kVA.

Where to Install a Contactor

Contactors mount on a 35mm DIN rail inside the main motor-starter panel, ATS panel, or PFI panel. Typical wiring (single-motor DOL starter):

1. 3-phase incoming feed from DB box through an MCB / MCCB for short-circuit protection
2. Contactor (main power switching, e.g. CJX2s-25A)
3. Thermal-overload relay (CNC JR28s sized to motor FLA) for overload trip
4. Motor cable to terminal box
5. Control circuit: start push-button (NO) → contactor coil → stop push-button (NC) → hold-in auxiliary contact

For full wiring diagrams with NO/NC contacts and torque specs, see our Magnetic Contactor Wiring Guide for Pakistan.

Common Contactor Problems and Solutions

"Contactor chatters (rapid click-clack)"

Almost always low coil voltage. Check the control supply with a multimeter under load — the coil needs at least 85% of rated voltage to pull in cleanly. Common causes: undersized control transformer, voltage drop on long control wires, or a worn auxiliary contact in the hold-in circuit. Replace the contactor only if the coil is physically burnt.

"Contacts welded shut"

The motor is drawing more inrush current than the contactor can interrupt. Either resize the contactor up one or two steps (e.g. CJX2s-25A → CJX2s-40A), add a soft-starter, or check for jammed mechanics (seized bearing, jammed impeller).

"Contactor overheats"

Loose terminal screw causing high contact resistance, or the contactor is undersized for continuous duty. Tighten all terminals to manufacturer spec (typically 1.5-2.5 Nm for CJX2s 12-32A; 3-4 Nm for 40-95A; 6-10 Nm for 100-265A). If terminals are clean and tight, upsize the contactor.

"Contactor pulls in but motor doesn't run"

Check the three phases at the contactor's load-side terminals with a multimeter. If one phase is missing, the contactor itself may have a damaged pole — replace the unit. If all three phases are present and the motor still doesn't run, check the motor windings and the thermal-overload relay (may be tripped or set too low).

Bulk and Dealer Pricing for Contactors

CNC Electric offers project pricing for electrical contractors, panel builders, EPCs, and OEMs:

• 10-50 contactors: 7% off list
• 51-200 contactors: 11% off list
• 200+ contactors / panel-builder OEM quotes: ask for project pricing

For sizing help, motor-data calculation, panel-builder pricing, or capacitor-duty / DC-contactor / vacuum-contactor quotations, message us on WhatsApp via the floating button, or browse the full Magnetic Contactors range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a contactor and a magnetic contactor?

They are the same thing. "Magnetic contactor" specifies the actuation mechanism — an electromagnet pulls the contacts in. Almost all modern contactors (CJX2s, CJX1, LC1, S-N series, etc.) are magnetic; the term "contactor" by itself is the shorter name. Some older designs used mechanical / motorised actuation, but these are obsolete for general use.

How much does a contactor cost in Pakistan in 2026?

CNC Electric AC magnetic contactors in Pakistan in 2026 range from Rs. 2,000 for a 12A unit (1.5HP motor / 1-ton AC) to Rs. 41,600 for a 265A unit (125HP motor / large generator). The most common purchase for a Pakistani residential or small-commercial setup is a 25A contactor at Rs. 3,400.

Can I use a contactor instead of an MCB?

No — they do different jobs. A contactor only switches the circuit on a control signal. It has NO overcurrent or short-circuit protection. Always install an MCB or MCCB upstream of a contactor for protection. See our MCB guide for short-circuit sizing.

What is the difference between AC3 and AC1 contactor rating?

AC1 is for resistive loads (heaters, incandescent lights, transformers without saturation). AC3 is for squirrel-cage motors — these have a starting inrush 6-8× the running current that the contactor must survive. A contactor rated 32A AC3 may be rated 50A or higher under AC1 because resistive loads don't have inrush. Always use the AC3 rating when sizing for any motor.

How long does a contactor last?

Mechanical life of a CJX2s contactor is 10 million operations no-load and 1 million operations at full AC3 load. In a typical Pakistani factory (50 motor starts per day), this works out to a 15-25 year service life before the main contacts need replacing. Heaters / continuous loads last much longer because they don't switch frequently.

Are CNC contactors PSQCA-approved?

Yes. All CNC Electric AC magnetic contactors sold in Pakistan are PSQCA-registered and built to IEC 60947-4-1 (low-voltage switchgear and controlgear — electromechanical contactors) and GB14048.4 (Chinese national standard, equivalent to IEC). Each contactor ships with a CE conformity declaration and a 12-month CNC warranty. CNC is the official manufacturer (cncele.com); stock comes directly through the authorised Pakistan channel.

What coil voltage should I order?

For Pakistani residential and small-commercial DB-box installations, 220V AC is the standard choice. For PLC-driven industrial panels, specify 24V DC. For older industrial 3-phase panels without a neutral wire, specify 380V AC. Selecting the wrong coil voltage will result in the contactor failing to pull in or burning out within hours.

Do I need a separate thermal-overload relay with my contactor?

For motor loads — yes, always. A contactor does not protect against motor overload (a slow over-current condition lasting minutes). Combine the contactor with a CNC JR28s thermal-overload relay sized to the motor's FLA. The relay senses the motor current and trips the contactor's hold-in circuit if it exceeds the setpoint. For pure resistive loads (heaters, lights), the overload relay is optional.

Do you ship contactors nationwide in Pakistan?

Yes. CNC Electric ships contactors to all major cities — Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Sargodha — usually within 2-3 working days. Cash-on-delivery available; bulk orders and OEM-volume orders can be picked up from the Lahore warehouse.

---

Related guides: Magnetic Contactor Wiring Guide · Contactor vs Relay · MCB Full Form Guide · DB Box Wiring Guide · Stabilizer vs Voltage Protector · SPD Buyer's Guide