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Lovato Electric Contactors & Motor Starters: The Electrician's Buying Guide

Lovato Electric Contactors & Motor Starters: The Electrician's Buying Guide

Why Lovato Electric?

Lovato Electric is an Italian manufacturer of industrial control gear with distribution in over 90 countries. Their contactors, motor starters, overload relays, and variable frequency drives are specified on industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects across Canada. Lovato offers excellent value at mid-market price points with approvals (UL, CSA, IEC) that satisfy both North American and international specifications.

Lovato Contactor Series Overview

BF Series — Standard IEC Contactors

The BF series covers 9A to 780A AC-3 ratings, making it one of the widest ranges in one family from any single manufacturer. Key specs: 3-pole standard with 1NO+1NC auxiliary, DIN rail mountable, coil voltages 24VAC, 120VAC, 208-240VAC, 480VAC. The BF09–BF65 range is the sweet spot for HVAC, pump, and compressor applications.

GMD Series — Direct-On-Line Starters

The GMD series combines a contactor and overload relay into a single compact DOL starter. Available from 4A to 65A, these are ready-to-install starters for motors up to 30HP at 600V. The GMD range is popular for well pumps, exhaust fans, and compressors where panel space is limited.

RF Series — Overload Relays

Lovato RF38 and RF38D overload relays protect motors against sustained overcurrent. Trip classes 10, 10A, 20, and 30 cover most motor types from single-phase to three-phase. They mount directly on BF contactors without wiring — a significant installation time saver.

VLB Series — Variable Frequency Drives

The Lovato VLB series is a cost-effective single and three-phase VFD from 0.25kW to 30kW. Used for speed control on pumps, fans, and conveyors. Includes built-in EMC filter and Modbus RTU for BMS integration. Common in HVAC retrofits and process control.

Buying Tips for Canadian Electricians

  • AC-3 rating: For squirrel-cage motors (most common). AC-4 for plugging/jogging duty — a higher-stress cycle that requires a derated contactor.
  • Coil voltage: 120VAC is most common in Canadian control circuits. Verify before ordering; coil swaps are possible but add labour.
  • Thermal vs. electronic overload: Thermal (bimetallic) is simpler and lower cost; electronic overload relays offer phase-loss protection and diagnostic LEDs.
  • SCCR (Short Circuit Current Rating): Verify the contactor-fuse combination meets the panel's available fault current. Most Lovato combinations are rated 100kA with proper Mersen or Littelfuse fuses.

Lovato at Maple Electric Supply

We stock Lovato BF-series contactors, GMD starters, RF overload relays, and accessories in Toronto for same-day counter pickup. Trade accounts receive volume pricing. Browse our Lovato collection or contact our industrial sales desk for project quotes.