ABB AF26Z-30-00-21 is a modern, electronically controlled contactor designed for reliable switching of motors and other loads in industrial and commercial installations. It belongs to ABB’s AF contactor family, which is well known for its wide-range electronic coil and high immunity to voltage fluctuation. This model is typically used for AC-3 motor applications up to around 15 kW (depending on voltage) and for general-purpose power switching in control panels, MCCs, and OEM machinery.
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ABB AF26Z-30-00-21 Contactor – Product Overview
The ABB AF26Z-30-00-21 is a three-pole contactor designed to provide safe and efficient control of three-phase motors and resistive loads. Using ABB’s AF electronic coil technology, it can operate within a wide control-voltage range, which simplifies panel design and reduces the number of coil variants that need to be stocked. It is particularly suitable for global export machines, OEM systems, and modern control panels where stable performance, compact size, and easy integration are essential.
This contactor is typically installed in motor starters, reversing starters (with mechanical interlock), soft-starter bypass circuits, and general power distribution panels. Its compact footprint and DIN-rail / screw mounting options make it easy to integrate into both new and retrofit installations.
Key Technical Data (Summary Table)
| Item |
Description |
| Manufacturer |
ABB |
| Product Type |
Contactor |
| Series |
AF Series |
| Model |
AF26Z-30-00-21 |
| Main Poles |
3 poles (3P) |
| Utilization Category |
Typically AC-3 for motor control |
| Rated Operational Current |
Around 26 A AC-3 (depending on voltage and standard) |
| Typical Motor Rating |
Up to approx. 11–15 kW (refer to ABB data for exact value by voltage) |
| Control Coil Type |
Electronic wide-range coil |
| Coil Voltage Range |
Wide AC/DC control voltage range (exact range per ABB datasheet) |
| Auxiliary Contacts |
3 NO (30) integrated auxiliary contacts |
| Control Circuit Frequency |
Usually 50/60 Hz for AC supply (and DC compatible, per AF series concept) |
| Mounting |
DIN rail or screw mounting |
| Connection Type |
Screw terminals |
| Mechanical Durability |
High mechanical endurance suitable for frequent switching |
| Typical Applications |
Motor starters, pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, HVAC panels |
| Standards |
Designed to comply with major IEC standards for contactors |
(Note: For exact ratings at each voltage and detailed approvals, always refer to the official ABB datasheet and catalog for AF26Z-30-00-21.)
Design Features
The AF26Z-30-00-21 combines compact mechanical design with advanced electronic coil control. The electronic coil reduces the impact of voltage fluctuation and generates lower inrush current compared with traditional electromagnetic coils. This helps minimize disturbances in control circuits and allows the use of smaller power supplies for the control system.
The contactor housing is made from durable insulating material that offers high resistance to heat and electrical stress. The terminals are clearly marked and accessible, which simplifies wiring and reduces installation time. The design also allows the attachment of a wide range of ABB accessories, such as auxiliary contact blocks, mechanical interlocks, surge suppressors, and timing modules, so that the same basic contactor can be adapted to many different applications.
The suffix “30-00-21” typically indicates the combination of main and auxiliary contacts and the control voltage configuration. “30” denotes three normally open (NO) main poles with three NO auxiliary contacts, and “00” often indicates no built-in auxiliary on the front for certain variants (AF series notation varies slightly by region). The “21” generally refers to a specific coil voltage range code; in the AF family this usually defines the electronic coil’s AC/DC control voltage window. This coding allows quick identification of the correct version for a given project specification.
Performance and Application Benefits
In motor control circuits, the ABB AF26Z-30-00-21 is designed to handle frequent starts and stops with reliable contact performance. In an AC-3 utilization category, it can switch induction motors under normal starting conditions and disengage them while they are running. This makes it suitable for a wide variety of applications such as:
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Pump and fan starters in HVAC and building services
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Conveyor systems in logistics and material handling
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Compressors and process equipment in industrial plants
-
Machine tools, packaging lines, and OEM machinery
The AF electronic coil concept significantly improves performance in environments where control voltage is unstable or where there is a long distance between the power supply and the control device. Because the coil can accept a wide voltage range (for example a combined AC/DC range), the same contactor model can be used in different countries and with different control voltages without redesigning the panel.
The lower coil power consumption also contributes to reduced heat dissipation in the control cabinet. This can help improve the overall reliability of the system and may allow more components to be installed in the same enclosure without exceeding thermal limits.
Installation and Integration
The AF26Z-30-00-21 can be mounted on DIN rail or fixed using screws, so it fits both modern modular panels and more traditional mounting plates. The terminals are designed to accept a wide range of conductor sizes, and the clamping system provides secure, vibration-resistant connections. Clear labeling on the front face of the device helps technicians quickly identify main and control terminals during installation and maintenance.
ABB also provides compatible accessories that allow you to configure the contactor for specific functions. Examples include:
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Auxiliary contact blocks for additional signaling or interlocking
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Mechanical interlocks for forward-reverse motor starters
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Surge suppressors to protect sensitive electronics from coil transients
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Time delay modules for simple on-delay or off-delay functions
By combining AF26Z-30-00-21 contactors with these accessories, panel builders can standardize on one base device and still cover a wide range of control schemes.
Reliability, Standards, and Safety
Like other ABB AF series devices, the AF26Z-30-00-21 is manufactured in accordance with major international standards such as IEC contactor standards (for example IEC 60947-4-1 and related norms, depending on the exact certification). This ensures that the contactor delivers consistent performance for electrical endurance, mechanical life, dielectric strength, and temperature rise.
The contactor is designed with safety in mind: clear separation between control and power terminals reduces wiring errors, and the use of flame-retardant materials helps contain potential faults. Properly selected and installed within a coordinated system of circuit breakers, overload relays, and protective devices, the AF26Z-30-00-21 contributes to a safe and reliable motor-control solution.
Typical Use Cases
Because of its 26 A AC-3 rating level and medium power range, the ABB AF26Z-30-00-21 is very often selected for:
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Small and medium-size pump motors in water treatment and building services
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Fan motors in ventilation and air-handling units
-
Conveyor motors in packaging and assembly lines
-
General machine drives in woodworking, plastics, and light process industries
Its wide-range coil design makes it particularly attractive for international OEM builders who export equipment to multiple countries, since one contactor code can cover several control-voltage requirements.
Conclusion
ABB AF26Z-30-00-21 is a versatile, robust, and modern contactor built for reliable motor and power control. With its AF electronic coil technology, compact format, and wide accessory range, it simplifies design, reduces stock complexity, and offers stable performance under demanding industrial conditions. For engineers looking for a dependable three-pole contactor around the 26 A AC-3 range, this model is a strong candidate for pumps, fans, compressors, and general machinery where consistent operation and global compatibility are important.
