When you're choosing among relays, contactors, and industrial switches, the first question is what the contactor has to do. The HIATSU 30A 2-Pole Air Conditioner Contactor and the AB 100-C09 Reversing Motor Starter are both 120V coil contactors, but they're built for different jobs: one is a new, low-cost HVAC contactor; the other is a used motor-reversing unit. Here's how to decide.
Quick verdict If your project is a simple AC contactor swap, the HIATSU is the no-frills pick. If you need reversing duty, the AB 100-C09 package is the more complete answer. Choose based on the load, not the brand.
Comparison table
| Product | Listed Price | Condition | Best For | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIATSU 30A 2-Pole AC Contactor | $13.80 | New | HVAC and compressor switching | [#---------] |
| AB 100-C09 Reversing Motor Starter | $74.99 | Used | Reversing motor control with overload relay | [##########] |
Where each product wins HIATSU wins on cost and condition: it is new, and it costs less than the AB starter. For simple single-contactor jobs, the 2-pole configuration with a 30A rating is a solid match for many air conditioner applications.
AB wins on function: it's designed to reverse a motor, not just switch a load on and off, and it includes the connector wire between contactors, so you're closer to a complete reversing package from the start.
Product notes
HIATSU 2-Pole Air Conditioner Contactor
At $13.80 and in new condition, the HIATSU 2-Pole Air Conditioner Contactor is a replacement-style part for HVAC systems. Its 30A FLA rating and 2-pole design switch both sides of the circuit, and the package includes class B insulation, an encapsulated coil, quick-connect terminals, and a copper material build. CE and RoHS certification is noted. The encapsulated coil design protects the winding, and the quick-connect terminals help shorten wiring time. Because the included components are just the single contactor, this is a contactor-only part rather than a starter assembly. That makes it best for replacing a failed AC contactor or handling straightforward switching. The package itself is compact, with dimensions of 3.46 x 2.95 x 2.24 inches.
AB 100-C09 Reversing Motor Starter Contactor
The AB 100-C09 Reversing Motor Starter Contactor takes a different approach. It's a used Allen Bradley reversing starter built around 100-C09 contactors, and it includes the 1.6/5A overload relay as well as the connector wire between the contactors. That gives you a matched reversing package rather than a lone contactor. The 120V coil keeps it in the same control voltage class as the HIATSU. The trade-offs are the $74.99 price and the used condition. If you need to reverse a motor for equipment like a conveyor or machine feed, the reversing starter arrangement with overload relay is the more complete solution. If all you need is on/off switching, the used price and extra complexity are harder to justify. It is identified as model 193-EA1EB with part number 100-C09D10.
Final choice by use case For a budget new replacement in an air conditioner or HVAC system, choose the HIATSU. It gives you a fresh contactor without paying for a starter package. For reversing motor control and overload protection, choose the AB 100-C09. The used condition is a trade-off, but the starter package is ready to wire. The right choice comes down to whether you're fixing an existing circuit or building a new reversing control.
