When you are shopping for relays, contactors, and industrial switches, the first decision is usually coil voltage and current capacity, not brand name. The four options here cover different jobs, from a compact contactor/starter relay to a NEMA starter. The price table below shows how they compare, and the closer looks give the details you need to match the unit to your motor.
Quick take
- The Modern Power AC Contactor is a compact option for control circuits.
- The 1 Pole contactor is designed for air-conditioner compressor and condenser replacement.
- The AB Reversing Motor Starter is a used reversing unit with a 120V coil.
- The Allen-Bradley 509 Starter is the highest-current option in this group.
Price comparison at a glance
| Option | Listed price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Power AC Contactor | USD 16.91 | |
| 1 Pole AC Contactor | USD 19.66 | |
| AB Reversing Motor Starter | USD 74.99 | |
| Allen-Bradley 509 Starter | USD 150.00 |
Decision matrix
| Use case | Recommended option | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| 110V control panels and lighter motor loads | Modern Power AC Contactor | Lightweight body with built-in auxiliary contacts |
| Air-conditioner compressor or condenser replacement | 1 Pole AC Contactor | Designed for condenser contactor replacement |
| Reversing a small motor | AB Reversing Motor Starter | Complete reversing package |
| Three-phase NEMA Size 2 motor starting | Allen-Bradley 509 Starter | NEMA Size 2 layout with mounted overload relay block |
Closer look at each option
Modern Power AC Contactor
At $16.91, this is the entry point of the group. The plastic die-cast body keeps it lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to fit into a small control panel. Its 110V coil and 18A working current place it in lighter motor-control or main-power-switching duty. Built-in auxiliary contacts can work with momentary push buttons, so it is not just a simple contactor. The trade-off is that it cannot handle the higher full-load current of the larger starters here. If your motor draws under 18A and your control circuit is 110V, this is a straightforward, low-cost starting point.
1 Pole AC Contactor
This single-pole contactor is priced at $19.66 and is positioned as a replacement for air-conditioner compressor and condenser unit contactors. The coil is 24 VAC, and the contactor is rated at 40 amps FLA, with 50/60 Hz operation. Copper terminal contacts and a copper coil support conductivity, and the flame-retardant shell adds a layer of safety. Its compact black body weighs about 0.24 kg, so it suits small enclosures. The limitation is the single-pole format: it is designed for single-phase AC switching rather than three-phase motor starting. If you need to swap out a failed condenser contactor in a 24V coil system, this direct-replacement style keeps the same pole and amp configuration.
AB Reversing Motor Starter
At $74.99, this used Allen-Bradley unit brings reversing motor-starter functionality to the table. The 120V coil is paired with a 1.6/5A overload relay, and the included connector wire between the two contactors makes the reversing arrangement easier to hook up. Having the overload relay included is a real convenience, because it gives the starter built-in thermal protection. The used condition is the main limitation, so inspect the contacts before installation. With only a 1.6/5A overload relay, it is not meant for high-current motors; it fits smaller motor loads.
Allen-Bradley 509 Starter
This is the highest-current option at $150. The Allen-Bradley Bulletin 509 is a NEMA Size 2 AC magnetic motor starter for three-phase, 60 Hz systems. It uses a 480V coil, is base-mounted, and comes with a mounted overload relay block. The 45 full-load amp rating puts it above the other options here, making it a better fit for larger industrial motor loads. It was removed from a decommissioned control panel, so it is a used unit with clean contacts, ready for install. The 480V coil means this starter needs a 480V control circuit, so it is not for 24V or 120V control panels.
Final recommendation by use case
- Choose the Modern Power AC Contactor when your control panel needs the lowest-priced contactor/starter relay in this comparison.
- Choose the 1 Pole AC Contactor when you are servicing a compressor or condenser and want a single-pole direct-replacement style.
- Choose the AB Reversing Motor Starter when you need reversing motor control and want the overload relay included in the package.
- Choose the Allen-Bradley 509 Starter when you need a higher-capacity motor starter for heavier industrial loads.
