When a contactor chatters while energized, where is the problem typically located?

When a contactor chatters while energized, the issue is most often found within the controls. Chattering occurs when there are fluctuations or instability in the voltage or current that powers the contactor coils. This can result from problems in the controls such as faulty control voltage supply, incorrect voltage levels being sent to the coil, or a malfunctioning control device like a relay or switch.

By isolating the controls as the likely source of the chattering, it’s possible to address issues such as improper settings or wiring errors that might be causing the control signals to intermittently cut in and out, leading to the contactor's repeated engagement and disengagement. Thus, troubleshooting the controls would be the first step to resolving the chattering phenomenon.

Addressing issues in other areas like wiring, the power source, or inside the contactor coils might not directly solve the chattering unless they are found to affect the control signals specifically. This approach helps narrow down the diagnosis efficiently and increases the likelihood of a quick resolution.