Industrial Controllers

Industrial Controllers for Reliable Control and Automation

Explore our range of industrial controllers to help manage, control and protect machinery and electrical systems in commercial and industrial settings. Find the components you need to build or maintain control panels, motor control circuits and automation setups with confidence.

Types of Industrial Controllers

Browse the main industrial controller categories below to quickly find the right type of control component for your project. Each group focuses on a different aspect of switching, starting and controlling electrical loads in industrial environments.

• Contactors: Provides remote switching of electrical loads as part of motor control and general power control systems.
• Control & Push Button Stations: Offers convenient local control for starting, stopping and managing equipment from clearly marked operator stations.
• DOL Starters: Used to start motors directly from the supply with integrated control and protection features in a single unit.
• Relays & Bases: Supports signal switching and control logic by allowing low-power circuits to operate higher-power loads through plug-in modules.

Product Types and Ranges for Industrial Controllers

This table groups key industrial controller product types with some of the commonly available ranges and brand-backed options. Use it to compare the kinds of control, switching and interface products typically found in this category.

Trusted Brands in Industrial Controllers

Explore a wide range of industrial control solutions from recognised manufacturers, covering relays, contactors, starters and push button stations. Choose by brand to match your preferred control gear and installation style.

• BN Thermic: Provides contactors used for controlling electric heating and other load applications in industrial environments, helping installers build reliable, straightforward control panels for everyday projects.
• Eaton: Offers contactors, overload relays, DOL starters and emergency stop stations that support motor control, automation and general industrial switching tasks across a wide variety of installations.
• Europa Components: Covers modular contactors, overload relays, DOL starters and push button stations, helping you assemble custom motor control and machine interface solutions for workshop or plant environments.
• Fusebox: Delivers compact installation contactors for DIN-rail boards, ideal for controlling lighting, heating and other loads from consumer units and small distribution assemblies.
• Garo Electric Ltd: Focuses on modular contactors for control of single or multiple loads in commercial and industrial distribution boards, helping installers manage switching duties neatly on DIN rail.
• Greenbrook: Provides control components that integrate into general electrical installations, helping electricians manage switching and automation needs in small commercial and light industrial projects.
• Schneider Electric: Supplies surface-mount emergency stop stations and DOL starters that support machine control, local isolation and safety-related stop functions in plant rooms and production areas.
• Vent Axia: Offers control devices aimed at managing ventilation and air movement equipment, helping to integrate fans and related systems within wider electrical control setups.
• Wago: Delivers DIN-rail power supplies, terminal blocks and mounting accessories that support control panel wiring, low-voltage power distribution and modular industrial control assemblies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an industrial contactor do?

A contactor is an electrically controlled switch used for switching power circuits on and off. It is commonly used for controlling motors, heating loads, lighting and other high-current equipment remotely.

How do I choose the right DOL starter for a motor?

Select a DOL starter by matching its current rating and voltage to the motor’s requirements. Check the motor full-load current, supply characteristics and enclosure rating needed for the installation environment.

What is the difference between a relay and a contactor?

Relays are typically used for lower power control or signal switching, while contactors are designed for frequent switching of higher current loads such as motors, heating circuits and larger lighting groups.

When should I use an emergency stop or mushroom push button station?

Emergency stop stations are used where machinery or processes may need to be halted quickly. They provide a clearly identifiable, easily accessible control to stop equipment in situations that need rapid intervention.

Can industrial controllers be mounted on DIN rail?

Yes, many industrial controllers such as modular contactors, relays, power supplies and timers are designed for DIN-rail mounting, which simplifies panel layout, wiring and future maintenance or expansion.

What IP rating should I look for in control and push button stations?

Choose an IP rating based on exposure to dust, moisture and cleaning. For many industrial environments, enclosed control stations with higher IP ratings help protect internal components from ingress.

Do I need overload protection with my motor contactor?

Yes, motor circuits usually require overload protection to protect the motor from prolonged overcurrent. This is often provided using a dedicated overload relay paired with the contactor.

How do modular installation contactors differ from traditional contactors?

Modular installation contactors are typically narrower, DIN-rail mounted devices designed for consumer units and distribution boards, often used for switching lighting, heating or similar loads in building installations.

Need help with industrial control gear?

If you are unsure which industrial controller, contactor, relay or push button station you need, our friendly team can help. Call us on 01424 220384 for guidance choosing the right option for your installation.