The ABB A16-30-10 is a 3-pole A-Line contactor with one normally open auxiliary contact, and the BRAH Electric replacement is the BA16-30-10. Before replacing one, the points to settle are the coil voltage, which is given by the two digits at the end of the full ABB number, the load it switches, and whether the auxiliary contacts and the coil on the old unit need replacing as well. The BRAH catalogue lists nine versions, all rated 600V with a catalogue rating of 17A, in coil voltages from 24VAC to 500/600VAC.
The sections below give the BRAH part for each A16-30-10 coil version, the catalogue ratings, the ZA16 coils and auxiliary contact blocks listed for the A16, and a checklist to work through before the order goes in.
ABB A16-30-10 replacement: quick answer
- Add a B to the ABB number. A16-30-10-84 is replaced by BA16-30-10-84.
- The digits after the last dash identify the coil. A16-30-10-81 has a 24VAC coil and A16-30-10-51 has a 480VAC coil. The contactor is otherwise the same.
- The plain A16-30-10 listing, with nothing after the 10, is supplied with a 120VAC coil.
- Catalogue ratings for every version: 3-pole, 3-phase, 17A, 600V, with 5HP at 240V, 10HP at 480V and 15HP at 600V.
- ZA16 replacement coils and CA5, CA7 and CAL5 auxiliary contacts are listed separately. See replacement contactors for the other A-Line sizes.
A16-30-10 coil versions and their BRAH replacements
Match the full number on the ABB label to the first column. The right-hand column is the separate ZA16 coil carrying the same two-digit code, with the voltage and frequency shown in its own listing.
| ABB number | BRAH replacement | Coil voltage | Amperage (catalogue) | Horsepower at 480V (catalogue) | Auxiliary contacts | ZA16 coil with the same code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A16-30-10 | BA16-30-10 | 120VAC | 17A | 10HP | 1 NO | Read the code on the installed coil |
| A16-30-10-81 | BA16-30-10-81 | 24VAC | 17A | 10HP | 1 NO | BZA16-81 (24VAC, 60Hz) |
| A16-30-10-83 | BA16-30-10-83 | 48VAC | 17A | 10HP | 1 NO | BZA16-83 (48VAC, 60Hz) |
| A16-30-10-84 | BA16-30-10-84 | 120VAC | 17A | 10HP | 1 NO | BZA16-84 (110 to 120VAC, 50/60Hz) |
| A16-30-10-80 | BA16-30-10-80 | 220/240VAC | 17A | 10HP | 1 NO | BZA16-80 (230 to 240VAC, 60Hz) |
| A16-30-10-42 | BA16-30-10-42 | 277VAC | 17A | 10HP | 1 NO | BZA16-42 (277VAC, 60Hz) |
| A16-30-10-86 | BA16-30-10-86 | 415/440VAC | 17A | 10HP | 1 NO | BZA16-86 (440VAC, 60Hz) |
| A16-30-10-51 | BA16-30-10-51 | 480VAC | 17A | 10HP | 1 NO | BZA16-51 (480VAC, 60Hz) |
| A16-30-10-55 | BA16-30-10-55 | 500/600VAC | 17A | 10HP | 1 NO | Call with the part number |
Where the voltage in the coil listing is worded a little differently from the contactor listing, for example 220/240VAC against 230 to 240VAC, go by the marking on the coil that is fitted and the voltage of your control circuit. For anything not in the table, call (855) 355-2724 with the part number.
What the catalogue ratings mean for your motor
Each BA16-30-10 listing is described as a 3-pole, 3-phase AC contactor rated 17A and 600V, with horsepower values of 5HP at 240V, 10HP at 480V and 15HP at 600V. The horsepower a contactor can switch changes with supply voltage, which is why three figures are given. Use the one for your supply.
17A is the catalogue rating of the BRAH part. Do not turn it into a motor rating yourself, and do not assume the 16 in the part number is an amperage. Check the replacement against the rating plate on the contactor being removed and against the current and horsepower on the motor nameplate. If the application is something other than a standard motor, such as heating or lighting, call before ordering.
A16 next to the A9, A12 and A26
The A-Line sizes on either side of the A16 look alike on the panel and take similar part numbers. The table shows how the catalogue separates them. The A9, A12 and A16 share the ZA16 coil. The A26 takes a ZA40 coil.
| ABB number | BRAH replacement | Amperage (catalogue) | Horsepower at 240V | Horsepower at 480V | Horsepower at 600V | Coil type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A9-30-10 | BA9-30-10 | 9A | 2HP | 5HP | 7.5HP | ZA16 |
| A12-30-10 | BA12-30-10 | 11A | 3HP | 7.5HP | 10HP | ZA16 |
| A16-30-10 | BA16-30-10 | 17A | 5HP | 10HP | 15HP | ZA16 |
| A26-30-10 | BA26-30-10 | 28A | 10HP | 20HP | 25HP | ZA40 |
A contactor from the next size up or down is a different listing with different ratings. Replace an A16 with the BA16 unless the application has been re-engineered. The larger size has its own guide: finding an ABB A26-30-10 replacement.
ZA16 coils and auxiliary contacts listed for the A16
When the contacts are in good condition and only the coil has failed, the coil can be changed alone. BRAH lists nine ZA16 coils as installable on A9, A12 and A16 contactors. They are in the magnetic coils listing.
| ABB coil | BRAH coil | Coil voltage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZA16-81 | BZA16-81 | 24VAC | 60Hz |
| ZA16-83 | BZA16-83 | 48VAC | 60Hz |
| ZA16-84 | BZA16-84 | 110 to 120VAC | 50/60Hz |
| ZA16-34 | BZA16-34 | 208VAC | 60Hz |
| ZA16-36 | BZA16-36 | 220VAC | 60Hz |
| ZA16-80 | BZA16-80 | 230 to 240VAC | 60Hz |
| ZA16-42 | BZA16-42 | 277VAC | 60Hz |
| ZA16-86 | BZA16-86 | 440VAC | 60Hz |
| ZA16-51 | BZA16-51 | 480VAC | 60Hz |
The A16-30-10 comes with one normally open auxiliary contact. Where the control circuit needs more, or an add-on block has failed, these auxiliary contacts are listed for the A16:
| ABB auxiliary contact | BRAH replacement | Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| CA5-10 | BCA5-10 | 1 NO |
| CA5-01 | BCA5-01 | 1 NC |
| CA7-10 | BCA7-10 | 1 NO |
| CA7-01 | BCA7-01 | 1 NC |
| CAL5-11 | BCAL5-11 | 1 NO / 1 NC |
Auxiliary contacts carry control signals such as seal-in, interlocking and status indication. Before reusing a block from the old contactor, check that it seats firmly and that its contacts are clean.
Before you order: A16-30-10 checklist
- Full ABB number. Read it from the label, including the two digits after the last dash. If those digits are missing, read the voltage and frequency printed on the coil.
- Control voltage. Confirm it at the control transformer or on the drawing. A 480V motor is commonly controlled at 120V or 24V.
- Supply voltage and motor size. Pick the horsepower figure for your supply from the ratings above and compare it with the motor nameplate.
- Auxiliary contacts. List every auxiliary contact wired on the old unit: the built-in normally open contact and any add-on blocks.
- Overload protection. Note the make and current setting of the overload relay fitted below the contactor, and check the setting against the motor full-load current.
- Condition of the rest of the starter. Look for heat damage on the wiring and terminals. A contactor that failed from overheating may have a loose connection nearby.
- Space and terminals. Compare the installed unit with the product page photos and dimensions.
BRAH Electric is an aftermarket manufacturer and is not an authorized ABB distributor. Parts are designed in-house and tested at the company’s Carlsbad, California facility. Contactors and coils have a 2-year warranty from the invoice date. Returns are accepted within 30 days of shipment with an RMA and are subject to a 25 to 50% restocking charge, which is one more reason to confirm the coil code first.
Safety and testing when you fit the replacement
Switch off and lock out the supply to the starter and the supply to the control circuit, tag both, and test for absence of voltage before loosening any terminal. This is work for qualified personnel. Photograph the wiring first.
Once the new contactor is wired, check terminal tightness, confirm the coil voltage on its label matches the control supply, and operate it from the control circuit with the motor isolated. It should close and open cleanly. Then run the motor and watch for noise, heat or uneven switching. The A30-30-10 wiring guide has more on wiring A-Line contactors.
ABB A16-30-10 replacement FAQs
What is an ABB A16-30-10 contactor?
It is a 3-pole AC contactor from the ABB A-Line series with one normally open auxiliary contact, used to switch motors and other three-phase loads from a control circuit.
What replaces an A16-30-10?
The BRAH BA16-30-10 for the 120VAC version, or the BA16-30-10 listing ending in the same two digits as your ABB number for other coil voltages.
What do the last two digits, such as -84 or -51, mean?
They identify the coil. In the catalogue, -81 is 24VAC, -83 is 48VAC, -84 is 120VAC, -80 is 220/240VAC, -42 is 277VAC, -86 is 415/440VAC, -51 is 480VAC and -55 is 500/600VAC.
Can I replace only the coil?
Yes, when the contacts and housing are in good condition. ZA16 coils are listed for the A16 in nine voltages. Match the code on the old coil.
Can I use an A12 or A26 in place of an A16?
They are separate listings with different catalogue ratings: 11A for the A12 and 28A for the A26, against 17A for the A16. Order the A16 replacement unless a qualified engineer has specified a change.
What happens if the coil voltage is wrong?
A coil supplied below its rated voltage may not close the contactor or may chatter. A coil supplied well above it will overheat and fail. The coil voltage has to match the control circuit.
References
- IEC 60947-4-1, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear: contactors and motor-starters. It defines how contactor ratings and utilization categories are stated.
- NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, covering safe work practices on electrical equipment.
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.333, Selection and use of work practices, the OSHA rule on de-energizing and verifying equipment before electrical work.
