Overview
The Square D 8910 DPA 42 is a Class 8910 Type DPA definite purpose contactor designed for switching and control of single-phase and three-phase loads in industrial and commercial applications. This compact, two-pole contactor carries a 40-ampere continuous current rating and 600V AC contact rating, making it ideal for machinery starters, heating systems, air conditioning units, refrigeration equipment, and data processing applications.
Key Features
- Two-pole configuration: Non-reversing contact design for straightforward on/off switching
- 40-ampere load rating: Suitable for motors and equipment in the 7.5–20 HP range (voltage-dependent)
- 600V AC contact rating: Handles industrial and commercial voltage applications safely
- Quick-connect terminals: Double quick-connect and binder head screw options reduce installation time
- Mechanical durability: 500,000 mechanical operations life for reliable long-term service
- Metal base plate mounting: Simple, secure panel or DIN track mounting without additional hardware
- Coil flexibility: Available in multiple AC coil voltage options (110/120V, 208/240V, 277/480V, and others)
Technical Specifications
- Poles: 2 NO (normally open)
- Load Current Rating: 40 amperes
- Contact Voltage: 600V AC
- Frequency: 50/60 Hz
- Horsepower Range: 3 HP @ 115V, 7.5 HP @ 230V, 20 HP @ 460/575V (coil-dependent)
- Mechanical Life: 500,000 operations
- Electrical Life: 200,000 operations
- Contact Configuration: 2 NO, non-reversing
- Terminal Type: Quick-connect and binder head screw
- Enclosure Type: Open
- Coil Options: 110/120V AC, 208/240V AC, 277/480V AC (specify voltage code suffix)
- Mounting: Metal base plate, DIN track or panel mount compatible
- Certifications: UL listed, CSA certified, RoHS compliant, CE marked
Typical Applications
Definite purpose contactors like the 8910 DPA 42 excel in fixed-load, non-varying duty cycles. Common installations include:
- Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC): Compressor and fan motor control
- Refrigeration units: Walk-in coolers, freezers, and commercial refrigerators
- Water pumps and circulation systems: Pool, chiller, and process water applications
- Food service equipment: Commercial ovens, steamers, and preparation line motors
- Data processing facilities: Cooling and power distribution control
- Industrial machinery: Machine tool starters and auxiliary motor control
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- Square D Class 8910 definite purpose contactor family (Types DP and DPA)
- Standard industrial 600V distribution systems
- Electromechanical relay-based control circuits
- Motor starter circuit configurations
- DIN rail and panel-mount electrical enclosures
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- Other 8910 DPA 42 models with different coil voltage codes (e.g., 8910DPA42V02, 8910DPA42V09)
- Cutler Hammer C25DNF equivalents (verify specifications before substitution)
- Furnas 42CF15AG (as a competitive alternative for similar applications)
Works With
- Electromechanical overload relays and protection devices
- Manual and automatic starter configurations
- Control circuits using standard 120V AC control voltage transformers
- Auxiliary contact kits (Class 9999 external contacts available for expansion)
- Standard industrial control wiring methods and conduit systems












