---
title: Can PIXIE switch turn ON/OFF a contactor (relay) to control super large loads (e.g. 3000 W) like house heaters, swimming pools, fans?
description: "Yes, and depending on which PIXIE device you are using you will require some different setups. **The preferred method of controlling Contactors is via the PIXIE Dual Relay Controller - PC206DR-R-BTAM.** **This will control up to 2 separate Contactors -…"
url: "https://pixiepartners.com.au/support-docs/can-pixie-switch-turn-on-off-a-contactor-relay-to-control-super-large-loads-e-g-3000-w-like-house-heaters-swimming-pools-fans/"
updated: "2022-09-20"
category: Products / Switches
tags:
  - capacitor
  - contactor
---

# Can PIXIE switch turn ON/OFF a contactor (relay) to control super large loads (e.g. 3000 W) like house heaters, swimming pools, fans?

Yes, and depending on which PIXIE device you are using you will require some different setups.

  **The preferred method of controlling Contactors is via the PIXIE Dual Relay Controller - PC206DR-R-BTAM.**

**This will control up to 2 separate Contactors - 1 on each relay.**

**On wall control is then provided by installing 1 or 2 of the  PIXIE SMF/BTAS and pairing each of these to the corresponding relay on the Dual Relay Controller.**

 

![](https://pixiepartners.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/DRC-ISO-copy-300x227.png)

This Dual Relay Control device has no minimum load requirement - like the PIXIE smart switches do - and hence there is no need to use capacitors to assist the relays to close.

This is a PIXIE Master device with full scheduling capabilities too.

 

## Using PIXIE Smart Switches for Contactor Control

**Applicable to the following PIXIE Smart Switches**: SWL350BT, STS350BT, SWL600BTAM, STS600BTAM

The circuit will require an additional load in the same circuit with the contractor, to keep the PIXIE switch functioning in a normal manner with sufficient load.

PIXIE Smart switches are shipped with a CAPACITOR to act as the load and the electrician needs to wire this into the circuit across the NEUTRAL and LOAD.

Depending on the contactor 2 or more may be needed to keep the contactor closed.