A contactor is an electrically-controlled switch used for switching an electrical power circuit, similar to a relay but with higher current ratings. It is widely used in applications requiring the control of large electrical loads, such as motors, lighting, heating, and capacitor banks.
A relay is an electrically operated switch that uses an electromagnet to mechanically operate a switching mechanism, allowing a low-power signal to control a high-power circuit. Relays are critical in applications where isolation between the control and output circuits is necessary, providing safety and functionality in various electronic and electrical systems.