Contactor Kit?

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I have a HF-251D-1 High Frequency box from Miller.  I was reading the specs on it and it says it needs a Secondary Contactor.  Miller sells them but gives no details whatsover on what it is.  I do a lot of welding but don't know all the terminology about the equipment I use.Can someone explain what a Secondary Contactor is?Is it just a switch to turn off the curcuit so the arc doesn't start on accident since it is an add-on piece of equipment?Last edited by WelderBoy; 05-19-2007 at 10:49 PM.
Reply:It should make it so your torch or mig gun isn't hot all time.  The contactor closed when you close the arc start switch.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:A contactor is just a high current relay.  Depending on your power supply, it may not be needed.  Some power supplies have a connector (solid state or mechanical) that allows you to connect a simple monentary contact switch, which will operate the contactor in the power supply.  A lot of the Miller and Thermal Arc power supplies use a 14 pin connector, and pins A and B are used to activate the power supply's contactor.  If you are using a amperage control, like a foot pedal, there is usually a switch that closes and activates  the remote contactor circuit.  If you don't use a contactor, everytime you get your electrode near your grounded work and your HF is on, you will get an arc.  cricman