When you're in the relays, contactors, and industrial switches part of the electric supply, you're often choosing between a compact new contactor and a heavier used control relay. The Modern Power AC Contactor is new and ready for 110V switching. The Square D 8501 X080 is a used NEMA relay with a more substantial build. The price gap is a little over $11. This head-to-head will help you match the part to the job.
The distinction matters: contactors are often used for high-current switching tasks like motor starting, while control relays are built for multi-contact logic and industrial control circuits. The Modern Power unit leans toward the former, and the Square D toward the latter.
Quick Verdict
If you want a new contactor for starting a 110V motor or switching a main power circuit, the Modern Power AC Contactor is the straightforward pick. If you need a heavy-duty industrial control relay and can accept a used, cosmetically worn component, the Square D 8501 X080 is worth the extra money.
At a Glance
The table below puts the key specs side by side so you can see the trade-off at a glance.
| Product | Price | Price Bar | Condition | Key Specs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Power AC Contactor | USD 16.91 | New | 18A working current, AC110V 50/60Hz, built-in auxiliary contacts | Basic 110V motor starting and power switching | |
| SQUARE D 8501 X080 | USD 27.99 | Used | 10A thermal current, 8 N.C. contacts, expandable to 12 poles, 600V AC max | Industrial control panels needing NEMA relay capacity |
Where Each Wins
- Modern Power AC Contactor wins when you want a new part and a lower price, and a simple contactor is all your 110V motor control needs.
- SQUARE D 8501 X080 wins when you need the higher-priced, higher-spec relay and are okay with a used component that may show signs of installation.
Product Notes
Modern Power AC Contactor
At $16.91, this is the lower-priced option and it arrives new rather than used. Its 18A working current and AC110V 50/60Hz rating make it a straightforward fit for motor starter circuits and main power switching. The plastic body is described as impact-resistant and scratch-resistant, and the built-in auxiliary contacts let it work with momentary buttons without a separate relay. The trade-off is that it's a compact power contactor, not a full industrial control relay, so its capacity is limited to the 18A spec and a basic group of contacts. For a simple, new component that keeps the cost down for basic 110V switching, this covers the job.
Square D 8501 X080 Control Relay
This is the higher-priced, used option, but it brings a heavier-duty specification. It's a Square D (Schneider Electric) 8501 Type X NEMA industrial control relay with 8 normally closed contacts, a 10A thermal current rating, and a base that expands to 12 poles. It's rated for 600V AC max and supports a 120/110V coil, so it fits 110V control circuits and leaves headroom for higher-voltage industrial applications. The downside is the used condition: the item may show scratches, scuffs, or signs of installation, so you're accepting cosmetic wear in exchange for the heavy-duty build and panel-mount design. Choose it when you need an industrial relay that can grow with your control system.
Final Choice by Use Case
- Use the Modern Power AC Contactor if you're wiring a 110V motor starter or main power switch and want a new part at the lower end of the price range.
- Use the SQUARE D 8501 X080 if you're building or upgrading an industrial control panel and need the higher-capacity NEMA relay despite the used condition.
