Manufacturers' representative for OEMs since 1983
Manufacturers' representative for OEMs since 1983
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Built overseas · Stocked in the U.S.
The Back Bay Associates sources HVAC relays and contactors, transformers, capacitors, circuit breakers, thermistors, and custom wire harnesses for HVACR and lawn-and-garden OEMs. Parts are manufactured overseas and stocked in the U.S., combining competitive pricing with shorter domestic lead times.
JKReviewed by Jeff Ketterer, CEO/Principal, The Back Bay Associates
Contactors switch power to compressors and fan motors; relays handle the lower-current control side. In most HVAC equipment, a 24 VAC control circuit energizes the contactor coil, which closes the contacts that carry line voltage to the load. Components come in a range of voltage and current ratings, including industrial HVAC contactors for heavier loads.
The thermostat is idle, so the coil is de-energized, the contacts are open, and no line voltage reaches the load.
Step line voltage down to control voltage
Run and start capacitors for motors and compressors
Overcurrent protection
Temperature sensing for controls and defrost
Harnesses are built to your equipment configuration and specifications, covering wire gauge, connectors, terminals, and routing, so they drop into the assembly without rework on the line.
Lawn and garden equipment sees vibration, temperature swings, and weather. We match electrical components and harnesses to those conditions for outdoor power equipment OEMs.
You get overseas pricing with inventory positioned domestically. A delayed container doesn't have to stop your line. See Global Sourcing.
Tick off what you have ready. The more you send, the faster the quote.
OEMs launching new wire harness programs need assemblies that meet strict quality and delivery requirements without inflating cost. Back Bay brings our harness manufacturer in at the initial design stage and recommends equivalent, high-quality components that cost less and are more widely available. Across automotive, off-highway, lawn and garden, and HVAC programs, this approach has repeatedly brought pricing down and pushed quality and delivery metrics up.
Both are electrically operated switches. Contactors handle higher-current loads like compressors and motors, while relays typically switch lower-current control circuits.
FLA (full-load amps) is the current the load draws while running. LRA (locked rotor amps) is the much higher current a motor draws at startup. The contactor has to be rated for both.
Yes. Overseas-built parts are stocked and distributed domestically.
HVACR and lawn-and-garden equipment OEMs, among others.
Send the part number or drawing. We'll quote it stocked in the U.S.
Manufacturer's representative for HVACR and Food Service Equipment OEMs since 1983.
