ABB's biggest lifecycle transitions — the A-line contactors moving to AF, and the older ACS drive generations moving to the 580/880 platforms — affect a very large installed base. We supply both sides of those transitions: remaining genuine originals where they can still be found, and correctly sized current-range replacements where they cannot.
Legacy ranges and their successors
A-line contactors (A9, A16, A26, A45…) → AF contactors (AF09, AF16, AF26…): AF uses a wide-band electronic coil. Not always a mechanical drop-in — dimensions and accessories changed on several frames.
B-line mini contactors (B6, B7) → AF…Z electronic mini contactors: Check coil band and auxiliary contact arrangement.
TA overload relays (TA25DU…) → TF overload relays (TF42…): The TF range mounts on AF contactors; match setting range and frame.
MS325 manual motor starters → MS132: Order by current-setting band that brackets the motor's full-load current.
ACS800 → ACS880: Same DTC control philosophy; mechanics, control boards and parameters differ.
ACS550 → ACS580: General purpose replacement — confirm frame size, IP class and filter.
Tmax T → SACE Tmax XT: Dimensions and accessories changed; confirm the full type designation.
Emax → Emax 2: Air circuit breakers are sourced to order — send the type designation.
AC31 (series 90) → AC500: Full platform migration: CPU, I/O and program all change.
CP400 panels → CP600 control panels: Check the panel cut-out and plan the project conversion.
Frequently asked questions
Is an AF contactor a direct replacement for an A-line?
Functionally it is the successor, and the wide-band coil is an improvement. Mechanically it is not always identical — several frames changed dimensions and the accessory ranges differ. Send the A-line part number and we will confirm the AF equivalent and flag any mounting change.
Can you supply obsolete ABB drives?
Sometimes, from remaining stock through our import network — and drive spares such as fans, control boards and memory units are often available long after the complete drive is not. Send the type code from the rating plate and we will tell you what is genuinely obtainable.
Do you check that the replacement is correctly sized?
Yes. For contactors we size on AC-3 current, for drives on motor current and duty rather than nameplate kW alone, and we derate for the ambient temperature the equipment will actually live in.