What is a "lighting contactor" used for?

A lighting contactor is primarily designed to control large lighting loads both remotely and automatically. This function is vital in commercial and industrial settings where numerous lights need to be managed easily, especially when dealing with intricate lighting systems that may involve high voltages or currents. By using a lighting contactor, users can effectively turn on or off large groups of lights from a distance, often integrating this with automated systems such as timers or occupancy sensors. This capability enhances convenience and operational efficiency while also ensuring safety by reducing the risk associated with managing high-power lighting with standard switches.

The other options highlight different aspects of electrical systems. Connecting different electrical sources pertains to transfer switches or similar devices, while measuring electrical consumption relates to energy meters. Improving energy efficiency is often a goal of many electrical devices and practices, but it is more indirectly related to the functionality of a lighting contactor, which primarily acts as a control mechanism rather than an efficiency enhancement device itself.