What device does a DC contactor use to handle the arc created by opening energized contacts?

A DC contactor uses a blowout coil to manage the arc that is generated when opening energized contacts. When the contactor opens, the sudden interruption of current can cause a spark or arc between the contacts, which may damage the contacts and create safety hazards.

The blowout coil is specifically designed to generate a magnetic field that helps to extinguish the arc quickly and effectively. As the arc is drawn out into the gap between the contacts, the blowout coil's magnetic field works by increasing the rate of current flow in a direction that counteracts the arc, thus quenching it and minimizing the potential for damage.

This design is critical for maintaining the integrity of the contactor and ensuring reliable operation in high-voltage or high-current situations. Other devices mentioned in the options, such as relays, capacitors, and fuses, have different functions and cannot fulfill the specific role of controlling and extinguishing arcs in a contactor effectively.