The difference between a coil (control) voltage and a line voltage
When choosing the appropriate coil voltage for your contactor, it is important not to confuse the coil (control) voltage with the line voltage. The difference between the two is simple. The line voltage can be measured through the power poles of the contactor, and for 3 pole contactors that is the L1, L2 and L3 terminals. The coil voltage must be measured through the contactors A1 and A2 coil connection, most often times found on the top of the contactor. So while the line voltage most times is 230/40 or 460/480, the coil voltage is more than likely not these voltage, such as 24 volt or 120 volt, which are two of the more common coil voltages. Please see below for common manufacturers and where to find coil voltages for their contactors:
Keep in mind, if you think your coil voltage is 480 volt, that is more than likely not the case. A 480 volt control voltage is extremely rare while a 480 line voltage is very common.