Final answer:
The contactor and its associated hardware are commonly referred to as a contactor assembly or motor starter, which includes a switch, auxiliary contacts, overloads, transformers, and terminal blocks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The contactor and its associated hardware in an electrical system are collectively referred to as a contactor assembly or motor starter. This assembly typically consists of the contactor itself, which is an electrically-controlled switch used for switching an electrical power circuit, auxiliary contact blocks, overloads, control power transformers, and terminal blocks. A contractor assembly facilitates the start and stop operations of an electric motor and is generally used for controlling large electric motors and lighting loads in industrial and commercial applications.