Dear Mr waross
1. I have my reservation that Probably the greatest factor affecting [pull-in voltage] of a contactor is the air-gap that maintained in the open position. BTW it is the spring NOT the air-gap that maintained it in the open position, also plays a part.
2. Consider that most contactors need to change the coil, with different coil voltage say from 24---400V to suit the control voltage which may differ from the mains/source voltage. When we replace the original say a 24V coil to a say 400V coil, we neither carryout any adjustment to the air-gap nor replace the spring.
3. IEC 60947-4-1 specified that a contactor shall operate correctly between 85 to 110% of the rated control voltage. For this reason there are different coils, rated specifically for 24V,... 110V,... 380V...etc. They are NOT interchangeable.
4. I am of the opinion that the pick-up voltage is dependent on the voltage rating of the coil . A contactor pick-up voltage differs when it is installed with a 24V coil from that of a 400V; without any adjustment in the air-gap or the sprint.
5. There are coils with electronic interface that have very wide operation range e.g. 48...130V, 100...250V on 50/60Hz or 24V...60V, 48V...130V, 100V...250V on dc.
Che Kuan Yau (Singapore)