Method for diagnosing an operating state of a contactor and contactor for implementing said method

The method involves sending a drop-out order to fix voltage i.e. drop-out voltage, at terminals (L1, L2) of an actuating coil (3), and measuring an electric characteristic e.g. electric current (I), of the actuating coil during a drop-out time, where the coil is in free wheel mode throughout the drop-out time. A specific value of the measurement is reconstituted and compared with a specific initial operation reference value of a contactor. Wear state of the contactor is diagnosed according to the positioning of the specific value with respect to the initial reference value. An independent claim is also included for a contactor.