Sensata Gigavac GX14BAB
The Sensata Gigavac GX14BAB is a GX14 Series hermetically sealed DC power contactor designed for high-current switching in electric vehicles, battery systems, industrial DC equipment, and demanding power management circuits. This model is configured with a 350 A current rating, 800VDC maximum switching voltage, a 12VDC coil, 15 inch flying leads, an SPST-NO main contact, and an SPST-NO normally open auxiliary contact. The 800VDC value refers to the main power/load circuit, while the 12VDC value refers to the coil/control circuit used to operate the contactor.
| Category |
Relays - Contactors, Electromechanical |
| Manufacturer |
Sensata-Gigavac Clean Energy |
| Manufacturer Product Number |
GX14BAB |
| Series |
GX14 |
| Product Type |
Hermetically Sealed DC Power Contactor |
| Mounting Type |
Chassis Mount / Bottom Mount |
| Coil Voltage |
12VDC |
| Contact Form |
SPST-NO, 1 Form X Main Contact |
| Contact Rating Current |
350 A |
| Switching Voltage |
12VDC to 800VDC |
| Termination Style |
Stud, Wire Leads |
| Coil Termination |
15 inch / 38 cm Flying Leads |
| Power Terminals |
M10 Stainless Steel Studs |
| Auxiliary Contact |
SPST-NO, Normally Open, Mechanically Linked |
| Auxiliary Contact Rating |
2A at 24VDC Resistive Load |
| Operating Temperature |
-55°C to +85°C |
| Must Operate Voltage |
8 VDC |
| Must Release Voltage |
0.5 VDC |
| Operate Time |
20 ms Max |
| Release Time |
12 ms Max |
| Coil Current |
230 mA |
| Coil Power |
2.8 W |
| Coil Resistance |
52.17 Ohms |
| Mechanical Life |
1,000,000 Cycles |
| Contact Resistance |
0.4 mOhm Max; 0.15 to 0.3 mOhm Typical |
| Environmental Seal |
Hermetically Sealed, Exceeds IP67 and IP69K |
| Typical Weight |
Approx. 0.5 kg / 1.1 lb |
Product Description
The Sensata Gigavac GX14BAB is a 350 A DC contactor built for reliable switching from low-voltage DC circuits up to 800VDC. As part of the GX14 Series, it combines compact size, sealed construction, and high-current capability for equipment where long life and dependable operation are essential. It is suitable for electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, heavy trucks, emergency vehicles, marine DC systems, industrial equipment, battery backup systems, renewable energy systems, and battery charging applications.
GX14BAB uses a normally open main contact. In the de-energized state, the main power circuit is open and the load is isolated. When the 12VDC coil is energized, the contactor closes and current flows through the M10 power terminals. When coil power is removed, the contactor opens again. This makes the GX14BAB suitable for use as a main battery contactor, charge contactor, load isolation device, inverter input contactor, DC bus switch, or high-current battery disconnect.
The complete model number should be kept in product listings and replacement records. “GX14” identifies the 350 A, 800VDC contactor family. The first “B” indicates the 12VDC coil version with internal coil suppression. The “A” indicates 15 inch flying leads. The final “B” indicates an SPST normally open auxiliary contact. The main contact and auxiliary contact are both normally open, but they serve different purposes: the main contact switches the power circuit, while the auxiliary contact provides low-current feedback.
Key Features
- 350 A current rating for high-current DC switching applications.
- Switching capability from 12VDC up to 800VDC.
- 12VDC coil for common vehicle, battery, and mobile equipment control systems.
- SPST-NO main contact for controlled power connection and isolation.
- Normally open auxiliary contact mechanically linked to the main contacts.
- 15 inch flying leads for compact harness and cabinet wiring.
- Hermetically sealed EPIC construction for harsh operating environments.
- Built-in coil suppression for simplified control circuit design.
- Low contact resistance for efficient high-current operation.
- Can be mounted in any position and exceeds IP67 and IP69K sealing requirements.
Applications
The Sensata Gigavac GX14BAB is commonly used in electric and hybrid vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, buses, emergency vehicles, boats, light rail systems, mining equipment, oil and factory automation, battery backup systems, fuel cell equipment, battery chargers, solar power systems, wind power systems, and DC power management equipment. Its 350 A rating provides a useful middle range between smaller 150 A or 225 A contactors and larger 600 A contactors.
The normally open auxiliary contact supports status feedback for control and diagnostic systems. A battery management system, vehicle controller, charger controller, or industrial control unit can use the auxiliary contact to confirm contactor state, sequence loads, or provide interlock logic. The auxiliary contact is mechanically linked to the main contact system but is a low-current signal contact, not a power switching path.
Design Notes
The 800VDC and 12VDC values describe separate electrical circuits. The 800VDC rating applies to the main power contacts and describes the load-side DC voltage range the contactor is designed to switch. The 12VDC rating applies to the coil and describes the control voltage required to actuate the contactor. A system can use a 12V controller output to operate the coil while the main terminals switch a much higher DC bus.
GX14BAB uses a dual-coil design. Both coils are used during pickup, and then the contactor transitions to low continuous hold power. The coil should be driven according to the product requirements, and pickup voltage should be applied properly during testing rather than slowly ramped from zero. The contactor includes internal coil suppression, so external suppression components should only be added after reviewing release-time and switching-performance effects.
For capacitive loads such as inverter inputs, DC link capacitors, and battery power electronics, a pre-charge circuit is normally required before closing the main contactor. Pre-charge limits inrush current and helps protect the contactor contacts, fuses, busbars, cables, and connected electronics. Final system design should also verify terminal torque, cable sizing, insulation spacing, current direction, thermal rise, enclosure protection, and fault current behavior.
Why Choose Sensata Gigavac GX14BAB
GX14BAB is a strong choice when a DC power system needs a sealed 350 A contactor with 12V control, short flying leads, and normally open auxiliary feedback. Compared with no-auxiliary versions, this model gives the control system a dedicated feedback contact. Compared with 24 inch or 48 inch lead versions, the 15 inch leads are better suited to compact mounting layouts where the contactor is close to the control harness.
For backend product listings, write the full name as Sensata Gigavac GX14BAB. Avoid shortening it to GX14, because related GX14 models may use 24VDC or 48VDC coils, different lead lengths, no auxiliary contact, or a normally closed auxiliary contact. GX14BAB specifically identifies the 12VDC coil, 15 inch lead, normally open auxiliary version.
FAQ
Is GX14BAB an 800V or 12V contactor?
It uses both values for different circuits. The main contacts switch DC loads up to 800VDC, while the coil/control circuit is 12VDC.
What is the current rating of GX14BAB?
GX14BAB is rated for 350 A continuous current.
Is GX14BAB normally open?
Yes. The main power contact is SPST-NO, and this version also includes a normally open auxiliary contact.
What does the final B mean in GX14BAB?
The final B indicates an SPST normally open auxiliary contact for feedback or control signaling.
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