Sensata Gigavac HX21CAB
The Sensata Gigavac HX21CAB is an HX21 Series ceramic hermetically sealed DC power contactor designed for compact high-voltage switching applications. This model is configured with a 350 A current rating, 1500VDC nominal switching voltage, a 24VDC coil, 15 inch flying leads, an SPST-NO main contact, and an SPST-NO normally open auxiliary contact. The 1500VDC value refers to the main power/load circuit, while the 24VDC value refers to the coil/control circuit used to operate the contactor.
| Category |
Relays - Contactors, Electromechanical |
| Manufacturer |
Sensata-Gigavac Clean Energy |
| Manufacturer Product Number |
HX21CAB |
| Series |
HX21 |
| Product Type |
Ceramic Hermetically Sealed High Voltage DC Contactor |
| Mounting Type |
Chassis Mount / Bottom Mount |
| Coil Voltage |
24VDC |
| Contact Form |
SPST-NO, 1 Form X Main Contact |
| Contact Rating Current |
350 A |
| Switching Voltage |
1500VDC Nominal |
| Termination Style |
Stud, Wire Leads |
| Coil Termination |
15 inch / 38 cm Flying Leads |
| 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 |
16 VDC |
| Must Release Voltage |
2 VDC |
| Operate Time |
20 ms |
| Release Time |
12 ms |
| Coil Current |
90 mA |
| Coil Power |
2.1 W |
| Coil Resistance |
266.67 Ohms |
| Environmental Seal |
Hermetically Sealed, Exceeds IP67 and IP69 |
| Typical Weight |
Approx. 440 g |
Product Description
The Sensata Gigavac HX21CAB is a compact high-voltage DC contactor built for applications that require reliable switching at 1000V+ DC levels. As part of the HX21 ceramic contactor family, it provides a 350 A current rating and 1500VDC nominal switching capability, making it suitable for solar photovoltaic systems, energy storage systems, inverter inputs, battery packs, combiner boxes, DC arc fault interrupter systems, industrial HVDC equipment, and other high-voltage DC power platforms.
HX21CAB uses a normally open main contact. In the de-energized state, the main power circuit is open and the load is isolated. When the 24VDC coil is energized, the contactor closes and allows current to flow through the main terminals. When coil power is removed, the main contact opens again. This makes the HX21CAB suitable for charge path control, inverter DC input switching, battery isolation, solar string switching, DC bus control, and high-voltage load disconnect functions.
The full model number should be used in product listings and backend records. “HX21” identifies the 350 A, 1500VDC ceramic contactor series. The first suffix letter “C” indicates the 24VDC coil version. The “A” indicates 15 inch flying leads. The final “B” indicates an SPST normally open auxiliary contact. The main contact and the auxiliary contact are both normally open, but they serve different roles: the main contact carries the power load, while the auxiliary contact is used for low-current status feedback.
Key Features
- 350 A current rating for high-voltage DC power systems.
- 1500VDC nominal switching voltage for solar, ESS, inverter, and battery systems.
- 24VDC coil for common industrial and battery control architectures.
- SPST-NO main contact for controlled power connection and isolation.
- Normally open auxiliary contact mechanically linked to the main contact system.
- 15 inch flying leads for straightforward wiring into cabinets and harnesses.
- Ceramic hermetic seal for compact size and harsh-environment reliability.
- Sealing performance exceeds IP67 and IP69 requirements.
- Low coil power for efficient continuous operation in powered systems.
- Designed for high-voltage DC applications where exposed arcing must be avoided.
Applications
The Sensata Gigavac HX21CAB is commonly used in photovoltaic inverters, solar combiner boxes, energy storage battery racks, high-voltage battery packs, DC power conversion equipment, battery test systems, industrial DC buses, wind power systems, DC arc fault interrupter systems, and charger or inverter control circuits. Its compact ceramic sealed construction makes it useful where space is limited but high-voltage switching performance is still required.
The normally open auxiliary contact can support system feedback. A controller, battery management system, inverter controller, or safety circuit can use the auxiliary contact to monitor contactor state, sequence startup logic, or confirm that the main contact has changed position. The auxiliary contact is mechanically linked to the main contact system, but it is a signal contact and should not be used for power switching.
Design Notes
The 1500VDC and 24VDC ratings describe separate electrical paths. The 1500VDC value belongs to the main contact/load circuit and describes the high-voltage DC circuit the contactor is designed to switch. The 24VDC value belongs to the coil circuit that actuates the contactor. A system can use a 24V control output to operate the coil while the main terminals switch a much higher DC bus, provided the current, voltage, temperature, and protection conditions stay within the product ratings.
For capacitive loads such as inverter inputs, DC link capacitors, battery packs, and photovoltaic power electronics, a pre-charge circuit is normally required before closing the main contactor. Pre-charge limits inrush current and helps protect the contactor, fuses, busbars, cables, and connected electronics. Final system design should also verify wire sizing, insulation spacing, terminal torque, enclosure protection, thermal rise, and fault current handling.
The HX21 Series is designed for high-voltage DC switching and should not be confused with lower-voltage GV14 or MX Series contactors. HX21CAB is a 1500VDC class ceramic contactor with 24VDC control. If a replacement part is needed, verify the complete suffix, because HX21 variants can differ by coil voltage, lead length, and auxiliary contact type.
Why Choose Sensata Gigavac HX21CAB
HX21CAB is a strong choice when a high-voltage DC system needs a compact 350 A contactor with 24V control and normally open feedback. The ceramic hermetic package helps protect the internal contact system from moisture, contamination, and harsh environments, while the 15 inch leads simplify wiring in equipment where the contactor sits close to the control harness.
For backend product listings, write the full name as Sensata Gigavac HX21CAB. Avoid shortening it to HX21 only, because related HX21 models may use 12VDC or 48VDC coils, different lead lengths, or a normally closed auxiliary contact. HX21CAB specifically identifies the 24VDC coil, 15 inch lead, normally open auxiliary version.
FAQ
Is HX21CAB a 1500V or 24V contactor?
It uses both values for different circuits. The main contact is rated for 1500VDC switching, while the coil/control circuit is 24VDC.
What is the current rating of HX21CAB?
HX21CAB is rated for 350 A continuous current.
Is HX21CAB 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 HX21CAB?
The final B indicates an SPST normally open auxiliary contact for feedback or control signaling.
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