Sensata Gigavac HX21
The Sensata Gigavac HX21 is a compact ceramic-sealed DC power contactor series designed for high-voltage DC switching applications. HX21 contactors are commonly specified with a 350 A contact current rating and 1500VDC nominal switching voltage. The 1500VDC value refers to the main contact/load-side circuit. The coil voltage is selected by the complete part number suffix, with common HX21 configurations using 12VDC, 24VDC, or 48VDC control coils.
| Category |
Relays - Contactors, Electromechanical |
| Manufacturer |
Sensata-Gigavac Clean Energy |
| Product Series |
HX21 |
| Product Type |
High Voltage DC Contactor |
| Contact Form |
SPST-NO, 1 Form X |
| Contact Rating Current |
350 A |
| Switching Voltage |
1500VDC Nominal |
| Coil Voltage |
Depends on exact suffix; common options include 12VDC, 24VDC, and 48VDC |
| Mounting Type |
Chassis Mount |
| Termination Style |
Stud terminals with wire leads, depending on suffix |
| Auxiliary Contact |
Depends on exact suffix; available versions include no auxiliary, NO auxiliary, or NC auxiliary |
| Seal Type |
Patented EPIC hermetic ceramic seal |
| Environmental Seal |
Exceeds IP67 and IP69 sealing requirements |
| Operating Temperature |
-55°C to +85°C |
| Operate Time |
Typically 20 ms |
| Release Time |
Typically 12 ms |
| Application Range |
Solar, photovoltaic, inverter, battery pack, combiner box, DC arc fault, and HVDC systems |
| Compliance |
UL508 recognized for high-voltage DC switching applications |
| Typical Weight |
Approx. 440 g |
Product Description
The Sensata Gigavac HX21 Series is a high-voltage DC contactor family built for systems that require compact size, strong insulation performance, and reliable load switching at elevated DC bus voltages. With a 350 A current class and 1500VDC nominal switching capability, the HX21 is well suited for photovoltaic inverters, battery energy storage systems, high-voltage battery packs, DC combiner boxes, industrial power conversion equipment, and DC protection circuits.
HX21 contactors use a normally open main contact arrangement. In the de-energized state, the main power circuit is open. When the selected coil voltage is applied, the contactor closes and allows current to flow through the main terminals. When coil power is removed, the contactor opens again and isolates the load. This makes the HX21 suitable for main disconnect, charge path control, solar string switching, inverter DC input control, battery isolation, and other high-voltage DC switching functions.
The HX21 name identifies the product series, but the exact suffix is important for purchasing and replacement. For example, HX21 variants can differ by coil voltage, lead length, auxiliary contact option, and termination details. A suffix with a 24VDC coil is not interchangeable with a 12VDC or 48VDC coil version unless the control circuit is redesigned. Likewise, a version with an auxiliary contact should not be replaced by a no-auxiliary version if the system uses contactor feedback for safety or control logic.
Key Features
- 350 A current class for demanding high-voltage DC power systems.
- 1500VDC nominal switching capability for modern HVDC applications.
- SPST-NO contact form for straightforward load connection and isolation.
- Ceramic hermetic sealing for reliable operation in harsh environments.
- EPIC seal construction helps prevent exposed arcing to open air.
- Designed for compact installation where space and weight matter.
- Suitable for solar, energy storage, inverter, battery, and industrial DC systems.
- Available with different coil voltage and auxiliary contact configurations.
- Wide operating temperature range from -55°C to +85°C.
- UL508 recognized for high-voltage DC switching applications.
Applications
The Sensata Gigavac HX21 Series is commonly used in high-voltage renewable energy and battery power systems. Typical applications include photovoltaic inverters, solar combiner boxes, energy storage battery racks, battery pack disconnects, DC fast-charge support equipment, industrial DC buses, high-voltage test equipment, DC arc fault interrupter systems, and power conversion equipment.
For solar and photovoltaic systems, HX21 contactors can be used to connect or disconnect DC strings, inverter inputs, or combiner circuits. For battery energy storage systems, the HX21 can serve as part of the charge, discharge, or isolation path when the system current and voltage fall within the proper design limits. For industrial power conversion, it provides a compact switching component for DC bus control and safety isolation.
Design Notes
The 1500VDC rating and the coil voltage must be understood as separate specifications. The 1500VDC value applies to the main contacts and describes the high-voltage load circuit. The coil voltage applies to the control circuit that actuates the contactor. A system may use a 12V, 24V, or 48V control supply while switching a much higher DC bus through the main contacts, provided the exact HX21 part number is selected correctly.
Auxiliary contact selection also depends on the full model number. Some HX21 suffixes include a normally open auxiliary contact, some include a normally closed auxiliary contact, and some have no auxiliary contact. If the control system monitors contactor position, the auxiliary contact type must match the original design. For backend product listings, use the complete part number when available, such as HX21CAC, HX21CCB, or HX21CC, instead of only HX21.
For capacitive loads such as inverter inputs and battery systems with large DC link capacitors, a pre-charge circuit is normally required before closing the main contactor. This reduces inrush current and helps protect the contactor contacts, busbars, fuses, and connected electronics. System designers should also follow the manufacturer’s guidance for coil drive, suppression, thermal limits, and current direction during load breaking.
Why Choose Sensata Gigavac HX21
The HX21 Series is a strong choice when a high-voltage DC system needs a compact 350 A contactor with ceramic hermetic sealing. Compared with lower-voltage contactors, HX21 is built for 1000V+ DC switching environments and is better aligned with photovoltaic, inverter, and energy storage applications. Compared with larger high-current contactors, HX21 offers a practical balance of current capacity, voltage capability, size, and weight.
For product listings, the recommended naming style is Sensata Gigavac HX21 Series DC Contactor, followed by the exact suffix once confirmed. If the supplied product is only marked “HX21,” use this series page as the base description, then add the exact coil voltage, lead style, and auxiliary contact details after reading the full part number from the product label or purchase record.
FAQ
Is HX21 a 1500V contactor?
Yes. HX21 Series contactors are commonly specified for 1500VDC nominal high-voltage DC switching.
What is the current rating of HX21?
The HX21 Series is a 350 A class DC contactor family.
What coil voltage does HX21 use?
The coil voltage depends on the complete suffix. Common configurations include 12VDC, 24VDC, and 48VDC coil versions.
Is HX21 normally open?
Yes. HX21 is a normally open DC contactor series with an SPST-NO main contact arrangement.
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