Sensata Gigavac MX15CE DC Contactor Overview

The Sensata Gigavac MX15CE is a sealed hermetic DC contactor from the MX15 Series, designed for high-current switching in rugged low-voltage DC power systems. It provides a 500A contact rating, 48VDC switching voltage, 24VDC coil operation, chassis mounting, and stud termination. This model is suitable for military vehicles, heavy-duty equipment, battery disconnect systems, industrial DC power control, marine power systems, material handling equipment, and rugged low-voltage DC applications. In this model, 48VDC refers to the main contact switching voltage, while 24VDC refers to the coil voltage used to operate the contactor.

Product Description

The Sensata Gigavac MX15CE DC contactor is built for rugged low-voltage, high-current DC switching applications. As part of the MX15 Series, this model provides a 500A contact current rating and up to 48VDC switching voltage. It is commonly used in military vehicles, off-road equipment, battery disconnect systems, material handling platforms, marine electrical systems, industrial DC cabinets, and heavy-duty power control assemblies.

The MX15CE uses an SPST-NO contact arrangement, also described as 1 Form A. The main contact remains open when the coil is not energized and closes when the 24VDC coil receives the correct control voltage. This allows a low-voltage control circuit to switch a high-current DC load path. The 48VDC value belongs to the main switching circuit, while the 24VDC value belongs only to the coil control circuit.

A key advantage of the Sensata Gigavac MX15CE is its hermetically sealed construction. The sealed contact chamber helps protect the internal contact system from dust, moisture, oxidation, and contaminated environments. This is important for military vehicles, heavy-duty machinery, industrial battery systems, and outdoor DC power equipment where open-frame contactors may have reduced service life.

The MX15 Series is designed for demanding duty cycles and high inrush conditions. The datasheet lists 500A continuous current with 400MCM conductor conditions, as well as short-duration overload capability including 3000A for 1 second, 2000A for 10 seconds, and 1000A for 90 seconds. This makes the MX15CE suitable for rugged DC power systems where startup surge, transient load current, or short overload events may occur.

Key Features

• Genuine Sensata Gigavac MX15 Series DC contactor
• 500A contact rating for high-current DC power control
• 48VDC maximum switching voltage for low-voltage systems
• 24VDC coil for control circuit operation
• SPST-NO contact form, also described as 1 Form A
• Hermetically sealed construction for harsh environments
• Silver contacts for long life and weld-resistant operation
• Stud termination for secure power connection
• 20 ms operate time and 12 ms release time
• Designed for MIL and heavy-duty DC applications

Applications

The MX15CE DC contactor is suitable for systems that need reliable connection and disconnection of high-current, low-voltage DC circuits. Typical applications include military vehicles, electric utility vehicles, off-road machinery, battery disconnect units, forklifts, marine battery systems, emergency power equipment, industrial control cabinets, and heavy-duty DC distribution systems.

In a battery system, the Sensata Gigavac MX15CE can be used as a main contactor, load disconnect contactor, charge path contactor, or safety isolation device depending on the circuit design. Its 500A current rating makes it suitable for very high-current low-voltage platforms, while the 48VDC switching rating makes it better matched to low-voltage DC systems rather than high-voltage EV traction platforms.

Why Choose Sensata Gigavac MX15CE

The Sensata Gigavac MX15CE is a strong option when the system requires 500A current capacity, 48VDC switching, 24VDC coil operation, sealed construction, chassis mounting, and stud termination. Compared with ordinary open contactors, the hermetic seal helps improve reliability in vibration, moisture, and contamination-prone environments. Compared with high-voltage contactors, this model is better suited for rugged low-voltage DC platforms.

For replacement and maintenance projects, MX15CE should be selected when the original design requires MX15 Series performance with 500A contact rating, 48VDC maximum switching voltage, 24VDC coil voltage, SPST-NO contact form, chassis mounting, and stud termination. Before ordering, confirm coil voltage, load current, switching voltage, mounting space, terminal type, and whether the circuit requires auxiliary contact feedback.

FAQ

Q1: What is the full product name of MX15CE?
A1: The full product name is Sensata Gigavac MX15CE DC Contactor.

Q2: What is the main switching voltage?
A2: The main switching voltage is up to 48VDC maximum.

Q3: What does 24VDC mean?
A3: 24VDC is the coil voltage used to operate the contactor, not the main load voltage.

Q4: What is the current rating?
A4: The contact rating current is 500A.

Q5: What is the contact form?
A5: The contact form is SPST-NO, also described as 1 Form A.

Q6: Where is MX15CE commonly used?
A6: It is commonly used in military vehicles, heavy-duty equipment, battery disconnect systems, marine DC systems, and industrial low-voltage DC power control.