Sensata Gigavac GV241BAX
The Sensata Gigavac GV241BAX is a GV24 Series hermetically sealed DC power contactor designed for high-current switching in electric vehicles, battery packs, charging systems, energy storage equipment, and industrial DC power systems. This model is configured with a 400 A current rating, 800VDC rated switching voltage, a 12VDC coil, 15 inch flying leads, an SPST-NO main contact, and no 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 |
GV241BAX |
| Series |
GV24 |
| Product Type |
Hermetically Sealed DC Power Contactor |
| Mounting Type |
Upright Chassis Mount |
| Coil Voltage |
12VDC |
| Contact Form |
SPST-NO, 1 Form X Main Contact |
| Contact Rating Current |
400 A |
| Switching Voltage |
800VDC Rated |
| Termination Style |
Stud, Wire Leads |
| Coil Termination |
15 inch / 38 cm Flying Leads |
| Power Terminals |
M8x1.25 Stud Terminals |
| Auxiliary Contact |
None |
| 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 |
| Short Circuit Current |
4000 A for 20 ms |
| Max Break Current |
3000 A at 400V for 1 cycle; 900 A at 800V for 1 cycle |
| Environmental Seal |
Hermetically Sealed, Exceeds IP67 and IP69K |
| Typical Weight |
Approx. 0.44 kg / 0.97 lb for upright mount version |
Product Description
The Sensata Gigavac GV241BAX is a 400 A high-voltage DC contactor for systems that need reliable switching, compact packaging, and sealed performance in harsh environments. As part of the GV24 Series, it is designed for 800VDC class battery and power control applications. It is suitable for electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, battery energy storage systems, DC charging equipment, industrial battery packs, power conversion cabinets, material handling equipment, marine DC systems, and renewable energy equipment.
GV241BAX uses a normally open main contact. In the de-energized state, the main circuit is open and the load is isolated. When the 12VDC coil is energized, the contactor closes and current flows through the main power terminals. When coil power is removed, the main contact opens again. This behavior makes GV241BAX suitable for main battery disconnect, charge contactor, discharge contactor, inverter input control, DC bus switching, and high-voltage load isolation in properly engineered systems.
The complete model number should be used in product listings and backend records. “GV24” identifies the 400 A, 800VDC contactor family. The “1” indicates upright mounting. The “B” indicates the 12VDC coil version with internal coil suppression. The “A” indicates 15 inch flying leads. The final “X” indicates no auxiliary contact. This distinction is important because similar GV24 models may use 24VDC or 48VDC coils, PCB pins, PWM coil options, or normally open or normally closed auxiliary contacts.
Key Features
- 400 A current rating for demanding DC power switching applications.
- 800VDC rated switching voltage for EV, ESS, charging, and industrial systems.
- 12VDC coil for vehicle, battery management, and low-voltage control circuits.
- SPST-NO main contact for controlled power connection and isolation.
- 15 inch flying leads for compact harness and cabinet wiring.
- No auxiliary contact, suitable for systems using external feedback methods.
- Hermetically sealed construction for harsh operating environments.
- Built-in coil suppression for simplified control circuit design.
- Upright mount format with M8 power terminal connection.
- Can be mounted in any position and exceeds IP67 and IP69K sealing requirements.
Applications
The Sensata Gigavac GV241BAX is commonly used in EV battery packs, hybrid vehicle systems, energy storage cabinets, DC charging systems, power distribution units, industrial DC buses, marine electrical systems, test benches, and renewable energy equipment. Its 400 A current rating makes it suitable for high-power applications where 150 A or 200 A contactors are too small, while its compact upright package remains practical for dense equipment layouts.
Because GV241BAX has no auxiliary contact, it is best suited for systems that do not need built-in contactor feedback or that use separate voltage, current, or controller-based sensing to confirm contactor state. If the control design requires a direct auxiliary signal, a GV24 model ending in B or C should be selected instead. The X suffix should remain visible in the product listing to make the no-auxiliary configuration clear.
Design Notes
The 800VDC and 12VDC values describe separate electrical circuits. The 800VDC rating applies to the main contact/load circuit and describes the high-voltage DC circuit the contactor is designed to switch. The 12VDC rating applies to the coil/control circuit that actuates the contactor. A system can use a 12V controller, BMS output, or relay driver to operate the coil while the main contacts switch a much higher DC bus.
GV241BAX uses a dual-coil design with internal coil suppression. Both coils are used during pickup, and then the contactor transitions to low continuous hold power. Coil drive should follow the product requirements, and pickup voltage should be applied properly during testing rather than slowly ramped from zero. External diodes across the coil should not be added without reviewing release-time and switching-performance effects.
For capacitive loads such as inverter inputs, DC link capacitors, chargers, 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 equipment. Final design should also verify terminal torque, cable size, insulation spacing, thermal rise, current direction, enclosure protection, and fault current behavior.
Why Choose Sensata Gigavac GV241BAX
GV241BAX is a strong choice when a system needs a sealed 400 A, 800VDC contactor with 12V control and short flying leads. Compared with PCB pin versions, the wire lead configuration is convenient for harness-based vehicle and cabinet installations. Compared with auxiliary-contact versions, the no-auxiliary configuration is simpler when the system already has another method for diagnostics or does not require position feedback.
For backend product listings, write the full name as Sensata Gigavac GV241BAX. Avoid shortening it to GV24 or GV241, because related models may use 24VDC or 48VDC coils, different mounting styles, PCB pins, PWM coil options, or auxiliary contacts. GV241BAX specifically identifies the upright mount, 12VDC coil, 15 inch lead, no-auxiliary version.
FAQ
Is GV241BAX an 800V or 12V contactor?
It uses both values for different circuits. The main contacts switch DC loads at 800VDC class voltage, while the coil/control circuit is 12VDC.
What is the current rating of GV241BAX?
GV241BAX is rated for 400 A continuous current.
Does GV241BAX include an auxiliary contact?
No. The final X in GV241BAX indicates no auxiliary contact.
What does the A mean in GV241BAX?
The A indicates 15 inch, or 38 cm, flying leads for the coil wiring.
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