Sensata Gigavac GX23CA

Sensata Gigavac GX23CA is a 350A 800VDC High Voltage DC Contactor from the GX23 series, designed for EV retrofit systems, custom battery conversion projects, high-voltage service modules, and compact powertrain control assemblies. This High Voltage DC Contactor uses an SPST-NO-DM main contact form, a 24VDC coil, stud power terminals, wire lead control termination, chassis mounting, and hermetically sealed construction. It is a practical option when a project needs 350A current capacity and 800VDC switching capability without moving to a larger 500A or 600A contactor platform.

GX23CA is useful in engineered conversion and service equipment where the high-voltage contactor must be mounted close to the battery cable path but controlled from a separate low-voltage harness. The stud terminals support secure power connections, while the wire leads allow the coil circuit to route back to a controller, safety relay, or manual service logic. The sealed GX23 design helps protect the internal contact chamber from dust, humidity, and contamination in vehicle bays, workshop equipment, and industrial power enclosures.

Product Positioning

GX23CA should be positioned as a 24V coil High Voltage DC Contactor for EV retrofit and custom high-voltage DC switching systems. Compared with 150A GX11 or GX21 models, GX23CA offers a higher 350A current rating for heavier battery and inverter paths. Compared with GX16 600A models, it is more compact and better matched to medium-high current systems where 600A capacity would be unnecessary.

This model is best for applications that need a straightforward contactor configuration without emphasizing auxiliary feedback. If the equipment monitors operation through bus voltage, current sensors, precharge timing, or controller logic, GX23CA can provide the main switching function without extra feedback wiring. That makes this High Voltage DC Contactor suitable for conversion builds, prototype cabinets, and serviceable battery power modules.

Key Specifications

• Manufacturer series: Sensata Gigavac GX23
• Part number: GX23CA
• Product type: High Voltage DC Contactor
• Main contact form: SPST-NO-DM / 1 Form X
• Rated current: 350A
• Maximum switching voltage: 800VDC
• Coil voltage: 24VDC
• Coil current: approximately 97mA according to DigiKey data
• Coil power: approximately 2.3W according to DigiKey data
• Coil resistance: approximately 247.42 ohms according to DigiKey data
• Must operate voltage: approximately 16VDC according to DigiKey data
• Must release voltage: approximately 2VDC according to DigiKey data
• Power termination: stud terminals
• Control termination: wire leads / flying leads
• Mounting style: chassis mount
• Auxiliary contact: not listed in checked public distributor data
• Construction: hermetically sealed
• Operating temperature range: -55°C to +85°C
• Typical operate time: approximately 20ms
• Typical release time: approximately 12ms

Features and Benefits

The 350A current rating is the main strength of GX23CA. A High Voltage DC Contactor in this class can control battery outputs, inverter DC inputs, charger branches, and protected distribution paths that are beyond the range of smaller contactors. It gives designers a useful middle current class between compact 150A devices and larger 600A heavy-duty contactors.

The 800VDC maximum switching voltage makes GX23CA suitable for elevated-voltage DC architectures used in electric conversion projects, battery modules, powertrain prototypes, and industrial DC equipment. This High Voltage DC Contactor should be selected where the voltage and current requirements match the system design and where precharge and protection are handled correctly.

The 24VDC coil matches many industrial and vehicle control systems. Controllers, safety relays, fans, sensors, interlock boards, and contactor drivers often share a 24V auxiliary supply. Using a 24V coil contactor can simplify the low-voltage design and reduce the need for additional conversion hardware.

Stud terminals provide secure connection points for high-current cables or busbars. Wire leads keep the coil wiring flexible, which is useful in custom enclosures where the power section and control section are not in the same location. This format helps the High Voltage DC Contactor fit retrofit, prototype, and service module layouts.

Hermetically sealed construction helps protect the contact chamber from moisture, airborne particles, and environmental contamination. This is important in vehicle compartments, workshop power systems, and compact battery boxes where vibration, temperature changes, and dust may affect open switching devices.

Applications

GX23CA is especially suitable for EV retrofit systems and custom battery conversion projects. In a retrofit powertrain, this High Voltage DC Contactor can serve as a main battery contactor, inverter input contactor, charger interface contactor, or controlled disconnect for a high-voltage service module. The 350A rating gives it enough capacity for substantial DC paths while keeping the design below the size class of larger 600A devices.

The contactor can also be used in prototype EV cabinets, battery test modules, industrial DC distribution panels, mobile power units, charger support equipment, and high-voltage service tools. In each case, GX23CA should be paired with suitable fusing, precharge logic, conductor sizing, thermal review, and isolation control.

Selection Guide

Before selecting GX23CA, confirm maximum DC voltage, continuous current, peak current, inrush current, switching frequency, and load type. This High Voltage DC Contactor is listed for 350A and up to 800VDC maximum switching, but the final system must also account for DC arc energy, precharge behavior, cable length, busbar layout, fuse coordination, and ambient temperature.

The coil supply should be a stable 24VDC source. Designers should verify coil driver capacity, wire lead routing, stud terminal clearance, mounting orientation, vibration exposure, and service access. If direct auxiliary feedback is required, confirm a related GX23 auxiliary-contact variant before ordering. If the design requires more current, GX16 or GV200 models may be reviewed.

FAQ

What is GX23CA used for?

GX23CA is used for EV retrofit systems, battery conversion projects, inverter inputs, charger interfaces, prototype cabinets, and 800VDC-class high-current switching.

Is GX23CA a High Voltage DC Contactor?

Yes. GX23CA is a Sensata Gigavac GX23 series High Voltage DC Contactor with 350A current rating and 800VDC maximum switching voltage.

What coil voltage does GX23CA use?

GX23CA uses a 24VDC coil. DigiKey lists approximately 97mA coil current, 2.3W coil power, and 16VDC must-operate voltage.

What termination style does GX23CA use?

GX23CA uses stud terminals for the main power path and wire leads for the coil/control connection, with chassis mounting.

How is GX23CA different from GX21CA?

GX23CA is a 350A GX23 contactor, while GX21CA is commonly associated with the 150A GX21 class. GX23CA is better suited when the current requirement is higher but a 600A contactor is not needed.

Conclusion

GX23CA is a 350A 800VDC High Voltage DC Contactor for EV retrofit systems, custom battery modules, inverter inputs, charger paths, and high-voltage service equipment. With its Sensata Gigavac GX23 sealed construction, 24VDC coil, SPST-NO-DM contact form, stud terminals, wire leads, and chassis mounting, it is a practical choice for OEM and conversion projects that need reliable 800VDC-class switching in a balanced 350A current package.