Sensata Gigavac HX21CAC

Sensata Gigavac HX21CAC is a 350A 1500VDC High Voltage DC Contactor from the HX21 series, designed for DC fast charging, high-voltage battery interfaces, charger output switching, and power conversion equipment that requires reliable isolation at elevated voltage. This High Voltage DC Contactor uses a 24VDC coil, stud power terminals, flying lead control termination, chassis mounting, auxiliary contact functionality, and hermetically sealed construction. It is a strong fit for systems that need 1500VDC-class switching but do not require the larger 400A HX24 configuration.

HX21CAC is useful where charging equipment or battery systems need a compact high-voltage switching device with status feedback. The 350A current rating supports demanding DC power paths, while the 24VDC coil fits common charger and industrial control architectures. The flying lead format gives cabinet builders flexibility when routing control wiring, and the sealed design helps protect the contact system from dust, moisture, and contamination.

Product Positioning

HX21CAC should be positioned as a 1500VDC High Voltage DC Contactor for DC fast charging and high-voltage battery control. Compared with GV24 models, which are commonly 800VDC-class devices, HX21CAC provides additional voltage headroom for higher-voltage charging systems, battery racks, and power conversion platforms. Compared with HX241CAC, HX21CAC offers a 350A rating rather than a 400A rating, making it suitable where the design requires 1500V capability but the current path is slightly lower.

The auxiliary contact allows the controller to monitor contactor state during charging sequences. In a charger cabinet, this feedback can be used to confirm output isolation, coordinate precharge, verify shutdown, or support fault diagnostics. Public distributor listings describe HX21CAC with NC auxiliary configuration, while the main contact is listed as normally open by DigiKey and TTI. Designers should confirm the final wiring against the datasheet and application schematic.

Key Specifications

• Manufacturer series: Sensata Gigavac HX21
• Part number: HX21CAC
• Product type: High Voltage DC Contactor
• Main contact form: SPST-NO-DM / 1 Form X according to distributor data
• Rated current: 350A
• Nominal switching voltage: 1500VDC
• Coil voltage: 24VDC
• Power termination: stud terminals
• Control termination: flying leads / wire leads
• Lead length: 38 cm / 15 in according to series listing
• Mounting style: chassis mount / upright mount
• Auxiliary contact: included, NC auxiliary configuration referenced by distributor listings
• Construction: hermetically sealed
• Operating temperature range: -55°C to +85°C
• Typical operate time: approximately 20ms according to related HX series distributor data
• Typical release time: approximately 12ms according to related HX series distributor data

Features and Benefits

The primary advantage of HX21CAC is its 1500VDC voltage capability in a 350A package. A High Voltage DC Contactor in this range can support charger outputs, battery interfaces, inverter DC links, and high-voltage distribution branches where lower-voltage contactors would not provide enough margin. This makes HX21CAC appropriate for modern power systems that are moving beyond traditional 400V and 800V architectures.

The 24VDC coil is practical for charger cabinets and industrial control platforms. Many DC fast chargers, energy cabinets, and power conversion systems already use 24VDC auxiliary power for controllers, fans, sensors, relays, and contactors. Selecting a High Voltage DC Contactor with a matching coil voltage can simplify the control power design.

The auxiliary contact supports supervised switching. A control board can compare the commanded state with auxiliary feedback before enabling output power or moving to the next step in a charging sequence. This can improve diagnostics and help detect abnormal contactor behavior. For safety-related systems, the auxiliary contact should be integrated according to the full control logic and required standards.

Stud terminals provide secure high-current connection points for cables or busbars. Flying leads allow the coil and auxiliary circuits to be routed back to the controller without requiring a board-mounted contactor location. This combination is useful in charger power bays, cabinet layouts, and high-voltage compartments where mechanical placement and wiring serviceability matter.

Hermetically sealed construction helps protect the internal contacts from environmental contamination. Charging infrastructure and industrial power equipment may face humidity, dust, vibration, and temperature cycling. A sealed High Voltage DC Contactor helps maintain consistent switching behavior across long service intervals.

Applications

HX21CAC is especially suitable for DC fast charging systems. In a charger cabinet, this High Voltage DC Contactor can switch the charger output, isolate a battery interface, control a high-voltage branch, or disconnect the DC path during service and fault events. Its 1500VDC rating supports high-voltage charger designs, while the 350A current rating suits substantial output paths that do not require a 400A HX24 device.

The contactor can also be used in battery energy storage, inverter systems, renewable energy conversion equipment, high-voltage DC distribution, and industrial power cabinets. In these applications, HX21CAC may function as a main contactor, branch isolation device, charger interface contactor, or inverter input contactor depending on the architecture.

For OEMs designing monitored high-voltage equipment, HX21CAC provides a useful combination of sealed switching, flying lead flexibility, and auxiliary feedback. The final application should be validated with the system voltage, current, precharge design, cable sizing, thermal behavior, and protection strategy.

Selection Guide

Before selecting HX21CAC, confirm maximum DC bus voltage, continuous current, peak current, inrush current, switching duty, and required isolation behavior. This High Voltage DC Contactor is intended for 1500VDC-class systems and 350A current paths, but final suitability depends on load type, DC arc energy, precharge timing, protective devices, conductor sizing, and operating environment.

The coil supply should be a stable 24VDC source. Designers should verify coil driver capacity, suppression strategy, wiring route, and any control diagnostics tied to the auxiliary contact. The flying lead length should also be checked against the cabinet layout so the contactor can be mounted near the DC bus while still reaching the control harness.

If the system needs a 400A rating, HX241CAC may be a better match. If the system only requires 800VDC switching, a GV24 or GX family contactor may be more cost-effective. If no feedback is required, a related HX21 configuration without auxiliary contacts may simplify the control wiring.

FAQ

What is HX21CAC used for?

HX21CAC is used for DC fast charging, high-voltage battery interfaces, charger output switching, inverter inputs, and 1500VDC-class DC distribution.

Is HX21CAC a High Voltage DC Contactor?

Yes. HX21CAC is a Sensata Gigavac HX21 series High Voltage DC Contactor with 350A current rating and 1500VDC nominal switching capability.

What coil voltage does HX21CAC use?

HX21CAC uses a 24VDC coil, making it suitable for charger cabinets and industrial control systems with a 24V auxiliary power supply.

Does HX21CAC include an auxiliary contact?

Yes. Distributor listings identify HX21CAC with auxiliary contact functionality. Some listings describe the auxiliary contact as NC, while the main contact is listed as normally open.

How is HX21CAC different from HX241CAC?

HX21CAC is a 350A HX21 contactor, while HX241CAC is a 400A HX24 contactor. Both are 1500VDC-class High Voltage DC Contactor options with 24VDC coil configurations.

Conclusion

HX21CAC is a 350A 1500VDC High Voltage DC Contactor for DC fast charging, high-voltage battery systems, inverter interfaces, and industrial power conversion equipment. With its Sensata Gigavac HX21 sealed construction, 24VDC coil, flying lead termination, stud power terminals, chassis mounting, and auxiliary contact capability, it is a practical choice for monitored 1500VDC-class switching where reliability and wiring flexibility are important.