Sensata Gigavac MX12CA

Sensata Gigavac MX12CA is a 200A DC Power Contactor from the MX12 series, designed for compact automation power units, low-voltage DC panels, small battery systems, mobile service equipment, and auxiliary power switching. This DC Power Contactor uses an SPST-NO contact form, a 24VDC coil, stud power terminals, 38 cm flying lead control termination, chassis mounting, no auxiliary contact, and hermetically sealed construction. It is intended for 12-48VDC architectures where reliable low-voltage high-current switching is required without the size or complexity of a high-voltage contactor platform.

MX12CA is a practical choice when the system uses 24VDC control power and needs a compact 200A switching device. The 38 cm flying leads are suitable for short harness runs inside control boxes, battery compartments, mobile equipment bays, and small power modules. The sealed MX12 construction helps protect the internal contact chamber from dust, humidity, and contamination, supporting stable operation in equipment that may face vibration and temperature change.

Product Positioning

MX12CA should be positioned as a short-lead 24V coil DC Power Contactor for compact low-voltage equipment. It is different from MX12FCB because MX12FCB uses a 48VDC coil, long 122 cm flying leads, and auxiliary contact functionality. MX12CA is simpler: it uses a 24VDC coil, shorter 38 cm flying leads, and no auxiliary contact. This makes it better suited to straightforward switching circuits where the controller does not require direct contact feedback.

The no-auxiliary-contact configuration can be useful in small systems that monitor operation through voltage, current, load response, or command state instead of a dedicated auxiliary signal. For compact automation equipment, small DC cabinets, mobile service devices, and battery-powered accessories, this DC Power Contactor provides the main switching function while keeping wiring simple.

Key Specifications

• Manufacturer series: Sensata Gigavac MX12
• Part number: MX12CA
• Product type: DC Power Contactor
• Contact form: SPST-NO, 1 Form A
• Rated current: 200A
• Switching voltage range: 12-48VDC according to distributor listings
• Coil voltage: 24VDC
• Coil current: approximately 280mA according to DigiKey data
• Coil power: approximately 6.8W according to DigiKey data
• Coil resistance: approximately 85.71 ohms according to DigiKey data
• Must operate voltage: approximately 16VDC according to DigiKey data
• Must release voltage: approximately 0.5VDC according to DigiKey data
• Termination style: stud terminals and wire leads
• Lead length: 38 cm / 15 in according to MX12 series listing
• Mounting type: chassis mount
• Auxiliary contact: none
• Contact material: silver
• Construction: hermetically sealed
• Operating temperature range: -55°C to +100°C
• Typical operate time: approximately 20ms
• Typical release time: approximately 12ms

Features and Benefits

The main benefit of MX12CA is its simple 200A switching capability in a compact low-voltage format. A DC Power Contactor in this class can control battery branches, inverter inputs, charger paths, motor feeds, and auxiliary DC circuits that exceed the capacity of ordinary relays. It gives OEMs a practical switching device for 12-48VDC systems without moving to a larger 400A or 500A contactor.

The 24VDC coil matches common industrial and automation control supplies. Many compact machines, control panels, service tools, mobile platforms, and DC power modules already use 24VDC for controllers, safety circuits, sensors, and relays. Selecting MX12CA allows the contactor coil to operate from that existing auxiliary supply.

The 38 cm flying leads are useful when the contactor is mounted close to the power path and the controller is nearby. Shorter leads can keep the installation tidy in compact enclosures, battery boxes, and small DC panels. Stud terminals provide secure high-current connection points for cables or busbars, helping support reliable 200A current paths when conductor sizing and torque are handled correctly.

Hermetically sealed construction helps protect the internal contacts from moisture, dust, and airborne contamination. This is useful in workshop equipment, mobile platforms, battery-powered accessories, and enclosed DC distribution systems. A sealed DC Power Contactor helps maintain more consistent switching performance than open contactor designs in harsh low-voltage environments.

Applications

MX12CA is especially suitable for compact automation power units and 24V-controlled low-voltage DC panels. In a small automation cart, service tool, battery module, or control enclosure, this DC Power Contactor can connect a battery branch, switch a charger input, isolate an inverter path, or disconnect a protected load during service and fault conditions.

The contactor can also be used in mobile service equipment, compact backup power systems, battery test fixtures, marine auxiliary panels, industrial DC control boxes, and low-voltage distribution modules. Its 200A rating is appropriate for medium-current circuits where a small relay is not enough and a larger MX14 or MX15 contactor would be oversized.

Selection Guide

Before selecting MX12CA, confirm that the circuit is within the 12-48VDC switching range and 200A current class. Review continuous current, peak current, inrush current, load type, switching frequency, thermal rise, and expected duty cycle. Battery loads, inverter inputs, chargers, and motor circuits can create different switching stresses, so the DC Power Contactor should be evaluated in the complete system.

The coil supply should be a stable 24VDC source. If the equipment uses 12VDC or 48VDC control power, another MX12 coil version may be more suitable. If direct contact status feedback is required, MX12CA is not the best configuration because it does not include auxiliary contacts. In that case, select a related MX12 model with auxiliary contact functionality.

FAQ

What is MX12CA used for?

MX12CA is used for 12-48VDC switching in compact automation power units, battery modules, DC control panels, charger paths, and auxiliary power circuits.

Is MX12CA a DC Power Contactor?

Yes. MX12CA is a Sensata Gigavac MX12 series DC Power Contactor with 200A current rating and 12-48VDC switching range.

What coil voltage does MX12CA use?

MX12CA uses a 24VDC coil. DigiKey lists approximately 280mA coil current, 6.8W coil power, and 16VDC must-operate voltage.

Does MX12CA include auxiliary contacts?

No. MX12CA is listed as a no-auxiliary-contact configuration. Use a related MX12 model with auxiliary contacts if contact feedback is required.

How is MX12CA different from MX12FCB?

MX12CA uses a 24VDC coil, 38 cm flying leads, and no auxiliary contact. MX12FCB uses a 48VDC coil, 122 cm flying leads, and auxiliary contacts.

Conclusion

MX12CA is a 200A 12-48VDC DC Power Contactor for compact automation power units, low-voltage DC panels, small battery systems, and auxiliary power switching. With its Sensata Gigavac MX12 sealed construction, 24VDC coil, SPST-NO contact form, stud terminals, 38 cm flying leads, chassis mounting, and no-auxiliary-contact configuration, it is a practical choice for OEM designs that need simple and reliable 24V-controlled DC switching.