Question 1

What is the SGX series and which applications is it designed for?

Accepted Answer

The GIGAVAC SGX series is a family of ceramic-insulated, hermetically sealed compact high-voltage DC contactors purpose-built for industrial use. It includes four models from 50A to 400A. Typical applications: residential energy-storage systems (ESS), DC fast-charging stations, electric forklifts, automated guided vehicles (AGV) and EV/industrial mobility.

Question 2

What is the maximum switching voltage for SGX contactors?

Accepted Answer

The maximum switching voltage is 1000 Vdc for SGX050, SGX150 and SGX250, and 750 Vdc for SGX400. Across all models the insulation resistance is 1000 MΩ at 1000 Vdc and the dielectric withstand is 4300 Vac for one minute.

Question 3

What coil options does the SGX series offer?

Accepted Answer

The SGX series ships with 12 Vdc and 24 Vdc coil options as standard. All models use a dual-coil design that drops the holding power down to just 3 W. Built-in TVS suppression eliminates the need for an external freewheel diode. Pick-up current is 0.54 A max, which allows the contactor to be driven directly from a low-voltage BMS rail.

Question 4

Are SGX contactors bidirectional?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Per the 2025 Sensata datasheets every SGX model is bidirectional — there is no fixed polarity on the main contacts, current can be switched safely in either direction. That property is critical for ESS charge/discharge cycles, V2G applications and regenerative-braking systems.

Question 5

What is the breaking capacity of the SGX series?

Accepted Answer

Breaking capacity varies by model: 450 A at 1000 Vdc for SGX050 and SGX150 (1 cycle), 1200 A at 1000 Vdc for SGX250 (1 cycle). SGX400 delivers 2.5 kA at 400 V and 2 kA at 800 V. Short-circuit withstand (no-smoke / no-fire test) is 6000 A for 5 ms and 4000 A for 20 ms.

Question 6

What environmental conditions can SGX contactors operate in?

Accepted Answer

The SGX series operates from -40°C to +85°C, while the hermetic body itself withstands up to 175°C. Humidity range is 5-85% RH. Vibration capability is 98 m/s² across 10 Hz – 500 Hz, and shock (functional close) is 490 m/s². The hermetically sealed chamber is back-filled with a hydrogen-rich protective gas — oxidation is eliminated and contact resistance stays low and stable for the life of the product.

Question 7

How is an SGX contactor mounted?

Accepted Answer

An SGX contactor can be mounted in any orientation. The coil terminals on top are M5 (3-4 N·m), the load terminals on the side are M6 (6-8 N·m). Minimum recommended cable cross-section is 50 mm² for SGX150 and 60 mm² for SGX250 — anything smaller can cause abnormal heating at the terminals.

Question 8

What are the operate and release times of an SGX contactor?

Accepted Answer

At nominal voltage, operate time (closing) is ≤ 30 ms and release time (opening) is ≤ 10 ms. These response times make the SGX series well-suited to DC fast-charging and ESS scenarios where emergency disconnect speed matters.

Question 9

Does the SGX series offer an auxiliary contact option?

Accepted Answer

According to the 2025 SGX Aux datasheets, every model (SGX050/150/250/400) can be ordered with an optional SPST-NO auxiliary contact. Aux rating is 5 V / 100 mA (5 V / 3 mA minimum). When no aux is needed, the "X = None" option in the configurator is selected. The aux contact is mechanically linked to the main contact.

Question 10

What is the mechanical life of SGX contactors?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical endurance is 3.5×10⁵ cycles (0.5 s on / 0.5 s off). Electrical endurance: 2×10⁴ cycles under capacitive load, 1000 cycles at 1000 Vdc / 150 A resistive and 6000 cycles at 1000 Vdc / 30 A. These numbers leave a comfortable margin for 10+ year project lifetimes.

Question 11

Which standards does SGX comply with?

Accepted Answer

The SGX series is UL Recognized, IEC 60664-1 (Insulation Coordination) and RoHS compliant. These certifications shorten the qualification cycle for international ESS, EV-charging and industrial projects.

Question 12

What is the key difference between SGX150 and SGX250?

Accepted Answer

Both models share the same ceramic technology and environmental ratings. The differences: SGX150 carries 150 A continuous and breaks 450 A; SGX250 carries 250 A continuous and breaks 1200 A at 1000 Vdc. SGX250 also withstands 8000 A short-circuit at 500 Vdc (5 ms). It is slightly larger (~370 g vs ~320 g).

Question 13

Why is SGX a good fit for DC fast-charging stations?

Accepted Answer

DC fast-charging requires three things: high breaking capacity, low coil power and a compact footprint. SGX checks all three boxes — switching up to 1000 Vdc, 3 W holding power and a square form-factor. The bidirectional design also supports V2G energy back-flow.

Question 14

Which SGX model should I pick for residential ESS?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the system size. Small residential systems (5-10 kWh) often fit SGX050. Mid-size residential / light-commercial (10-50 kWh) typically calls for SGX150, larger systems for SGX250. SGX400 is aimed at industrial ESS. Pick the right class by evaluating current profile, ambient temperature and short-circuit conditions together — share the requirement via the RFQ form and we'll help size it.

About the SGX Series series

01What is the SGX series and which applications is it designed for?

02What is the maximum switching voltage for SGX contactors?

03What coil options does the SGX series offer?

04Are SGX contactors bidirectional?

05What is the breaking capacity of the SGX series?

06What environmental conditions can SGX contactors operate in?

07How is an SGX contactor mounted?

08What are the operate and release times of an SGX contactor?

09Does the SGX series offer an auxiliary contact option?

10What is the mechanical life of SGX contactors?

11Which standards does SGX comply with?

12What is the key difference between SGX150 and SGX250?

13Why is SGX a good fit for DC fast-charging stations?

14Which SGX model should I pick for residential ESS?