Albright Contactors
SW200

The most popular contactor in the EV conversion circles is the Albright SW200.

The ratings on the contactor are only 250A at 96VDC, this is well below what an EV will put the contactor through.  But the SW200 works because of the unique way in which power is controlled and routed in an EV.

In most power applications, where a contactor is used, the contactor is engaged "hot".  Power is switched to a live load directly through the contactor.  In the case of an EV, the contactor fires and connects the load prior to the controller sending modified energy to the motor.  The reverse occurs when the contactor is taken out of the loop in an EV.  The controller reduces the output to zero, then the contactor disengages.  Because of this unique form of operation the SW200 does not have to concern itself with, or deal with, any arcing.  The power is off anytime, in most cases, that its contacts are in motion.

The Albright SW200 contactor runs less than $100 at most any EV shop.  So it is a good buy and will handle the load, even though the spec's say it won't.  You can always buy two and put them in parallel.  That makes it an even better contactor assembly since the true ratings double.

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