The Albright HV500 is a hermetically sealed, normally open DC contactor for high-voltage power switching. This guide explains its published ratings, configuration options and the checks needed when comparing it with other contactors.
Technical review: 26 October 2026. Specifications below are based on the linked manufacturer documents.
HV500 specifications: what the ratings mean
Albright’s HV500 catalogue, revision v3b-11-23, gives the following figures:
| Parameter | Published specification |
|---|---|
| Main contact arrangement | Single pole, single throw, normally open (SPST-NO) |
| Rated contact voltage | 12–1000 V DC |
| Continuous current | 250 A with 50 mm² cables; maximum 500 A with 190 mm² busbars |
| Coil choices | 12–96 V DC, depending on configuration |
| Main-contact mechanical endurance | More than 1,000,000 cycles |
| Auxiliary-contact mechanical endurance | More than 100,000 cycles |
| Environmental sealing | Hermetically sealed contacts, auxiliary and PWM circuit; catalogue states that sealing exceeds IP67 |
Carrying current and interrupting current are different duties. The 500 A thermal rating does not establish a 500 A switching capability at every voltage. Use the catalogue’s switching curves and application conditions. Mechanical endurance is also different from electrical life while switching a load.
Albright announced validation up to 1000 V DC and explicitly advises users to verify performance in their end application. Confirm the selected part and its documentation when replacing an older 500 V version.
Configuration options for your application
The manufacturer’s HV500 feature overview describes PWM economiser, intermittent-duty and magnetic-latching coil options, auxiliary contacts and optional silver-alloy contact tips. Main contacts are non-polarity-sensitive; coil wiring must follow the diagram for the selected option.
A PWM economiser reduces holding power. Coil power alone does not establish operating speed: compare the specified pull-in and release times, driver and suppression arrangement. Magnetic-latching versions retain their last state without continuous coil power and must not be assumed to open automatically when power is lost.
How does the HV500 compare with other DC contactors?
Select exact part numbers and compare the same operating conditions. A shared current rating does not make two contactors interchangeable.
- TE Connectivity KILOVAC EV200: the EV200A1ANA product specification lists a 500 A contact rating and 12–900 V DC contact voltage. It should not be grouped automatically with 1000 V-rated products.
- Sensata GIGAVAC GVB35: its manufacturer datasheet identifies bidirectional 1000 V DC operation, 300,000 mechanical cycles and IP67/IP69K sealing. Other GIGAVAC models have their own specifications.
- Schaltbau C300-500: the manufacturer specification lists bidirectional DC operation, a 1000 V rated operating voltage, 200,000 mechanical operations and 500 A thermal current with 300 mm² connections at 70°C. Its 1500 V insulation figure has separate pollution-degree conditions.
These figures support a configuration-specific comparison, rather than a universal ranking. Connection sizes alone do not prove better thermal efficiency when test temperatures, mounting and heat-removal conditions differ.
Official illustrations, diagrams and downloads
- HV500 product illustrations and auxiliary-contact explanation
- HV500 wiring diagrams, switching curves and coil information — catalogue PDF
- Albright application forms, including the HV500 form
Request an HV500 quotation or selection check
Send OEM Nordic your maximum DC voltage, continuous current, switching duty, load type, coil supply, required auxiliary function and quantity. Include the existing part number and datasheet when requesting a replacement.
Request an Albright HV500 quote
Browse Albright contactors, email sales@oemnordic.com or call +358 (0) 44 7 56 56 56.
Product images: Albright International. Images show examples; terminals, bracket, coil and auxiliary options depend on the ordered configuration.