contactors ?

[montgom626]

I have read the term "contactors". What is a contactor?

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

I have read the term "contactors". What is a contactor?

"A contactor is an electrically controlled switch used for switching a power circuit, similar to a relay except with higher current ratings."

Contactor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[montgom626]

"A contactor is an electrically controlled switch used for switching a power circuit, similar to a relay except with higher current ratings."

Contactor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Where is it located in the MS?

 

[wycolo]

> Where is it located in the MS? [montgom626]

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE :frown:
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[vcor]

My strong impression is it's in the battery pack itself (from looking at patents). The pack itself has the ability to detect a number of harmful events, such as a serious crash, and immediately disconnect the pack's power from the external connections.

 

[montgom626]

> Where is it located in the MS? [montgom626]

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE :frown:
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Never even crossed my mind. Just want to know more about my soon to arrive MS. Thanks for the warning.

 

[Doug_G]

"A contactor is an electrically controlled switch used for switching a power circuit, similar to a relay except with higher current ratings."

In other words, "It's a big-ass relay."

 

[FlasherZ]

Cutting that emergency loop of wire beneath the frunk lid with the fireman hat sticker attached to it will disable the traction battery pack contactor. Follow the wires.

 

[montgom626]

Cutting that emergency loop of wire beneath the frunk lid with the fireman hat sticker attached to it will disable the traction battery pack contactor. Follow the wires.

Nice idea, but not going to happen!!!!!!!!!!!!! :smile:

 

[wycolo]

> Follow the wires. [FlasherZ]

Or the sound. Have someone shift thru PRND to get the contactor clunking while you probe around with a mechanic's stethoscope.
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[TEG]

Note, both EVSE (e.g., HPC or UMC) and car tend to have their own contactors for safety reasons.
The EVSE doesn't provide AC power to the vehicle charging system until it gets a "ready to go" signal from the car and then it engages the charging contactor within the EVSE.
The car has a contactor to keep the battery/pack isolated until it is needed to be hooked up for charging or driving. When you plug in an EVSE and start charging it should activate contactors in both the EVSE and in the car, to connect the EVSE (AC) to the charger, and the charger to the (DC) battery pack.

If the car gets in a bad accident the contactor is supposed to dis-engage so there are no dangerous high voltages presenting anymore outside of the battery pack.

 

[montgom626]

> Follow the wires. [FlasherZ]

Or the sound. Have someone shift thru PRND to get the contactor clunking while you probe around with a mechanic's stethoscope.
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I assume the stethoscope is plastic? ;-)

 

[GSP]

The contactors have to be inside the battery. All EVs, and HEVs, are designed this way. Otherwise, the battery high voltage terminals could not be de-energized to make it safe to handle, ship, and connect/disconnect.

GSP