Schaltbau to launch expanded high-power contactor portfolio at InnoTrans 2024

Schaltbau, a global industry leader specializing in direct current (DC) technology, looks forward to presenting innovative rail tech at InnoTrans 2024. From September 24 to September 27, the company will reveal an innovative high power-contactor portfolio including its expanded CP and CF series. These innovations, designed to meet the increasing demands of modern transportation and industrial power systems, will be highlighted in Hall 2.2, Booth 110 of the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. 

CP Series – High-Power Traction Contactors 
The expanded CP series offers high-power contactors designed specifically for demanding rail applications. Now featuring three newly developed variants—rated at 800A, 1000A, and 1500A—these additions fill critical gaps in current offerings, optimizing size and cost for applications requiring higher current capacity. 

"At Schaltbau, we prioritize innovation that anticipates the future needs of the modern railway industry. The CP contactor series shows our commitment to developing high-quality, future-proof solutions that drive efficiency and reliability in critical power applications”, says Steffen Munz, CEO of Schaltbau. "We are proud to showcase this versatile technology at InnoTrans 2024." 

These robust design enhancements allow the CP series to perform seamlessly under heavy load conditions, ensuring optimal performance and a longer operational life. Additionally, Schaltbau will introduce the Smart-CP contactor, a next-generation intelligent switching device. Equipped with integrated sensors, real-time monitoring, and self-diagnostic capabilities, this device brings intelligence into critical power applications, improving energy management and reducing downtime. 

CF Series – Modular Multipole Contactors
The CF series introduces a modular approach to rail contactors, with the latest 400A variant adding versatility to an already adaptable system. These contactors are available in both NO (normally open) and NC (normally closed) configurations, handling currents up to 400A and voltages up to 3kV. The CF series' ability to switch both AC (up to 400Hz) and DC makes it an ideal choice for high-demand rail applications. 

"Our High-Power Contactor Initiative is a forward-thinking approach to high-energy applications that require greater reliability and precision," adds Munz. "Schaltbau has always been at the forefront of technological advancement, and we look forward to introducing the next generation of intelligent devices to bring new levels of performance and safety to high-power systems." 

Visitors to InnoTrans 2024 will have the opportunity to experience not only the high-performance contactors but also new products in the field of snap-action switches, railway devices and cockpit solutions from the subsidiary SPII at the Schaltbau stand. The company's experts will be on site to provide insights, answer questions and provide detailed advice on how Schaltbau solutions can be tailored to the specific needs of their customers.

Technical details:

Key technical highlights of the CP series include: 

• Current range: 600A to 2000A, with the three new versions rated at 800A, 1000A, and 1500A. 
• Voltage range: Nominal voltages of 1.5kV to 3kV, suitable for both AC and DC loads. 
• Switching capability: The contactors are designed to handle DC, fully bidirectional DC, and AC loads, ensuring exceptional electrical lifetimes. 
• Mechanical life: Over 1 million switching cycles for NO and NC contacts, making them highly durable in harsh operating conditions. 
• Configuration flexibility: The CP contactors feature 3 arc chamber types (A, B, D) and come with a monostable drive system, ensuring broad applicability and easy customization for specific rail systems. 
• Operational efficiency: These contactors incorporate larger fixed contacts and split contact bridges, which improve current distribution and contact reliability, reducing wear and tear. 
• Integrated permanent magnet system that eliminates critical current issues, resulting in lower total cost of ownership (TCO), as well as easy contact inspection and reduced maintenance requirements.

Technical features of the CF series include: 

• Current ratings: Available in 200A, 300A, and now 400A models, providing a scalable solution for different power needs. 
• Switching chambers: Each variant is built with up to six poles (for 200A/300A models) or four poles (for the 400A model), with fully bi-directional switching for both AC and DC loads. 
• Breaking technology: Advanced arc-suppression features, including polyamide, steel, and ceramic extinguished element inserts, ensure reliable switching and extended contact life. 
• Mechanical life: With over 1 million cycles, the CF series delivers longevity, reducing the need for frequent maintenance. 
• Operational flexibility: The modular design supports up to four auxiliary contacts (S870 or S826), enhancing its applicability across a variety of operational conditions. 
• Critical current resilience: The CF series is engineered to handle high short-circuit withstand currents of 4kA without critical current range issues. 
• The CF series' modular and bi-directional switching capabilities make it an exceptional solution for complex rail systems, where versatility and reliability are paramount.