A method an apparatus is disclosed for preventing contact 18, 20 welding during fault conditions. This fault current tolerable contactor includes two magnetic components 26, 30, one 26 in operable association with the movable contacts 20, and the other 30 fixable attached above the movable contacts 20 such that when a fault condition occurs, a high magnetic force is created to draw the two magnetic components 26, 30 together thereby opening the contacts 18, 20. The magnetic force keeps the contacts 18, 20 open at least until current zero, and preferably a defined time thereafter to provide enough time for the contacts 18, 20 to cool and prevent welding upon the closure of the contacts 18, 20.
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