Magnetic self-latching electric contact

A magnetic self-latching contactor device having reduced bounce between contact pads upon closing, the contactor device comprising:

• a first contact pad disposed on a first pad carrier,
• a second contact pad disposed on a second pad carrier, at least one of said first and second pad carriers being coupled to a contact pad actuating mechanism so as to move in response to a force supplied by said actuating mechanism, said first and second contact pads being movably disposed with respect to the other such that said first and second contact pads are selectively disposed in either a closed position such that both of said contact pads are in physical contact so that electrical current flows between the pads, or in an open position in which said first and second contact pads are physically separated from one another;
• and
• a magnetic latch apparatus having a first magnet assembly and a second magnet assembly disposed so as to magnetically latch said first contact pad and said second contact pad in said closed position, the latching effect of said magnetic latch apparatus being independent from force exerted by said contact pad actuating mechanism;
• each of said first and second magnet assemblies comprising a respective assembly latch element that is selected from the group consisting of permanent magnets, electromagnets, and magnetically attracted material.