PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS S E C O N D E D I T I O N ELECTRICAL CONTACTS by P a u l G . S l a d e

PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS S E C O N D E D I T I O N ELECTRICAL CONTACTS by P a u l G . S l a d e

Contents:

Part I Contact Interface Conduction

1. Electrical Contact Resistance: Fundamental Principles

2. Introduction to Contact Tarnishing and Corrosion

3. Gas Corrosion.

4. Effect of Dust Contamination on Electrical Contacts

Part II Nonarcing Contacts

5. Power Connectors

6. Low-Power Commercial, Automotive, and Appliance Connections

7. Tribology of Electronic Connectors: Contact Sliding Wear, Fretting, and Lubrication

8. Materials, Coatings, and Platings

Part III The Electric Arc and Switching Device Technology

9. The Arc and Interruption

10. The Consequences of Arcing

11. Reed Switches

12. Low Current and High Frequency Miniature Switches: Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS), Metal Contact Switches

13. Low Current Switching

14. Medium to High Current Switching: Low Voltage Contactors and Circuit Breakers, and Vacuum Interrupters

15. Arc Faults and Electrical Safety

Part IV Arcing Contact Materials

16. Arcing Contact Materials..

17. Contact Design and Attachment

18. Electrical Contact Material Testing Design and Measurement

19. Arc Interactions with Contaminants

Preface:

I began my studies in the fascinating world of electrical contacts as a graduate student at the University of Wales in the mid-1960s. Since that time, I have been involved with electri cal contacts both as a research scientist and as a developer of switching components. Even though the subject is as old as electricity, it has continued to evolve. To those of us who have continued working in this field, it has provided a stimulating and ever-expanding subject for research. It has, however, always been—and still is—on the periphery of other major technology achievements. For example, plug-in connectors are a vital, but ignored, component of an integrated circuit—ignored, that is, until the connector fails. Another example that comes to mind is the development of sliding contacts that work in a space environment, which have been essential for the successful development of the communi cation satellite. Experts in electrical contact technology can cite many such examples. In fact, electrical contacts of one type or another are found in every electrical component, and the proper operation of the contacts is always vital to the reliable operation of that component. The subject of electrical contacts is by necessity multidisciplinary. No matter which academic career you initially begin with, as soon as you start working in this area, you soon develop a good general knowledge of many others. The study of electrical contacts requires knowledge of physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, and environmental science. It also requires a broad applications knowl edge; contacts can be found in electronic circuits that may carry currents of less than 10–6 A and also in power circuits that may carry currents of greater than 106 A. The aim of this book is to provide information on the current state of electrical contact science and engineering to practicing scientists and engineers, as well as to provide a comprehensive introduction to the subject for technology graduate students. To do this we use the knowledge and experience of 17 contributors who are actively involved in the research, development, manufacture, and application of electrical contacts. Nine of these contributors have received the Ragnar Holm Scientific Achievement Award for their contributions to the science of electrical contacts, which is given by the IEEE Holm Conference on Electrical Contacts. The contributors reflect the great diversity that characterizes elec trical contact applications.

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