Electrical Contacts

Electrical Contacts: Principles and Applications, Second Edition is updated throughout to reflect the latest advances in electrical contact science and technology, including current research on contact corrosion, materials, and switching. Three new chapters address the effects of dust contamination, electronic sensing for switching systems, and contact phenomena for micro-electronic systems (MEMS) applications. Containing nearly 3,000 references, tables, equations, figures, drawings, and photographs, the book provides practical examples covering everything from electronic circuits to high power circuits, or microamperes to mega amperes.

Autorentext

Paul G. Slade began his studies in the fascinating world of electrical contacts as a graduate student at the University of Wales, Cardiff, UK in the mid-1960s. Since that time, he has been involved with electrical contacts both as a research scientist and as a developer of switching components. Currently retired, he ended his five decades of experience in electrical contact research first at the Westinghouse R &D Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, and then at the Eaton Corporation's Vacuum Interrupter Factory, Horseheads, New York, USA.

Zusammenfassung
Covering the theory, application, and testing of contact materials, Electrical Contacts: Principles and Applications, Second Edition introduces a thorough discussion on making electric contact and contact interface conduction; presents a general outline of, and measurement techniques for, important corrosion mechanisms; considers the results of contact wear when plug-in connections are made and broken; investigates the effect of thin noble metal plating on electronic connections; and relates crucial considerations for making high- and low-power contact joints. It examines contact use in switching devices, including the interruption of AC and DC circuits with currents in the range 10mA to 100kA and circuits up to 1000V, and describes arc formation between open contacts and between opening contacts. Arcing effects on contacts such as erosion, welding, and contamination are also addressed.Containing nearly 3,000 references, tables, equations, figures, drawings, and photographs, the book provides practical examples encompassing everything from electronic circuits to high power circuits, or microamperes to mega amperes. The new edition:Reflects the latest advances in electrical contact science and technologyExamines current research on contact corrosion, materials, and switchingIncludes updates and revisions in each chapter, as well as up-to-date references and new figures and examples throughoutDelivers three new chapters on the effects of dust contamination, electronic sensing for switching systems, and contact phenomena for micro-electronic systems (MEMS) applicationsWith contributions from recognized experts in the field, Electrical Contacts: Principles and Applications, Second Edition assists practicing scientists and engineers in the prevention of costly system failures, as well as offers a comprehensive introduction to the subject for technology graduate students, by expanding their knowledge of electrical contact phenomena.

Inhalt

Contact Interface Conduction. Electrical Contact Resistance: Fundamental Principles. Introduction to Contact Tarnishing and Corrosion. Gas Corrosion. Effect of Dust Contamination on Electrical Contacts. Nonarcing Contacts. Power Connectors. Low-Power Commercial, Automotive, and Appliance Connections. Tribology of Electronic Connectors: Contact Sliding Wear, Fretting, and Lubrication. Materials, Coatings, and Platings. The Electric Arc and Switching Device Technology. The Arc and Interruption. The Consequences of Arcing. Reed Switches. Low Current and High Frequency Miniature Switches: Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Metal Contact Switches. Low Current Switching. Medium to High Current Switching: Low Voltage Contractors and Circuit Breakers, and Vacuum Interrupters. Arc Faults and Electrical Safety. Arcing Contact Materials. Arcing Contact Materials. Contact Design and Attachment. Electrical Contact Material Testing Design and Measurement. Arc Interactions with Contaminants. Sliding Electrical Contacts. Sliding Electrical Contacts (Graphitic Type Lubrication). Illustrative Modern Brush Applications. Sliding Contacts for Instrumentation and Control. Metal Fiber Brushes. Contact Data. Useful Electric Contact Information.