why are gold-plated contacts not used in high-current applications?

Electric Motor Control
10th Edition
ISBN:9781133702818
Author:Herman
Publisher:Herman
Chapter16: Temperature Switches
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 6SQ: Why should electrical contacts never be permitted to open or close slowly?
icon
Related questions
Question

why are gold-plated contacts not used in high-current applications?

Expert Solution
Step 1

Disadvantages of gold plating :

  • Gold plating is well suited for low voltage low current applications only.
  • The heating effect with the passage of current is more in the case of gold plated contacts than in silver-plated contacts.
  • Gold is expensive.
  • It is also soft and ductile which does not suites the requirement of plated contacts.
  • If gold is used in the application where the arc is expected it will literally melt off. 

 

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Recommended textbooks for you
Electric Motor Control
Electric Motor Control
Electrical Engineering
ISBN:
9781133702818
Author:
Herman
Publisher:
CENGAGE L
Electricity for Refrigeration, Heating, and Air C…
Electricity for Refrigeration, Heating, and Air C…
Mechanical Engineering
ISBN:
9781337399128
Author:
Russell E. Smith
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Delmar's Standard Textbook Of Electricity
Delmar's Standard Textbook Of Electricity
Electrical Engineering
ISBN:
9781337900348
Author:
Stephen L. Herman
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
EBK ELECTRICAL WIRING RESIDENTIAL
EBK ELECTRICAL WIRING RESIDENTIAL
Electrical Engineering
ISBN:
9781337516549
Author:
Simmons
Publisher:
CENGAGE LEARNING - CONSIGNMENT