Electrical Contact Material

[John Fields]

On Sat, 4 Dec 2010 15:42:37 -0800 (PST), Searcher7
<Searcher7@mail.con2.com> wrote:

On Dec 4, 2:53 pm, whit3rd <whit...@gmail.com> wrote:
Searcher7 wrote:
Can anyone tell me of any springy, corrosion resistant metals/allows
that don't need special plating to be used as contacts?

The contacts will only carry data and low voltages(ie: +5, +10,
+12,+24, -5).

And there will be no wiping between contacts

That's a perfect storm: no high voltage, no wiping, means
that any dust mote will prevent contact.  That can only
work reliably if you  have high contact forces, or if you
use reed switch parts (for the sealed glass envelope).

One possibility you might consider is zebra-stripe
elastomer conductors; these are compliant enough to
make a connection even if that dust mote shows up.

Zebra-stripe elastomer conductors would be too "exotic", expensive and
would require a lot of redesigning, *if* they would work for what I'm
doing.

---
So what are you doing?

---
JF

 

[whit3rd]

On Dec 4, 3:42 pm, Searcher7 <Search...@mail.con2.com> wrote:

On Dec 4, 2:53 pm, whit3rd <whit...@gmail.com> wrote:
One possibility you might consider is zebra-stripe
elastomer conductors

Zebra-stripe elastomer conductors would be too "exotic", expensive and
would require a lot of redesigning, *if* they would work for what I'm
doing.

Elastomer conductors is the technology behind all the inexpensive
keyboards around you, and on cost per contact is less expensive
than any of your other options. Not exotic. Not expensive.
As for 'redesigning', that's the best thing to do if your current
design isn't complete and satisfactory.

 

[Don Kelly]

cross out to reply
"Searcher7" wrote in message
news:106e2bec-fd36-41b0-86b3-d58357c1b89e@o4g2000yqd.googlegroups.com...

On Dec 4, 2:53 pm, whit3rd <whit...@gmail.com> wrote:

Searcher7 wrote:
Can anyone tell me of any springy, corrosion resistant metals/allows
that don't need special plating to be used as contacts?

The contacts will only carry data and low voltages(ie: +5, +10,
+12,+24, -5).

And there will be no wiping between contacts

That's a perfect storm: no high voltage, no wiping, means
that any dust mote will prevent contact. That can only
work reliably if you have high contact forces, or if you
use reed switch parts (for the sealed glass envelope).

One possibility you might consider is zebra-stripe
elastomer conductors; these are compliant enough to
make a connection even if that dust mote shows up.

Zebra-stripe elastomer conductors would be too "exotic", expensive and
would require a lot of redesigning, *if* they would work for what I'm
doing.

I might however be able to incorporate wiping if I can determine a
good material to use, outside of the contact material itself.(I can
make it part of the switching mechanics).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

Good nickel plated brass should do.
As an example, for a gas furnace with a millivolt relay, I had problems with
a standard "Decora" switch designed for 120V. There was enough surface
oxidation to cause an open circuit at such low voltages (about 500mv max) A
12V automotive switch with good wiping and pressure works well.
I replaced the Decora switch with another of the same type but with nickel
plating and have had no problems since then.




Don Kelly

 

[The Ghost In The Machine]

On Dec 2, 10:11 pm, Searcher7 <Search...@mail.con2.com> wrote:

Can anyone tell me of any springy, corrosion resistant metals/allows
that don't need special plating to be used as contacts?

The contacts will only carry data and low voltages(ie: +5, +10,
+12,+24, -5).

And there will be no wiping between contacts, but there will also be
no current unless the contacts are together. So no arcing problems.

The best I've been able to come up with is Phosphor-Bronze. (Beryllium-
copper was my second choice).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

MOST OF THESE FOOLS ARE ALSO PART IDIOT
THEY CANNOT EVEN UNDERSTAND A SIMPLE QUERY FOR A MATERIAL THAT DOES
NOT REQUIRE PLATING,
SO GO WITH YOUR INSTINCTS.
YOU'LL BE BETTER OFF.

PATECUM

 

[Searcher7]

On Dec 5, 11:48 pm, "Don Kelly" <d...@shawcross.ca> wrote:

cross out to reply"Searcher7"  wrote in message

news:106e2bec-fd36-41b0-86b3-d58357c1b89e@o4g2000yqd.googlegroups.com...

On Dec 4, 2:53 pm, whit3rd <whit...@gmail.com> wrote:



Searcher7 wrote:
Can anyone tell me of any springy, corrosion resistant metals/allows
that don't need special plating to be used as contacts?

The contacts will only carry data and low voltages(ie: +5, +10,
+12,+24, -5).

And there will be no wiping between contacts

That's a perfect storm: no high voltage, no wiping, means
that any dust mote will prevent contact.  That can only
work reliably if you  have high contact forces, or if you
use reed switch parts (for the sealed glass envelope).

One possibility you might consider is zebra-stripe
elastomer conductors; these are compliant enough to
make a connection even if that dust mote shows up.

Zebra-stripe elastomer conductors would be too "exotic", expensive and
would require a lot of redesigning, *if* they would work for what I'm
doing.

I might however be able to incorporate wiping if I can determine a
good material to use, outside of the contact material itself.(I can
make it part of the switching mechanics).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

Good nickel plated brass should do.
As an example, for a gas furnace with a millivolt relay, I had problems with
a standard "Decora" switch designed for 120V.  There was enough surface
oxidation to cause an open circuit at such low voltages (about 500mv max)  A
12V automotive switch with good wiping and pressure works well.
I replaced the Decora switch with another of the same type but with nickel
plating and have had no problems since then.

Don Kelly

Well, unless nickel plating means I'll never have to worry about
"dirty" contact problems, I'll stick with Phosphor-Bronze + wiping to
keep things clean.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

 

[Searcher7]

On Dec 5, 6:04 pm, whit3rd <whit...@gmail.com> wrote:

On Dec 4, 3:42 pm, Searcher7 <Search...@mail.con2.com> wrote:

On Dec 4, 2:53 pm, whit3rd <whit...@gmail.com> wrote:
One possibility you might consider is zebra-stripe
elastomer conductors
Zebra-stripe elastomer conductors would be too "exotic", expensive and
would require a lot of redesigning, *if* they would work for what I'm
doing.

Elastomer conductors is the technology behind all the inexpensive
keyboards around you, and on cost per contact is less expensive
than any of your other options.  Not exotic.  Not expensive.
As for 'redesigning', that's the best thing to do if your current
design isn't complete and satisfactory.

My design is complete and satisfactory. Elastomer conductors are
exotic for what I want to do and they wouldn't work for me anyway.(And
expensive is relative).

All I am trying to settle on is the material for the conductors.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

 

[Searcher7]

On Dec 8 2010, 8:38 pm, Searcher7 <Search...@mail.con2.com> wrote:

On Dec 5, 11:48 pm, "Don Kelly" <d...@shawcross.ca> wrote:



cross out to reply"Searcher7"  wrote in message

news:106e2bec-fd36-41b0-86b3-d58357c1b89e@o4g2000yqd.googlegroups.com...

On Dec 4, 2:53 pm, whit3rd <whit...@gmail.com> wrote:

Searcher7wrote:
Can anyone tell me of any springy, corrosion resistant metals/allows
that don't need special plating to be used as contacts?

The contacts will only carry data and low voltages(ie: +5, +10,
+12,+24, -5).

And there will be no wiping between contacts

That's a perfect storm: no high voltage, no wiping, means
that any dust mote will prevent contact.  That can only
work reliably if you  have high contact forces, or if you
use reed switch parts (for the sealed glass envelope).

One possibility you might consider is zebra-stripe
elastomer conductors; these are compliant enough to
make a connection even if that dust mote shows up.

Zebra-stripe elastomer conductors would be too "exotic", expensive and
would require a lot of redesigning, *if* they would work for what I'm
doing.

I might however be able to incorporate wiping if I can determine a
good material to use, outside of the contact material itself.(I can
make it part of the switching mechanics).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

Good nickel plated brass should do.
As an example, for a gas furnace with a millivolt relay, I had problems with
a standard "Decora" switch designed for 120V.  There was enough surface
oxidation to cause an open circuit at such low voltages (about 500mv max)  A
12V automotive switch with good wiping and pressure works well.
I replaced the Decora switch with another of the same type but with nickel
plating and have had no problems since then.

Don Kelly

Well, unless nickel plating means I'll never have to worry about
"dirty" contact problems, I'll stick with Phosphor-Bronze + wiping to
keep things clean.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

And can anyone suggest a material I can use for wiping? (A material
that isn't conductive).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

 

[George Herold]

On Jan 14, 6:36 pm, Searcher7 <Search...@mail.con2.com> wrote:

On Dec 8 2010, 8:38 pm, Searcher7 <Search...@mail.con2.com> wrote:





On Dec 5, 11:48 pm, "Don Kelly" <d...@shawcross.ca> wrote:

cross out to reply"Searcher7"  wrote in message

news:106e2bec-fd36-41b0-86b3-d58357c1b89e@o4g2000yqd.googlegroups.com....

On Dec 4, 2:53 pm, whit3rd <whit...@gmail.com> wrote:

Searcher7wrote:
Can anyone tell me of any springy, corrosion resistant metals/allows
that don't need special plating to be used as contacts?

The contacts will only carry data and low voltages(ie: +5, +10,
+12,+24, -5).

And there will be no wiping between contacts

That's a perfect storm: no high voltage, no wiping, means
that any dust mote will prevent contact.  That can only
work reliably if you  have high contact forces, or if you
use reed switch parts (for the sealed glass envelope).

One possibility you might consider is zebra-stripe
elastomer conductors; these are compliant enough to
make a connection even if that dust mote shows up.

Zebra-stripe elastomer conductors would be too "exotic", expensive and
would require a lot of redesigning, *if* they would work for what I'm
doing.

I might however be able to incorporate wiping if I can determine a
good material to use, outside of the contact material itself.(I can
make it part of the switching mechanics).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

Good nickel plated brass should do.
As an example, for a gas furnace with a millivolt relay, I had problems with
a standard "Decora" switch designed for 120V.  There was enough surface
oxidation to cause an open circuit at such low voltages (about 500mv max)  A
12V automotive switch with good wiping and pressure works well.
I replaced the Decora switch with another of the same type but with nickel
plating and have had no problems since then.

Don Kelly

Well, unless nickel plating means I'll never have to worry about
"dirty" contact problems, I'll stick with Phosphor-Bronze + wiping to
keep things clean.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

And can anyone suggest a material I can use for wiping? (A material
that isn't conductive).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

TP?
(sorry)

 

[WhySoSerious?]

On Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:36:30 -0800 (PST), Searcher7
<Searcher7@mail.con2.com> wrote:

And can anyone suggest a material I can use for wiping? (A material
that isn't conductive).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

Charmin

 

[Rich Grise]

Searcher7 wrote:

Can anyone tell me of any springy, corrosion resistant
metals/allows that don't need special plating to be used as
contacts?

A piece of tinplate (tin-plated steel) cut from the lid of a "tin" can.

You could either use two, or the other contact could be a brass nail.

The action of the movement of the contacts will knock off the oxide when
they make contact.

Good Luck!
Rich

 

[Jasen Betts]

On 2011-01-14, Searcher7 <Searcher7@mail.con2.com> wrote:

Well, unless nickel plating means I'll never have to worry about
"dirty" contact problems, I'll stick with Phosphor-Bronze + wiping to
keep things clean.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

And can anyone suggest a material I can use for wiping? (A material
that isn't conductive).

Usually the contacts are arranged so that they wipe against each other.

--
⚂⚃ 100% natural

 

[Don Kelly]

?"Searcher7" wrote in message
news:e6883b06-4ac8-4518-bbd0-bb06a970ad57@fx12g2000vbb.googlegroups.com...

On Dec 8 2010, 8:38 pm, Searcher7 <Search...@mail.con2.com> wrote:

On Dec 5, 11:48 pm, "Don Kelly" <d...@shawcross.ca> wrote:



cross out to reply"Searcher7" wrote in message

news:106e2bec-fd36-41b0-86b3-d58357c1b89e@o4g2000yqd.googlegroups.com...

On Dec 4, 2:53 pm, whit3rd <whit...@gmail.com> wrote:

Searcher7wrote:
Can anyone tell me of any springy, corrosion resistant metals/allows
that don't need special plating to be used as contacts?

The contacts will only carry data and low voltages(ie: +5, +10,
+12,+24, -5).

And there will be no wiping between contacts

That's a perfect storm: no high voltage, no wiping, means
that any dust mote will prevent contact. That can only
work reliably if you have high contact forces, or if you
use reed switch parts (for the sealed glass envelope).

One possibility you might consider is zebra-stripe
elastomer conductors; these are compliant enough to
make a connection even if that dust mote shows up.

Zebra-stripe elastomer conductors would be too "exotic", expensive and
would require a lot of redesigning, *if* they would work for what I'm
doing.

I might however be able to incorporate wiping if I can determine a
good material to use, outside of the contact material itself.(I can
make it part of the switching mechanics).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

Good nickel plated brass should do.
As an example, for a gas furnace with a millivolt relay, I had problems
with
a standard "Decora" switch designed for 120V. There was enough surface
oxidation to cause an open circuit at such low voltages (about 500mv
max) A
12V automotive switch with good wiping and pressure works well.
I replaced the Decora switch with another of the same type but with
nickel
plating and have had no problems since then.

Don Kelly

Well, unless nickel plating means I'll never have to worry about
"dirty" contact problems, I'll stick with Phosphor-Bronze + wiping to
keep things clean.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

And can anyone suggest a material I can use for wiping? (A material
that isn't conductive).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
-----------------------------------
Nickel plating so far has gone for over 13 years without a problem while the
standard switches lasted under a year.
Gold plating works but is expensive
As to "wiping" that is a function of the way the contact is made- the
contacts rub a bit when closing. This acts to clean them.
No need for external wiping with some cloth or emery.

Don Kelly
cross out to reply

 

[Josepi]

Contact "wipe" is the term used for how much the contact travel overlaps and
is not a material.

After a contact initially touches any further action will cause the contact
arm to bend and thus "wipe" or scrape the contact bump against the other
contact side bump. This effectively keeps the contact surfaces clean and
free of dust specs between the mating surfaces.

For reliable contacts the usual techniques are bifricated (dual arm ends and
contact surfaces), dual contacts in parallel, silver or gold (best) contact
surfaces, seal them in a dust enclosure or vaccum (best= no dust or oxide),
wet them with mercury or other liquid conductor (slow acting) or any of the
above in combination. The arms need to be a different material for spring
action.

If you want to actaull wipe a contact clean use isopropylene or a good
isopropyl alcohiol with low water or oil content and a good lint free cloth
wrapped around a contact burning tool, or just a burning tool designed for
that usage.

Reed relay contacts are sealed in a vacuum bottle and can be operated via a
magnetic field.



"Searcher7" <Searcher7@mail.con2.com> wrote in message
news:e6883b06-4ac8-4518-bbd0-bb06a970ad57@fx12g2000vbb.googlegroups.com...
And can anyone suggest a material I can use for wiping? (A material
that isn't conductive).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

 

[F. Bertolazzi]

Searcher7:

B) What is presently commercially available in parts will not be
sufficient for my needs.

If the dildo is not big enough, try this:
http://www.sayeducate.com/2010/07/09/operating-a-fire-extinguisher-101/

 

[Searcher7]

On Jan 14, 10:52 pm, "Josepi" <J...@easynews.calm> wrote:

Contact "wipe" is the term used for how much the contact travel overlaps and
is not a material.

After a contact initially touches any further action will cause the contact
arm to bend and thus "wipe"  or scrape the contact bump against the other
contact side bump. This effectively keeps the contact surfaces clean and
free of dust specs between the mating surfaces.

For reliable contacts the usual techniques are bifricated (dual arm ends and
contact surfaces), dual contacts in parallel, silver or gold (best) contact
surfaces, seal them in a dust enclosure or vaccum (best= no dust or oxide),
wet them with mercury or other liquid conductor (slow acting) or any of the
above in combination. The arms need to be a different material for spring
action.

If you want to actaull wipe a contact clean use isopropylene or a good
isopropyl alcohiol with low water or oil content and a good lint free cloth
wrapped around a contact burning tool, or just a burning tool designed for
that usage.

Reed relay contacts are sealed in a vacuum bottle and can be operated via a
magnetic field.

"Searcher7" <Search...@mail.con2.com> wrote in message

news:e6883b06-4ac8-4518-bbd0-bb06a970ad57@fx12g2000vbb.googlegroups.com....
And can anyone suggest a material I can use for wiping? (A material
that isn't conductive).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

I don't think that anyone understood what I just asked. But just in
case the responders didn't read the entire thread, this is an
innovative project.

A) It doesn't yet exist.

B) What is presently commercially available in parts will not be
sufficient for my needs.

C) And I'm searching for a good material that can be used for wiping
Phosphor-Bronze contacts. A material that is *not* electrically
conductive.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

 

[The Ghost In The Machine]

On Dec 2 2010, 10:11 pm, Searcher7 <Search...@mail.con2.com> wrote:

Can anyone tell me of any springy, corrosion resistant metals/allows
that don't need special plating to be used as contacts?

The contacts will only carry data and low voltages(ie: +5, +10,
+12,+24, -5).

And there will be no wiping between contacts, but there will also be
no current unless the contacts are together. So no arcing problems.

The best I've been able to come up with is Phosphor-Bronze. (Beryllium-
copper was my second choice).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

PLATINUM IS YOUR BEST BET....THERE ARE EVAPORATING SOLVENTS YOU CAN
USE FOR OFF POWER CLEANSING.
FROM THE MIND OF PATECUM :{

 

[John Fields]

On Fri, 14 Jan 2011 20:25:40 -0800 (PST), Searcher7
<Searcher7@mail.con2.com> wrote:

A) It doesn't yet exist.

B) What is presently commercially available in parts will not be
sufficient for my needs.

C) And I'm searching for a good material that can be used for wiping
Phosphor-Bronze contacts. A material that is *not* electrically
conductive.

---
Would you explain how the wiping is to be done?

---
JF

 

[Baron]

Searcher7 Inscribed thus:

On Jan 14, 10:52 pm, "Josepi" <J...@easynews.calm> wrote:
Contact "wipe" is the term used for how much the contact travel
overlaps and is not a material.

After a contact initially touches any further action will cause the
contact arm to bend and thus "wipe"  or scrape the contact bump
against the other contact side bump. This effectively keeps the
contact surfaces clean and free of dust specs between the mating
surfaces.

For reliable contacts the usual techniques are bifricated (dual arm
ends and contact surfaces), dual contacts in parallel, silver or gold
(best) contact surfaces, seal them in a dust enclosure or vaccum
(best= no dust or oxide), wet them with mercury or other liquid
conductor (slow acting) or any of the above in combination. The arms
need to be a different material for spring action.

If you want to actaull wipe a contact clean use isopropylene or a
good isopropyl alcohiol with low water or oil content and a good lint
free cloth wrapped around a contact burning tool, or just a burning
tool designed for that usage.

Reed relay contacts are sealed in a vacuum bottle and can be operated
via a magnetic field.

"Searcher7" <Search...@mail.con2.com> wrote in message


news:e6883b06-4ac8-4518-bbd0-bb06a970ad57@fx12g2000vbb.googlegroups.com...
And can anyone suggest a material I can use for wiping? (A material
that isn't conductive).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

I don't think that anyone understood what I just asked. But just in
case the responders didn't read the entire thread, this is an
innovative project.

A) It doesn't yet exist.

B) What is presently commercially available in parts will not be
sufficient for my needs.

C) And I'm searching for a good material that can be used for wiping
Phosphor-Bronze contacts. A material that is *not* electrically
conductive.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

In that case paper will do what you want ! ie think paper towel.

--
Best Regards:
Baron.

 

[Josepi]

Paper can leave lint between contacts and cause them to burn. Never use a
paper product unless it is certified link free.

Kim-wipes are lint free and we used them on contacts for decades.



"Baron" <baron.nospam@linuxmaniac.nospam.net> wrote in message
news:igsfhg$3f1$1@news.eternal-september.org...
In that case paper will do what you want ! ie think paper towel.

--
Best Regards:
Baron.

 

[Rich Grise]

Josepi wrote:

If you want to actaull wipe a contact clean use isopropylene or a good
isopropyl alcohiol with low water or oil content and a good lint free
cloth wrapped around a contact burning tool, or just a burning tool
designed for that usage.

In English, "burnishing."

Cheers!
Rich