An experimental study on relationships between contact resistance characteristics and electrode surface conditions of Ag contacts

摘要

Contact resistance is one of important characteristics for achieving satisfactory performance and reliability of mechanical relays and switches. This paper describes some experimental results regarding relationships between contact resistance characteristics and electrode surface conditions of Ag contacts operated to interrupt an inductive load current up to 1.2 A. Under the steady arc discharge condition, the resultant contact resistance characteristics were significantly influenced by deposition condition of arc products on the electrode surfaces. With showering arc discharges, contact resistance remained low and stable, although electrode surfaces were damaged.