Copper-Silver Contact Material
A copper-silver contact material raises the softening temperature and improves arc erosion resistance in electrical switching elements. This leads to higher reliability and longer service life.
Physicochemical Mechanism of Action
Copper-silver contact materials contain silver, which raises the softening temperature of copper. This prevents rapid cooling and the formation of oxide compounds on the contact surfaces.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
A silver content that is too high can cause the contacts to fuse, leading to increased resistance and unreliable switching. A silver content that is too low reduces softening effectiveness and arc erosion resistance.
Workshop Practice & Instructions
Use contact materials with a silver content of 1-2% for optimal performance. Ensure that the switching elements are handled correctly during assembly and welding to achieve the desired arc erosion resistance.