Title :
Switching performance of AgW-Ag(Sn,In)O and AgW-AgSnO2 contact pairs
Author :
Slade, Paul G. ; Chien, Y.K. ; Bindas, John A.
Author_Institution :
Westinghouse Sci. & Technol. Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
fDate :
3/1/1990 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Experiments were conducted to determine the switching performance of Ag-W contacts when operated in combination with Ag-(Sn,In)O and Ag-SnO2 materials. Contact pairs for each combination were evaluated in an experimental actuator at a current of 150 A. The Ag-W contact was always the moving contact. The new contacts were closed, a steady current of 150 A was passed, and the voltage drop (Vc) across the contacts and the temperature rise ( Tr) of the back of the fixed contact was measured. The contacts then switched a 150-A, 600-V (RMS) circuit for 2000 operations, and the above measurements were repeated. Both the Ag-W versus Ag-(Sn,In)O and the Ag-W versus Ag-SnO2 contact pairs gave low values of Vc when new, a characteristic of good Ag to Ag contact. After 2000 operations, the Vc values for both contact combinations were very high and variable. Metallurgical examination of the contacts showed arc-resistant oxide surfaces containing complex oxides of Ag, Sn, and In alloys as well as complex tungstates formed from combinations of Ag, Sn, and In
Keywords :
contact resistance; contactors; electrical contacts; indium compounds; silver alloys; tin compounds; tungsten alloys; 150 A; 2000 operations; 600 V; AC current switching; AgW-AgSnInO; AgW-AgSnO2; arc-resistant oxide surfaces; complex oxides; complex tungstates; contact pairs; experimental actuator; fixed contact; moving contact; switching performance; temperature rise; voltage drop; Actuators; Conducting materials; Contact resistance; Current measurement; Manufacturing; Switches; Switching circuits; Temperature; Tin; Voltage;
Journal_Title :
Components, Hybrids, and Manufacturing Technology, IEEE Transactions on
