Application of a new silver/tin oxide for capacitive loads

The new silver/tin oxide material, Ag/SnO₂ 12 WPX, which is based on the utilization of tin oxide powder produced with the aid of the so-called ´reaction spray process´ has been tested in contactors for capacitive loads. The test were performed in two different types of contactors for 25 and 50 kVAR load, focusing on electrical service life. Reference materials were the standard silver/cadmium oxide material for capacitive loads, ´Sicadox´, and the standard silver/cadmium oxide for AC3 applications, Ag/CdO 10 ZH. The investigations carried out showed the new Ag/SnO₂ 12 WPX to be superior to the other materials examined. The results obtained are discussed in terms of metallurgical processes taking place in the different contact materials under the action of the arc.