Transient thermoelectromotive forces on binding posts

When connecting conductors to a binding post, in addition to the well-known steady-state, transient thermoelectric forces (TTEMFs) are also generated. The magnitude of the TTEMF could exceed 10/sup -6/ V if the insulated part of the binding post upper nut is heated by touching. Such heating not longer than 10 s is caused by the tightening of the upper nut of the binding post. Experiments on three different kinds of binding posts were carried out, and the results of such research are given. For the purpose of the analysis of thermal phenomena in the binding posts, the equivalent circuit scheme is used. By using this scheme, the temperature differences between the two joints on binding posts are calculated. The temperature difference and the maximum TTEMF could be reduced, by thickening the central part of the copper bolt, and by reducing the thermal resistance between this bolt and the support on which the binding post is mounted.