The Lubrication of Electrical Contacts

The objectives of lubricant compounding for industrial uses involving the possibility of metallic contact, and those of lubricant compounding for electrical contacts are almost mutually exclusive. In the former case surfaces must be separated and in the latter, metallic contact must be maintained. The modern principles of lubrication are therefore simply explained and those which may be applicable to electrical contacts in field field of boundary lubrication are stressed. Types of contacts are then defined and the appropriate lubricant properties applicable to each type are discussed; some (like creep, prevention of oxide formation, and resistance to arcing) in more detail than others. Methods of application are discussed. The aim is to suggest directions for much needed research in the lubrication of electrical contacts.