The Motor Control Switching Performance of Cu-CdO Contacts in a Helium Atmosphere

An investigation of the arc rupture capacity and electrical endurance of Cu-l0 weight percent CdO and Ag-l0 weight percent CdO in motor control gear. In addition, the arc rupture capacity and electrical endurance of Cu-l0 weight percent CdO in helium at 1 atm is presented. Cu-CdO contacts in a helium atmosphere are observed to perform motor control switching duty with similar electrical performance to that registered by Ag-CdO contacts operated in air. The theoretical aspects of the electrical switching of typical motor control loads in contained environments, such as helium, and the possible applications of this type of switch are discussed.