Search for Test Simulating the Environment of Industrial Atmospheres for Contacts and Connections

To define an environmental simulation test capable of predicting the behavior of contacts and connections in industrial atmospheres a study was conducted from two viewpoints. First, field tests relating to contact resistance measurements, analysis of tarnished surface layers of a great number of contacts, continuous atmospheric contaminant measurements (S02, H2S, NO, NOX), and climatic conditions (temperature and relative humidity) were performed. Second, laboratory simulation tests involving low concentrations of aggressive gases (S02, H2S) have made it possible to accelerate the harmful effects of natural exposure. The methods used are described, the main results of the study are given, and it is shown that a satisfactory environmental simulation test for contacts and connections in industrial atmospheres has been perfected.