A simple electrical contact is a construction of a switch that can be done by simply bringing two conductors together into contact in a way that can be controlled by mechanical means. This method however, is extremely dangerous as one risks electrical shocks and even electrical fires due to uncontrolled contacts that often spark.
Most contacts are often made out of silver or an alloy of silver and cadmium since they are not significantly affected by corrosion, oxidation or abrasion. Gold has the best resistance to corrosion, but they are only capable of carrying a lower amount of electricity per given time.
Their temperature is also moderate when a lot of mechanical energy is used on the switch when operating it. When square contacts are used, it ensures reliability and minimum resistance regardless of the metal used.
High voltage switches have some drawbacks in their operations. For example, heat generated can be extraordinarily high and can melt the plastic fittings and sparking can occur if the contacts are not strongly secured. This is a risk as it can start a fire when flammable gases are present. There is also a possibility of the charges to jump across an open switch when the voltage gets too high and close it.
However, the biggest challenge is that of the exposure of contact to the weather elements. In most industrial and commercial surro
Their temperature is also moderate when a lot of mechanical energy is used on the switch when operating it. When square contacts are used, it ensures reliability and minimum resistance regardless of the metal used.
High voltage switches have some drawbacks in their operations. For example, heat generated can be extraordinarily high and can melt the plastic fittings and sparking can occur if the contacts are not strongly secured. This is a risk as it can start a fire when flammable gases are present. There is also a possibility of the charges to jump across an open switch when the voltage gets too high and close it.
However, the biggest challenge is that of the exposure of contact to the weather elements. In most industrial and commercial surro
High voltage switches have some drawbacks in their operations. For example, heat generated can be extraordinarily high and can melt the plastic fittings and sparking can occur if the contacts are not strongly secured. This is a risk as it can start a fire when flammable gases are present. There is also a possibility of the charges to jump across an open switch when the voltage gets too high and close it.
However, the biggest challenge is that of the exposure of contact to the weather elements. In most industrial and commercial surroundings, there are a lot of chemical fumes that can corrode the contacts thus making them fail due to their deterioration. Sparking may ignite flammable gases that often end in major disasters.
Mercury contact switches have helped combat this problem since it is liquid at room temperature thus it neither corrodes, oxidizes nor sparks. It makes a good contact with metals and can carry large voltages thus ideal for use in industrial areas. Contact is made and broken by simply tilting the chamber.
However, the biggest challenge is that of the exposure of contact to the weather elements. In most industrial and commercial surroundings, there are a lot of chemical fumes that can corrode the contacts thus making them fail due to their deterioration. Sparking may ignite flammable gases that often end in major disasters.
Mercury contact switches have helped combat this problem since it is liquid at room temperature thus it neither corrodes, oxidizes nor sparks. It makes a good contact with metals and can carry large voltages thus ideal for use in industrial areas. Contact is made and broken by simply tilting the chamber.