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Difference between gold plating and silver plating contacts

Sir

I need information on gold and silver plated parts.

What are difference between gold and silver plated parts .
Which is best regarding following parameters.
conductivity, life, or any other.

Thanks and Regards

Rahul Ekhe
q.c. - Pune, Maharashtar, India
February 28, 2011

Hi, Rahul.

Gold does not tarnish. Silver tarnishes, which leaves a less conductive circuit. For very low voltage signal contacts, gold is used. But gold is much more expensive.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.
March 1, 2011

Silver plated contacts are less expensive but are not suitable for small currents or frequent mating.

Silver works well for high currents but the design must be modified to give a much higher contact pressure to break through the oxide/sulfide surface tarnish

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England
March 8, 2011

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