Sure does, thank you. I guess I knew this for small computer systems and
vital circuitry conections, but wasn't thinking about data-aq and such(po-boy
here-lol). What voltage and/or amperage draw would you consider a realistic
cut off point(as in a definition of "low-voltage, low- current") for standard
contacts? I imagine we're talking m-amps and m-volts here? And is simply
getting zero resitance or inifinite continuity through the circuit good
enough diagnostics for all applications in your opinion?
TD
> TD;
>
> Some time ago I pontificated on the various types of switch contacts-
> - ones that were suitable for power and those suitable for low-
> voltage, low- current (so-called "dry circuit") applications.
> Connector pin contacts are similar.
>
> At very low voltages & low- currents a contact will develop a thin oxide
> on its surface that acts as an insulator. Higher voltages & currents
> can punch through this oxide and make good contact but for dry
> circuit applications such as data logging sensors, etc., a plating
> of gold on the pins is necessary to prevent the oxide growth.
>
> Hope this explains the basic problem.
>
> Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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