In previous articles, the authors investigated separately break arc and make arc, using testing equipment. These two studies resulted in a good knowledge of arc phenomena in real switches. To conclude this study on electrical arcing phenomena and on the contact material performances for automotive power relays, a new test was performed under both break and make arc, and welding phenomena were investigated. This was done under inductive, resistive and lamp loads at 14 V(sub dc) and 30 A, for a wide variety of contact materials such as Ag, AgNi, AgCdO, non doped and doped AgSnO2, AgZnO, AgFeO(x). It was found that, under resistive and lamp loads, the transfer was due to the arc in its anodic phase, both at make and at break, and induces the formation of a pip and a crater. Under inductive load, material transfer occurs mainly during the break operation by the cathodic phase, and erosion takes place over all the rivet surface. It was established that welding occurs when the contacts begin to separate under arc, only with an inrush current for lamp load. This is attributed to a high material transfer under a short contact gap. It is finally concluded that regarding material transfer which is the most harmful consequence of arcing, doped AgSnO2, AgZnO and AgFeOx are good universal contact materials for automotive power relays.
Material transfer and welding in automotive power switches and relays
2000
6 Seiten, 6 Bilder, 3 Tabellen, 21 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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