Covering the theory, application, and testing of contact materials, Electrical Contacts: Principles and Applications provides comprehensive coverage of electrical contact phenomena. The book discusses making electric contact and contact interface conduction; presents a general outline of important corrosion mechanisms and their measurement techniques; considers the results of contact wear when plug-in connections are made and broken; investigates the effect of thin noble metal plating on electronic connections; and relates crucial considerations for making high- and low-power contact joints. It examines contact use in switching devices, including the interruption of AC and DC circuits with currents ranging from 10 mA to 100 kA and voltages up to 1000 V, and describes arc formation between open and opening contacts. Arcing effects on contacts such as erosion, welding, and contamination are also addressed. Containing nearly 3,000 references, tables, equations, figures, drawings, and photographs, the book provides practical examples encompassing everything from electronic circuits to high-power circuits and from microamperes to megaamperes.

• Reflects the latest advances in electrical contact science and technology
• Examines current research on contact corrosion, materials, and switching
• Includes updates and revisions in each chapter, as well as up-to-date references and new figures and examples throughout
• Delivers three new chapters on dust contamination effects, electronic sensing for switching systems, and contact phenomena for MEMS applications

With contributions from recognized experts in the field, Electrical Contacts: Principles and Applications, Third Edition, assists practicing scientists and engineers in preventing costly system failures while offering graduate students in engineering and technology a comprehensive introduction to electrical contact phenomena.