Contact matters: If silver is good, gold must be better. For contact materials, it isn't necessarily so. (Electrical/Electronic).(Statistical Data Included) From: Machine Design | Date: May 9, 2002| Author: Haines, Earl | COPYRIGHT 2002 Penton Media, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Switch contacts are made from a variety of metals, but gold and silver are the most common. Each has advantages and disadvantages. The big plus for gold is that it doesn't corrode or tarnish. However, its higher cost is a disadvantage, and it's less conductive than silver.

Another problem with gold contacts is the potential for oxidation from organic compounds, simple versions of which are present in the atmosphere. In vapor form, they can be absorbed by the gold contact...