Contact systems
High-quality terminal blocks must be designed to enable the seamless use of corrosion-resistant materials and surface systems.
Naturally, Phoenix Contact uses high-grade corrosion-resistant copper alloys and high-grade Cr(Vl)-free processed steel parts as standard for its connectors and PCB terminal blocks.
This eliminates the possibility of electrolytic corrosion due to humidity and the risk of rusting and its consequences, i.e., unreliable electrical contacts and/or jammed screws.
Please select:
Surface systems
Metallic contact surfaces are used to protect components against corrosion and environmental influences and to ensure their mechanical and electrical function. In order to achieve this, the layers must comply with the RoHS and WEEE EC Directives.
The selection of the contact system surface must balance the technical requirements, such as the current carrying capacity, contact resistance, resistance to environmental influences, with the cost-effectiveness of the solution.
Tin-plated contact system
For plug-in contacts, reliable contacting can be achieved for connector applications at higher voltages and currents (> 20 mV; > 100 mA). Tin-plated plug-in connections have a slightly higher contact force than gold-plated contact systems. This results in gas-tight contact zones with low contact resistance in combination with the relatively soft tin.
With regard to solder contacts, tin surfaces are particularly suitable for soldering applications due to the relatively low melting point of tin and its compatibility with tin-based solders.
Phoenix Contact uses a nickel resistive layer to prevent the normal tendency of tin to initiate an intermetallic reaction with base materials such as brass or bronze. This ensures the long-term quality of the surface (soldering capability after storage) and also prevents whisker growth in the long term.
Silver-plated contact system
Phoenix Contact uses this surface system accordingly in connectors, e.g., for high-current applications (COMBICON power).
Silver-plated surfaces are also characterized by their low contact force and high insertion/withdrawal cycles.
Gold-plated contact system
This means that gold surfaces are not affected by oxidization, which allows low contact-normal forces to be applied to ensure electrical function.
With these characteristics, gold surfaces are ideal for low voltages and currents (> 3 mA; > 20 mV) and durable surfaces with > 100 insertion/withdrawal cycles.
