The influence of switching arcs on contact resistance of Ag/SnO2 materials

Silver tin oxide (Ag/SnO₂) contact materials are widely used for relays and contactor applications. Device approbation in accordance to standards requires several types of temperature rise test in new and switched conditions. Significant differences in temperature rise after the various switching sequences are experienced. In addition, differences between individual phases of one device - especially in switched condition - are known from test. In this work, the contact resistance evaluation under different load conditions has been studied. Therefore the arcing events at make and break operation during different endurance tests (AC-3 and AC-4) have been analyzed and correlated to the contact resistances at rated current level during temperature rise test. Surface layer changes of contact materials after load are characterized by metallurgical methods. The paper shows the formation of different surface layers as a function of arcing energies during make and break operation. The results demonstrate that make and break arc together are creating the surface layers defining the final contact resistance.