Electrical Contacts: Principles and Applications, Second Edition is updated throughout to reflect the latest advances in electrical contact science and technology, including current research on contact corrosion, materials, and switching. Three new chapters address the effects of dust contamination, electronic sensing for switching systems, and contact phenomena for micro-electronic systems (MEMS) applications. Containing nearly 3,000 references, tables, equations, figures, drawings, and photographs, the book provides practical examples covering everything from electronic circuits to high power circuits, or microamperes to mega amperes.

Contact Interface Conduction. Electrical Contact Resistance: Fundamental Principles. Introduction to Contact Tarnishing and Corrosion. Gas Corrosion. Effect of Dust Contamination on Electrical Contacts. Nonarcing Contacts. Power Connectors. Low-Power Commercial, Automotive, and Appliance Connections. Tribology of Electronic Connectors: Contact Sliding Wear, Fretting, and Lubrication. Materials, Coatings, and Platings. The Electric Arc and Switching Device Technology. The Arc and Interruption. The Consequences of Arcing. Reed Switches. Low Current and High Frequency Miniature Switches: Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Metal Contact Switches. Low Current Switching. Medium to High Current Switching: Low Voltage Contractors and Circuit Breakers, and Vacuum Interrupters. Arc Faults and Electrical Safety. Arcing Contact Materials. Arcing Contact Materials. Contact Design and Attachment. Electrical Contact Material Testing Design and Measurement. Arc Interactions with Contaminants. Sliding Electrical Contacts. Sliding Electrical Contacts (Graphitic Type Lubrication). Illustrative Modern Brush Applications. Sliding Contacts for Instrumentation and Control. Metal Fiber Brushes. Contact Data. Useful Electric Contact Information.