Effect of Contact Materials on Electrical Performance

Relative comparison of contact materials across four electrical performance factors. Arrows indicate direction and magnitude of change; values are relative to each other, not absolute measurements.
Material Immediate Temperature Rise Long Term Temperature Rise Arc Erosion Weld / Stick Tendency
Silver
▼Mild decrease
▬No change
▲Mild increase
▲Mild increase
Graphite
▲Mild increase
▼Mild decrease
▲ ▲Moderate increase
▼ ▼ ▼Significant decrease
Tungsten
▲Mild increase
▲ ▲Moderate increase
▼ ▼Moderate decrease
▼Mild decrease
Tungsten Carbide
▲ ▲Moderate increase
▲Mild increase
▼ ▼ ▼Significant decrease
▼ ▼Moderate decrease
Large Refractory Material Particles
▼Mild decrease
▼Mild decrease
▲Mild increase
▲Mild increase
Small Refractory Material Particles
▲Mild increase
▲Mild increase
▼Mild decrease
▼Mild decrease

Note: Copper can be used to substitute silver in high voltage applications.

All columns are relative to each other. Looking at weld/stick tendency, graphite is the least likely to stick. Tungsten carbide is the second least likely to stick.

How to read this table

  • ▲ One arrow = mild change
  • ▲ ▲ Two arrows = moderate change
  • ▲ ▲ ▲ Three arrows = significant change
  • ▬ Flat bar = no change
  • Up arrow = increase, down arrow = decrease