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Sealing
In low current applications the slightest amount of contamination
can result in an intermittent signal since the low current cannot
penetrate even the smallest amount of contamination. Consequently
lower currents require better sealed and cleaner switches.
As a rule of thumb - HSI recommends hermetically sealed switches
with gold contacts for any application with currents under 1 amp.
Contact Material
While Silver provides the best conductive properties for contact
material it is also susceptible to the creation of sulfide and oxide
films. For this reason Gold alloy material is used for lower
energy circuits. Platinum base contact material is used for
higher energy circuit applications at elevated temperatures.
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