Computer-controlled system for testing contacts on switching high current

The article presents the specialized, computerized and automated measuring stand for investigation of the erosion, resistance and temperature of contacts on breaking high currents under model conditions. The whole stand is serviced and controlled by the software, which provides records of timing diagrams, acquisition of measurement data in an automatic cycle, visualization and analysis of measurement results. Moreover, the original method is given for dynamic measurements of a temperature inside contacts heated by an arc on breaking high currents. Diagrams are presented for the erosion and resistance of contacts, and temperatures of anode and cathode obtained for contacts made of W-Ag composites on breaking a sinusoidal half-wave of current with an amplitude of 1-17 kA. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.