Corrosion of Copper Connectors 1

[Baheej]

Did anybody out there have had any experience with Copper high voltage connectors used on Aluminum terminals (6000 or 7000 alloys). We are considering using the RADSOK connectors between electrical components that have Aluminum terminals and we'd like to know if there is anything that we can do to minimize or slow down the corrosion process. Is Zink Plating an option? What else?

Thanks,
Salman

 

[kenvlach]

First, I should mention that I'm not familar with RADSOK connectors & there must be many HV rules I'm unaware of.

I have never seen a zinc-plated electrical connector. Tin is commonly used on steel and aluminum.

I use Alcoa #2 Electrical Joint Compound for bolted Al bus bar connections, including those with Cu bus bar & cable lugs. Works well in fairly hostile indoor environments, e.g., near sulfuric acid solution anodizing tanks. Near the tanks, I also saturate the wire ends within Sn-plated Al cable lugs.