Corrosion resistant plating on steel electrical contact.

[spunkymonkey]

I am looking for a cost effective (cheap) softer alternative to nickel plate on a mild steel (C1008) electrical contact. The contact can experience voltages to 600VAC and current to 38A.

 

[DanDel]

Just curious, but why are you using steel for an electrical contact, especially at 38A?

 

[spunkymonkey]

Cost. What problems are associated with using a steel connector?

 

[DanDel]

Will this steel connector be carrying current? Steel is not typically used to carry electical current, since its conductivity is much lower than copper, aluminum, brass, etc.

 

[kenvlach]

If you stick with the steel contact, I suggest either brass or bronze plating. Both are more wear-resistant than copper and better conductors than steel.
A bronze of 10-12% tin looks great (like gold) and is sometimes used for bearing surfaces.