Plating for Electrical Panels

[cmetz]

What would the correct and cost effective process be for plating a sheet steel electrical panel? The panel has to conduct on all surfaces.

My local plater says "Zinc Plate with Blue Chromate" finish.

Any suggestions/experience?

 

[Goahead]

What about copper plating? Are the contacts fixed once and for all? Oxidation might be a problem in the long term.

http://www.welding-advisers.com/

 

[alexit]

We do Clear Zinc Plate (Yellow Chromate) and have had good results so far (~10 yrs.) Copper, Nickle, Nickle over Copper, etc. are all good depending on cost.

 

[MintJulep]

This is a panel to which other components will be mounted?

Typically such panels are finished with an insulating varnish or dielectric paint to make them non-conductive. This reduces the possibility of a short-to-ground if a terminal becomes lose, or some conductive debris enters the panel.

If you want a conductive panel then the suggested zinc would probably be ok, as would tin or electroless nickel.

 

[cmetz]

Thanks for the help guys!

The panel will will have pem studs for mounting din rail and various components will mount via the din rail.

I will do a zinc/chromate finish. I will do more homework with this information.

 

[HemiBuell]

Make sure you consider the ROHS situation.