Iron-Tungsten Contacts For Circuit Breakers, Why do Contactors have high conductivity?

Iron-Tungsten Contacts For Circuit Breakers, Contactors are widely used in circuit breakers and contactors. Its high conductivity is an important factor in ensuring the performance of electrical equipment. The following will discuss why iron-tungsten contacts have high electrical conductivity and the impact of this property on their applications.

1. Composition of iron-tungsten alloy
Iron-tungsten contacts are composed of iron and tungsten alloy. Iron itself is a metal with good electrical conductivity, while tungsten is known for its high melting point and excellent wear resistance. When iron is combined with tungsten, the alloy formed not only retains the conductivity of iron, but also enhances the overall properties of the alloy through the addition of tungsten. The presence of tungsten allows the alloy to maintain its conductive properties at high temperatures, which is critical for the operation of circuit breakers and contactors under extreme conditions.

2. Crystal structure and conductivity
The crystal structure of iron-tungsten alloy has a significant impact on its electrical conductivity. The crystal structure of the alloy determines the ability of electrons to move in the material. Iron-tungsten alloys usually have a tight crystal arrangement. This structure can effectively promote the flow of electrons, thus increasing electrical conductivity. The addition of tungsten helps stabilize the crystal structure and reduce the impact of defects and impurities, which further improves the material's conductivity.

3. Low resistivity
The low resistivity of iron-tungsten alloy is an important reason for its high conductivity. Resistivity is a key indicator of the conductive performance of the material. The lower the resistivity, the better the conductivity. Iron has a low resistivity, and tungsten's resistivity has been optimized in the alloy to remain relatively low. Therefore, iron-tungsten alloy exhibits excellent electrical conductivity as a whole and is suitable for use in high-load electrical equipment.

4. Thermal stability and conductive properties
The thermal stability of iron-tungsten contacts also plays an important role in maintaining electrical conductivity. In high-temperature working environments, the electrical conductivity of many materials may decrease, while iron-tungsten alloys can still maintain high electrical conductivity at high temperatures. The high melting point of tungsten enables the alloy to operate stably at high temperatures and ensures effective conduction of current. This thermal stability allows iron-tungsten contacts in equipment such as circuit breakers and contactors to cope with the heat caused by instantaneous high currents and long-term operation.

5. Antioxidant properties
Iron-tungsten alloy has good oxidation resistance and can effectively prevent oxidation reactions in the air. Oxidation causes the formation of non-conductive oxides in the surface layer, reducing conductivity. The anti-oxidation properties of iron-tungsten contacts ensure that their surfaces maintain good electrical conductivity, further enhancing their application life and reliability in electrical equipment.