Conductivity Counts: Choosing the Right Contact for Reliable Switching
EAO outlines how silver, gold-plated, and alloy contacts impact HMI performance and longevity in U.S. Tech magazine
SHELTON, Conn., August 2025 – When it comes to designing reliable push buttons, keylock switches, and emergency stop (E-Stop) devices, the material used for electrical contacts can significantly impact performance and longevity. In the latest issue of U.S. Tech magazine, EAO explores this critical decision in the article, “Choosing the Right Contact Material: Gold-Plated vs. Silver Contacts in Electrical Switches.”
This article explains how silver contacts deliver cost-effective conductivity and durability for high-load industrial applications, how gold-plated contacts offer superior resistance to oxidation in low-voltage or harsh environments, and how silver/gold alloy contacts combine the strengths of both materials for exceptional longevity and stability across a wide range of voltages.
To learn more and see a full comparison chart of load ranges, performance traits, and material selection guidelines, read EAO’s full article in the latest issue of U.S. Tech magazine.
For the complete article, please click here.