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sunshine03
Jul 5, 2008, 08:58 PM
HI

Does anyone know what kind of metal the electrical connectors in cars are made of ?
Is it something like the stuff they make springs out of - where it has to be tempered
And formed , etc.

THANKS EVERYONE

rsain2004
Jul 5, 2008, 09:12 PM
Battery connectors are lead, most other connectors are mild steel or copper that have been coated with a corrosion inhibitor like selenium after forming. Aluminum and copper are popular for stranded wire because they're economical. RF connectors are aluminum or stainless steel because those materials are non-magnetic.

sunshine03
Jul 6, 2008, 03:08 PM
HI GUYS

Thanks for the great info.
Just one other thing, are the stranded wire connectors manufactured with spring-like
Qualities so they will grip each other better?

THANKS AGAIN FOR THE GREAT INFO

KISS
Jul 6, 2008, 03:42 PM
No, but berryillium copper is a good springy contact.

Nickel-gold plated copper is highly corrosion resistant. The nickel is required for the gold to stick.

Tin plated copper is also used.

They really don't have to be springy because they are not subject to many mating cycles.

The most important quality is corrosion resitance.

Stranded wires are crimped, one part of the crimp for the wire and the other for the insulation. You don't want any springyness in this connection.

Many terminals are stamped and rolled into a pin or socket rather than being solid.