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Re: static spark gaps

Original poster: "Barton B. Anderson" <bartb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Silver contacts (for example relay contacts) is common. However, they increase the hardness with materials such as nickel, copper, cadmium oxide, tin oxide and indium, etc.. Each material adds the stability to physical and electrical properties. In relays, I prefer gold or tungsten contact over any silver alloy.
All would perform great in our spark gaps as long as the power across the electrode did not exceed a massive material transfer. In any of our spark gaps, the power across the gap is what should determine the contact type. Granted, tungsten is great for many reasons, but not necessary for lower power levels. In many cases, silver can be used when power is low enough, but as the power increases, upgrade the material and size to suit the need. 

Hmmm, seems we should have a spec sheet for power across the gap. yes?

Take care,
Bart

Tesla list wrote:


Original poster: Mike <megavolts61@xxxxxxxxx>
So, you are saying my silver gaps didn't work beautifully, even though they sure appeared to??? 

Original poster: Frank <fxrays@xxxxxxxxxx>

Hi All,
Silver was used in early spark gaps without much success. The silver
vaporizes and oxidizes rapidly and your gap will fire for a short
time and then start sputtering.
It gives off a beautiful green blue flame tho!
The only way you could use silver with limited success is to water
cool the gap and use low currents. Not suited for SGTC's unfortunately.

Tungsten carbide does not work well either, you gap gets very hot and
does not spark well.

Pure tungsten or thoriated tungsten works the best.
Some folks use TIG welding electrodes with good success, it just
depends on the type of compound they used to make the electrode.

Frank
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