Why plugs with galvanized or copper-plated steel pins instead of solid brass or CU? - 12/11/02 08:33 PM
I see these for sale in hardware stores.
Most of them are Nema 1-15 caps, though (made either by Eagle Electric or Gem Electric).
Why make the pins out of steel instead of copper or brass?
Usually the pins wind up rusting after a few years in service, particularly when it's on something that gets constantly plugged and unplugged (and the zinc or copper plating rubs off the steel blade).
I've run across a number of such rusted attachment plugs on old lamps and other appliances
Normally I avoid them and choose copper bladed caps unless I have no choice, but it always intrigued me.
Also steel isn't that good a conductor, and don't you have some sort of reaction when you connect things like zinc/steel and copper, or is that only with aluminium?
Most of them are Nema 1-15 caps, though (made either by Eagle Electric or Gem Electric).
Why make the pins out of steel instead of copper or brass?
Usually the pins wind up rusting after a few years in service, particularly when it's on something that gets constantly plugged and unplugged (and the zinc or copper plating rubs off the steel blade).
I've run across a number of such rusted attachment plugs on old lamps and other appliances
Normally I avoid them and choose copper bladed caps unless I have no choice, but it always intrigued me.
Also steel isn't that good a conductor, and don't you have some sort of reaction when you connect things like zinc/steel and copper, or is that only with aluminium?