Ideas
Why Not Gold Contacts?
Why Not Gold Contacts?
When it comes to electrical conductivity, one of the first questions many ask is why gold isn’t universally used for electrical contacts. After all, gold is prized for its resistance to corrosion and its luxurious appearance. However, while gold has certain advantages, it is far from ideal for most applications, especially in vaping devices or modding projects. At Stealthvape UK, we take pride in crafting our own electrical contacts from pure 999 silver sheet, offering superior performance at a fraction of the cost of gold. Here’s why we believe silver outshines gold for electrical contacts.
What is the IACS Scale?
The International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS) is a system used to measure the electrical conductivity of materials relative to copper. Copper is given a baseline value of 100% IACS, which allows for simple comparisons of other conductive materials. For example:
- Silver has an IACS rating of 105%, meaning it conducts electricity 5% better than copper.
- Gold has an IACS rating of 70%, meaning it conducts electricity at 70% of the efficiency of copper.
This system is essential in electronics, as it provides a clear, standardized way to evaluate conductivity. Since silver surpasses copper on this scale, it is often the material of choice for high-performance electrical contacts.
The Conductivity Comparison
Gold is often associated with luxury, but when it comes to electrical conductivity, it lags behind. Gold’s conductivity is only 70% of copper, while silver outperforms both, boasting 105% of copper’s conductivity. This means that silver offers the lowest resistance and most efficient power transfer, making it the superior choice for high-performance applications like vaping.
Cost vs. Performance
Gold’s high cost is one of its most significant drawbacks. While it’s true that gold doesn’t corrode or tarnish, the expense of using gold in large-scale or high-performance applications is rarely justified. Silver, on the other hand, provides exceptional conductivity at a fraction of the cost. By using pure 999 silver sheet, we strike the perfect balance between affordability and top-tier performance.
Mechanical Strength
Gold is a soft and malleable metal. While this property allows it to form good electrical connections in low-pressure environments, it’s not suitable for applications requiring durability. Contacts made from gold are prone to wear and deformation under repeated use. Silver is far more robust, ensuring that our custom contacts remain reliable over time, even in demanding conditions.
Corrosion Resistance
One of gold’s key advantages is its resistance to corrosion and oxidation. However, silver, when maintained properly can also deliver excellent long-term performance. The slight tarnish that silver develops does not significantly impact its conductivity, making it a highly reliable material for electrical contacts.
Material Comparison Table
| Material | Electrical Conductivity | IACS Rating | Corrosion Resistance | Mechanical Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | 105% of Copper | 105% IACS | Moderate (Tarnishes) | High |
| Gold | 70% of Copper | 70% IACS | Low (Soft Metal) | Low |
| Copper | 100% (Baseline) | 100% IACS | Poor (Oxidizes Easily) | High |
Why We Choose Silver
At Stealthvape UK, we have over a decade of experience in the vaping industry, and we know what works. Here’s why we’ve chosen to use pure 999 silver sheet for our custom electrical contacts:
- Superior Conductivity – Silver provides the best possible electrical performance, ensuring efficient power transfer and minimal resistance.
- Cost-Effectiveness – High-quality materials don’t have to break the bank. Silver delivers unparalleled performance at a reasonable price.
- Durability – Silver’s mechanical strength ensures longevity, even in devices subjected to regular use.
- Custom Craftsmanship – By crafting our contacts in-house, we maintain full control over quality and performance, delivering products that meet the exacting standards of our customers.
When Is Gold the Right Choice?
While we don’t use gold in our contacts, it’s worth noting that gold does have its niche applications. In environments where corrosion resistance is paramount, such as aerospace or medical devices, thin gold plating can be beneficial. However, these are specialized scenarios where the unique properties of gold justify its high cost and lower conductivity.
Conclusion
Gold may seem like an attractive option for electrical contacts, but when it comes to performance, cost, and practicality, silver is the clear winner. By using pure 999 silver sheet, we ensure that our custom contacts deliver exceptional conductivity, reliability, and value. At Stealthvape UK, we’re committed to providing high-quality materials that help our customers achieve the best possible results in their vaping and modding projects.
Why settle for less when you can have the best? Explore our range of products today and experience the difference of expertly crafted silver mod contacts.
