What are Flat-Wiping Contacts in Battery Connectors?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Flat-wiping contacts, invented in 1954 by Anderson Power\u00ae<\/sup>, offer a number of benefits for equipment battery systems. Flat-wiping contacts are smooth, with a large mating surface that self-cleans as connectors mate and unmate. This self-cleaning capability lowers the risk of connector damage. Their design also improves power transfer, making systems more energy efficient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flat-wiping contacts provide key advantages to battery connector systems. Applications that require high power and longevity can benefit from flat wiping, as they can enhance the lifespan of battery connectors. Flat-wiping contacts\u2019 design comes with unique advantages for certain jobs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Flat-wiping contacts reduce the potential for arc damage and contact pitting. They have self-cleaning capabilities, which prevents dust buildup on contacts. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Flat-wiping contacts are genderless, so are used on both plug and receptacle, reducing inventory costs. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Flat-wiping contacts\u2019 typical copper makeup supports more efficient and higher power transmission, since copper offers excellent conductivity. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Flat-wiping contacts are usually plated with silver, which prevents the copper from oxidization due to air exposure. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How Flat-Wiping Contacts Extend Battery Systems\u2019 Lifespans <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One of the most common impacts on connector lifespan is the dust buildup on charging contacts. While charging in outdoor locations can cover contacts in dirt and grime, even indoor charging can lead to dust buildup over time. Dust buildup on contacts can erode the silver plating of their surface, exposing the copper underneath to oxidization. Oxidized copper creates issues such as electrical arcing and further poor conductivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, flat wiping prevents this buildup from happening. When connectors are mated in this way, the two contacts wipe their silver plating against each other, called over-wiping. When this over-wiping occurs, the mating area is smoothed, and any accumulated grime or dust is removed from the surface. Additionally, since the mating area is smooth with no indented socket, dust has less room to accumulate on the surface. Therefore, flat-wiping contacts extend the lifespan of connectors and further reduce the need for maintenance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flat wiping can also help prevent damage from electrical arcing through its sacrificial contact tip. Electrical arcing happens when the connector is frequently disconnected while charging. Electrical arcing can damage the silver plating, which also exposes the copper underneath to outside air. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The front of a flat-wiping contact contains a humped crest called a sacrificial contact tip that constrains any electrical arcs into a small area, so any pits caused by the arcing cannot easily spread further than that area. Therefore, the pitting does not happen where power transfer actually occurs, so charging performance is much less affected and the connectors can stay in service for longer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
How Flat-Wiping Contacts Contribute to Higher Energy Efficiency <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Due to the large size and smooth texture of their mating surface, flat-wiping contacts experience less resistance. Therefore, while mated, more power and current can be transferred. This increased power transfer makes the battery system more efficient, since less energy escapes to become wasted heat. For companies that track their cumulative total resistance, adopting flat-wiping contacts can lead to a positive improvement in their energy footprint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another way flat-wiping contacts can deliver better power transfer is with their spring. In a pin-and-socket design, the internal spring typically connects directly to the contact surface. This forces the contact to transmit power as well as apply force to the spring, requiring a thinner, more flexible contact. However, limiting the thickness of the contact prevents the contact from transmitting as much energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In a flat-wiping connector, the spring is separated from the contact surface. Therefore, the contact does not need flexibility to engage the spring and can transfer power on its own. This separation frees up the contact to be thicker to carry more current. Additionally, the springs are composed of stainless steel, ensuring the security of the mating area by providing constant force to guard against disconnection. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How Anderson Power Flat-Wiping Stands Out <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Anderson Power, as the inventor of flat wiping, produces high-quality connectors that improve battery systems. Anderson Power\u2019s flat-wiping contacts are manufactured using high-grade copper and thick silver plating, meaning the quality of their engineering is reliable and long-lasting. They have also undergone rigorous lab testing such as UL 1977 standard tests and life cycle tests, meaning they help keep contacts durable in the long term. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anderson Power produces several connectors with flat wiping, meeting a diverse array of connector needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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