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Plating for Electrical Panels

Plating for Electrical Panels

Plating for Electrical Panels

(OP)
What would the correct and cost effective process be for plating a sheet steel electrical panel?  The panel has to conduct on all surfaces.

My local plater says "Zinc Plate with Blue Chromate" finish.

Any suggestions/experience?

RE: Plating for Electrical Panels

What about copper plating? Are the contacts fixed once and for all? Oxidation might be a problem in the long term.

http://www.welding-advisers.com/

RE: Plating for Electrical Panels

We do Clear Zinc Plate (Yellow Chromate) and have had good results so far (~10 yrs.) Copper, Nickle, Nickle over Copper, etc. are all good depending on cost.

RE: Plating for Electrical Panels

This is a panel to which other components will be mounted?

Typically such panels are finished with an insulating varnish or dielectric paint to make them non-conductive.  This reduces the possibility of a short-to-ground if a terminal becomes lose, or some conductive debris enters the panel.

If you want a conductive panel then the suggested zinc would probably be ok, as would tin or electroless nickel.

RE: Plating for Electrical Panels

(OP)
Thanks for the help guys!

The panel will will have pem studs for mounting din rail and various components will mount via the din rail.  

I will do a zinc/chromate finish.  I will do more homework with this information.

RE: Plating for Electrical Panels

Make sure you consider the ROHS situation.

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