Aluminum Pads, Connecting Hardware Choice
Aluminum Pads, Connecting Hardware Choice
(OP)
I have an electrical application requiring the connection of two flat aluminum surfaces. The connection requires bolting hardware. Ideally the hardware would be aluminum. Unfortunately due to project schedule and availability, aluminum hardware is not available. My choice is to use stainless steel or yellow chromate alloy hardware. This is for an outdoors electrical connection in non-corrosive, non-coastal environment. We typically use SS hardware on all electrical connections but my concern is galvanic corrosion between the aluminum surface and SS flatwashers...but the SS hardware does have the advantage of being more corrosion resistant then the chrommate.
Comments and feedback is much appreciated. Thanks
Comments and feedback is much appreciated. Thanks





RE: Aluminum Pads, Connecting Hardware Choice
RE: Aluminum Pads, Connecting Hardware Choice
RE: Aluminum Pads, Connecting Hardware Choice
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Aluminum Pads, Connecting Hardware Choice
I take it the aluminum pads are not designed yet. I would open up the mounting holes by one standard increment before anodizing, then simply use a plastic isolation shoulder washer at the connect points. This way you can use your SS or galvanized hardware with no risk of galvanic corrosion at the electrical contact points.
Cheers!
--Adam