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Does anodization provide good insulation?

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zappedagain

Electrical
Jul 19, 2005
1,074
I know it typically blocks a decent chassis ground connection for a screw terminal. You have to mask the terminal off before the part is anodized, scrape through the coating afterward, or use a star washer to 'bite' through it.

Is it a reliable insulator though? Has anybody seen any specs on the resistance?


Thanks,

John D
 
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It's not intended to be an insulation layer.

TTFN

FAQ731-376
 
I will second the answer that regular anodizing should NOT be relied upon as an insulator... Hard anodizing is considered an insulator but again I would not rely on it either..
 
There are many different types of "electrically insulative" powder coats available on the market with published dielectric strengths (1200V/mil,etc..).... If I needed to rely on a finish for an insulator I would go that way...
I have used this before with great results on laminated bus bar applications,etc...
 
It's actually perfectly reliable. It'll be a good insulator when you wish it would conduct, and it'll somehow start conducting when you expect it to insulate. ;-)
 
technically it is an insulator, but it is only thousands of angstroms thick. So the slightest scratch and it is a conductor again. I would not count on it. If there were an additional layer of kapton tape, then maybe its ok.


Maguffin Microwave wireless design consulting
 
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