At high electric loads that usually occur in power engineering devices theswitching phenomena are mostly related to arc formation. For most applicationsthe management of the switching arc is the key problem. Depending on thedevice type different require-ments are dominant which influence the selectionof the contact material. Similar to those in communications engineering, issuesrelated to the switching characteristics and current path have to be considered.

<br/>Make erosion caused by pre-close and bounce arcs

Mechanical wear mainly through bounce and relative motion<br/>