Changes

Results of relay life testing using different contact materials are illustrated as an example in (<xr id="fig:Automotive relays under motor load"/><!--(Fig. 13.9)-->). For each contact material, 10 relays were tested under the prescribed motor load until a failure due to non-opening was detected. For this specific load condition AgNiO15 was found to be the best suited contact material.  <div class="multiple-images"> <figure id="fig:Principle and sequence of testing with electronic load simulation">[[File:Principle and sequence of testing with electronic load simulation.jpg|right|thumb|Figure 4: Principle and sequence of testing with electronic load simulation]]</figure><figure id="fig:Automotive relays under motor load">[[File:Automotive relays under motor load.jpg|right|thumb|Figure 5: Automotive relays under motor load: Results of electrical life testing using different contact materials]]</figure></div><div class="clear"></div><br style="clear:both;"/>

The full clarification of causes for switching device failures, for example relays, is most important for quality assurance. As a starting point, the full history of the relay, such as electrical load, environmental conditions etc. must be recorded. The process flow chart in (<xr id="fig:Flow diagram for evaluation of failure cause in switching devices for communications technology"/><!--(Fig. 13.10)-->) clearly describes a proven way to conduct a failure analysis.Following all procedures of such a failure evaluation carefully, the root cause of the defect can most likely be established in order to implement preventive measures limiting future occurrences.

[[File:Flow diagram for evaluation of failure cause in switching devices for communications technology.jpg|rightleft|thumb|Figure 6: Flow diagram for evaluation of failure cause in switching devices for communications technology]]