ABSTRACT
Tin is a very good electrical conductor, but when applying tin to electrical contacts and other conductive parts it is recommended to take several precautions due to the specific physical properties of tin (Section 1.1). These precautions are summarized in the so-called “Tin Commandments” [1,2]:
Tin-coated contacts should be mechanically stable in the mated condition
Tin-coated contacts need at least 100 g contact normal force
Tin-coated contacts need lubrication
Tin coating is not recommended for continuous service at high temperatures
The choice of plated, reflowed, hot air leveled, or hot tin dipped coating does not strongly affect the electrical performance of tin or tin alloy-coated contacts
Electroplated tin coatings should be at least 2.5 μm (~100 μin.) thick
Mating tin-coated contacts to gold-coated contacts is not recommended
Sliding or wiping action during contact engagement is recommended with tin-coated contacts
Tin-coated contacts should not be used to make or break current
Tin-coated contacts can be used under dry circuit or low level conditions
