ABSTRACT
Electrical contacts provide electrical connection and often perform other functions. Electrical contacts can be divided into two basic categories: stationary and moving. In stationary contacts, contact members are connected rigidly or elastically to the stationary unit of a device to provide the permanent joint. Clamped contacts are made by mechanically joining conductors directly with bolts or screws or using intermediate parts, specifically, clamps. These contacts may be assembled or disassembled without damaging the joint integrity. The simplest case of a clamped contact is the joint of two massive conductors with flat contact surfaces, such as busbars. In moving contacts, at least one contact member is rigidly or elastically connected to the moving unit of a device. Depending on their operating conditions, these contacts are divided into two categories: commutating and sliding. In sliding contacts, the contacting parts of the conductors slide over each other without separation.
