Relay Contamination

Relays are very susceptible to contamination because the leads are made of copper and vulnerable to corrosion and leakage current if not protected from the environment.

The liquid shown here was thought to have come from the flux residue and, therefore, an organic analysis FTIR was required as opposed to inorganic XRF. However, the liquid was acidic in nature and XRF was employed. The material was a filled, glass fiber reinforced material containing a phosphorus species along with an antimony/bromine fire retardant package. The original formulation likely contained antimony oxide and a poly-brominated organic, such as diphenyl ether or a tetra-bromo BPA polyester or polycarbonate. The bromic acid has leached out of the fire retardant material. This material is not compatible with most electronic circuits or components.

Gideon Analytical Labs can solve problems with not only the instrumentation it has but also the experience it has for over 35 years. Call Gideon the next time you have a problem.