This guide covers the factors to be controlled, precautions and documentation necessary to measure and report the voltage drop across closed current-carrying contacts. The voltage drop is an indication of the efficiency of the contact interfaces in carrying a specified current. This efficiency can be adversely effected by any insulating areas within the contact interface. Circuits which involve substantial current and low independence can be influenced by this contact property.

1.1 This guide describes recommended procedures to accurately measure voltage drop across current carrying contacts and the parameters to be documented in order to effectively record the results. Such contacts normally carry current greater than 1 amp. The applicability of these procedures to contacts carrying smaller currents should be evaluated prior to application to such devices. Contacts carrying small current may also be evaluated using Test Method B 539 to measure contact resistance.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety and health practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 6.