zinc whiskers

Like tin whiskers, a similar phenomenon, zinc whiskers break loose and become airborne when surfaces are mechanically disturbed. Ordinary daily activity is sufficient to cause this, particularly in zinc-plated raised tile floors. Zinc is an excellent conductor of electricity. Zinc whiskers settle like dust on circuit boards and other electronic components. Eventually, they can cause short circuits, resulting in equipment malfunction or failure.

Zinc-whisker-related problems can be difficult to diagnose, because the particles disintegrate when a short circuit occurs. In addition, unless technicians are aware that this phenomenon can occur, it may not be suspected as a potential source of trouble.

Read more about zinc whiskers: - Power Quality Archives describes how zinc whiskers form and the problems they can cause. - David Loman discusses the effects of zinc whiskers and methods for abatement.

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