Technical Support for Antennas & Related Gear
Nickel and Gold-Plated Brass Compared as Platings for Antenna Cable Connectors and Adapters
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Rust Proofing and Corrosion-Protection: Best Options Among Nickel, Gold-Plated Brass & Brass Alloys
For outdoor applications, Nickel-Plated Brass is the best option. These connectors are typically used with various antenna cable types like U.FL, MHF4, SMA, RP-SMA, and MMCX. Nickel plating offers superior corrosion resistance, making it ideal for harsh environments.
- Nickel-plated brass one is much durable than gold-plated for weatherproofing of antenna cable connectors.
- Nickel-plated brass is the most corrosion-resistant option: Nickel-plating will last at least 5 years. Normally 5-10 years - depends on application field. Data Alliance has never made such a long time test, but we are confident based on our quality record: We have never had a complaint from a customer regarding a corrosion issue with our nickel-plated brass connectors in our past 17 years in business.
- Nickel does not decompose as it oxidizes, but forms a layer of nickel-oxide that prevents further oxidation from occurring.
- Nickel-plating is achieved by electro-plating the brass connectors and washers with a thin layer of nickel.
- The result is connectors that are highly resistant to rust /oxidation and verdigris (those green spots that show up on old brass).
For indoor applications: Gold-Plated Brass is the best option.
- Gold-plated is better in appearance and much more expensive than nickel-plated one.
- Rust Proofing and Corrosion-Protection is Achieved in our antenna cable connectors, adapters, nuts and washers with 100% Brass with Gold Plate By:
- Keeping zinc content below 15%
- Adding in other metals to the alloy such as arsenic, phosphorus, antimony, and tin.
Notes:
- Gold-plated Nickel is more durable than gold-plated brass.
- Data Alliance's standard RP-SMA / SMA connectors, nuts and washers are gold-plated brass.
- The washers that come standard with our RP-SMA female connectors are gold-plated.
- All of our RP-TNC connectors are nickel-plated brass