Why 50 Micron Gold Plating is Important

A strong, stable and speedy ethernet connection is the result of many factors – network speed and cable quality are certainly among these. Also at the top of this list is the plating of the connectors on the RJ45 plug. The connectors on the plug maintain the signal connection between the cable and connection device, whether an internet router, modem, data patch panel or any other device needed for an ethernet connection. To maintain conductivity the connectors are made of various kinds of metals and plated oftentimes with other metals to maintain a stable connection.

However, over time and through exposure to moisture, humidity and other environmental elements, these metal connectors can begin to erode and corrode. This corrosion results in a degradation of the signal quality.

So, connector manufacturers began to come up with better ways of protecting the signal. One of these ways is through gold plating of the connectors.

Gold is a highly durable metal, has high conductivity properties, and is non-corrosive. Therefore is is an excellent solution to the problem of metal corrosion on RJ45 jacks and plugs, especially in highly humid or extremely corrosive environmental applications.

With gold-plated RJ45 plugs there are many levels of plating that is applied to the metal connectors.

Amounts of gold plating are measured in microns. The smallest level of gold plating is called ‘flash’ plating which is essentially a thin ‘flash’ of plating. Less expensive, and naturally less efficient at protecting the connectors in the field.

At the top of the scale the highest amount of gold plating is 50 microns, which provides the greatest degree of corrosion protection and the cleanest signal transmission.

TXM’s RJ45 connectors are protected by the highest gold plating available, and at 50 microns, can ensure protection and signal quality for many years to come, even in the toughest environments.

Click Here to take a look at our 50 micron gold-plated connectors, and purchase online today