I've got what may be a basic question but I need to know more because I have a few power cords I've removed from non working units and some of the AC plugs (the parts that make contact with the wall outlet) look silver as opposed to the yellowish color of brass. Magnets do not stick to them so they are obviously non ferrous but what are the metals used if not brass? Aluminum perhaps? I'm trying to separate metals into containers so I know exactly what they are and when a project comes along requiring a certain metal I'll know which container to draw from for any given project. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

I've got what may be a basic question but I need to know more because I have a few power cords I've removed from non working units and some of the AC plugs (the parts that make contact with the wall outlet) look silver as opposed to the yellowish color of brass. Magnets do not stick to them so they are obviously non ferrous but what are the metals used if not brass? Aluminum perhaps? I'm trying to separate metals into containers so I know exactly what they are and when a project comes along requiring a certain metal I'll know which container to draw from for any given project. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Most likely nickel

 

Most likely nickel plated brass.

 

I've got what may be a basic question but I need to know more because I have a few power cords I've removed from non working units and some of the AC plugs (the parts that make contact with the wall outlet) look silver as opposed to the yellowish color of brass. Magnets do not stick to them so they are obviously non ferrous but what are the metals used if not brass? Aluminum perhaps? I'm trying to separate metals into containers so I know exactly what they are and when a project comes along requiring a certain metal I'll know which container to draw from for any given project. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

In addition to the above cited Monels (Cu, Ni), Brasses (Cu, Zn) and Bronzes (Cu, Sn) --- Alloys comprised of two or more of Zn, Ag, Sb and Mo are occasionally encountered in contact conductors ---- But definitely not aluminum! -- Although Al is yet in wide use as an electrical conductor, its ineradicable insulating oxide and flammability preclude 'active contact' applications...

As a side note: Inasmuch as Al is a relatively reactive element (à la calcium), aluminum alloys preclusive or disruptive of oxide formation are prey of rapid (atmospheric) corrosion (the amalgam, for instance, is notorious in this regard)... Moreover, while aluminum is occasionally plated with copper or other metals (as, for instance, to enhance 'solderability' ), such is not cost effective for non-specialized applications...

Best regards
HP

 

Most likely nickel plated brass.

This is very likely if the nickel plate is too thin for a magnet to stick to it. Magnets do not stick to these silver colored plugs.

 

In addition to the above cited Monels (Cu, Ni), Brasses (Cu, Zn) and Bronzes (Cu, Sn) --- Alloys comprised of two or more of Zn, Ag, Sb and Mo are occasionally encountered in contact conductors ---- But definitely not aluminum! -- Although Al is yet in wide use as an electrical conductor, its ineradicable insulating oxide and flammability preclude 'active contact' applications...

As a side note: Inasmuch as Al is a relatively reactive element (à la calcium), aluminum alloys preclusive or disruptive of oxide formation are prey of rapid (atmospheric) corrosion (the amalgam, for instance, is notorious in this regard)... Moreover, while aluminum is occasionally plated with copper or other metals (as, for instance, to enhance 'solderability' ), such is not cost effective for non-specialized applications...

Best regards
HP

Thanks for the response HP. I appreciate the time you took to do so in such a descriptive and informative fashion.

 

Answers sites aren't always a very reliable place to look, but I thought these links might be helpful:

• https://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090912085653AAr1h9K
• http://www.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_3_pin_electrical_plug_made_out_of

 

Answers sites aren't always a very reliable place to look, but I thought these links might be helpful:

• https://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090912085653AAr1h9K
• http://www.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_3_pin_electrical_plug_made_out_of

Thanks for taking the time to search for links in relation to my question. Very much appreciated and I just finished reading the text on both sites.

 

I was thinking it could be CrNi perhaps?

UK plugs are often plain brass altough there are also silvery ones.
EU plugs are always coated but the core is brass I think.

The US plugs are just thin blades not sure if they have a core.

You dont normally seperate such waste but give it to electrical recycler (aka ewaste).

And nobody cares a coating on a few plugs (for recycling), you dont need to sepersate or test that.