Wetting current measures energy needed to pierce oxidized switches. Oxidation adds resistance to circuits, but high humidity can cause unintentional oxidation. Dampening current must be calibrated for proper circuit function.
Wetting current is a measurement used in electronics to describe how much energy is required for the circuit to pierce a switch that has been oxidized. This oxidation is usually added on purpose via a film to help close the circuit and tends to be on the contacts. If the circuit is exposed to high humidity, oxidation may form on the circuit; most engineers try to avoid it, because it can cause circuit problems. When dampening current is not used properly, this can lead to a malfunctioning circuit.
Part of almost all circuitry is an oxidized film that surrounds relays and switches. This oxidized layer is meant to add resistance to the current, making it more difficult for the circuit to overcome the oxidation without the circuit being open. The dampening current is how much power the oxidation may require before it is forced open without the circuit being opened manually.
Because it helps stop the circuit, this oxidation is usually added around the contacts deliberately. There are several types of oxidation and each is rated for a different amount of horsepower. This film is usually chosen based on how much energy passes through the circuit on average, because using a thin film on a powerful circuit may not allow the circuit to close properly if the dampening current is set very high.
While oxidation is usually added on purpose, it can also end up in the circuit inadvertently. This normally occurs in environments with high humidity, and only if the circuit is directly exposed to humidity. Failing to protect the circuit from this moisture can increase resistance on the circuit, making it unable to turn on, or the circuit may be weaker or run slower because less energy is passing through the relays.
As part of building a proper circuit, dampening current must be carefully calibrated and used to make the circuit work properly. The circuits must open and close, or turn on and off, or the device will always be on. Without the dampening current, the circuit would have no way of shutting down, because there would be nothing to stop the current from moving. This current is usually produced based on the average amount of power passing through the circuit, so stronger circuits will typically need stronger damping currents to ensure the circuit can close.
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