An example of what arc damage looks like, inductive spike induced damage to copper contacts in key switch Options

[Tom]

Thought I would do a little experiment to show what arc damage does to copper surfaces.
The first picture is two new alligator clips. The contacts.
Second is after 100 close/open events using a small relay - 0. 150 amps.
Third, forth, and fifth are after 100 open/close events using the starter solenoid- about 35 amps.
The current thru the starter solenoid is about 233 times as strong. I was actually getting a small shock due to the inductive spike and had to insulate my hands.
As you can see even with my poor camera skills, no damage can be seen after the 100 close/open events with the small relay. The arc damage does look significant after only 100 close/open events of the starter solenoid.
Would love to disassemble a failed key switch to see what the contacts look like.
Tom