Good morning Jack!
        I have several articles in my references that describe both 
     acceptable use and disastrous use of tin/lead pins in gold sockets. I 
     think the key word you used is "potential". In the right environment 
     (moisture - not necessarily water) you will have problems because of 
     the galvanic effect of tin on gold. If things stay dry then you may 
     have no problems. For a battery to form you need two dissimilar metals 
     and an electrolyte - take away one of the three and you avoid 
     problems. Look at your environment and see if moisture would be a 
     concern. Also look at the ASM Metals Handbook Vol. 13 Corrosion for 
     additional information.
     
     
     Dave Hillman
     Rockwell Collins
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Subject: assy:compatability gold vs tin/lead
Author:  [log in to unmask] at ccmgw1
Date:    5/22/96 11:11 AM


     
We have instances where tin/lead coated pins are inserted into gold plated 
sockets, etc.  Components even have gold/tin-lead or gold/tin interfaces, 
such as an IC socket with a gold contact with a tin sleeve.  Mil-Std-889B 
indicates gold as being incompatable with tin or tin/lead.  Has anyone 
looked into this issue and is there a potential for corrosion formation and 
associated problems?  Again, I just refereing to mechanical contact ( not 
soldering ).
     
Thanks,
Jack Tippit
Wilcox Electric
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