--- title: "Understanding Circular Electrical Connector Plating Options Part 2: Pros and Cons of Electrical Connector Shell Plating" description: Explore the pros, cons, and key factors in choosing the right connector shell plating. Compare black electroplating, electroless nickel, cadmium, and trivalent chromate. image: https://blog.electroshield.com/hubfs/PLating.jpg --- [1-800-662-1054](tel:18006621054) [sales@electroshield.com](mailto:sales@electroshield.com) - [Submit RFQ](https://www.electroshield.com/submit-rfq) - [Login/Create Account](https://www.electroshield.com/index.php?route=account/login) [![siteLogo](https://blog.electroshield.com/hubfs/electroshield_2023/image/ESLogo.svg "siteLogo")](https://www.electroshield.com/) - [Products](https://www.electroshield.com/products) - Circular Connectors - [Connectors](https://www.electroshield.com/products/circular-connectors-133/connectors-134) - [Accessories](https://www.electroshield.com/products/circular-connectors-133/accessories-135) - [Tools](https://www.electroshield.com/products/circular-connectors-133/tools-137) - [Contacts](https://www.electroshield.com/products/circular-connectors-133/contacts-136) - [Cordsets / Cable Assemblies](https://www.electroshield.com/products/circular-connectors-133/cordsets-cable-assemblies-138) - 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[![](https://blog.electroshield.com/hubfs/electroshield_2023/image/twitter-icon.svg)](https://twitter.com/share?source=https://blog.electroshield.com/connector-shell-plating&text=Understanding%20Circular%20Electrical%20Connector%20Plating%20Options%20Part%202:%20Pros%20and%20Cons%20of%20Electrical%20Connector%20Shell%20Plating%20-%20https://blog.electroshield.com/connector-shell-plating) - [![](https://blog.electroshield.com/hubfs/electroshield_2023/image/linkedin-icon.svg)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.electroshield.com/connector-shell-plating&title=Understanding%20Circular%20Electrical%20Connector%20Plating%20Options%20Part%202:%20Pros%20and%20Cons%20of%20Electrical%20Connector%20Shell%20Plating&summary=Explore%20the%20pros,%20cons,%20and%20key%20factors%20in%20choosing%20the%20right%20connector%20shell%20plating.%20Compare%20black%20electroplating,%20electroless%20nickel,%20cadmium,%20and%20trivalent%20chromate.) - [![](https://blog.electroshield.com/hubfs/electroshield_2023/image/email.svg)](mailto:?subject=Understanding%20Circular%20Electrical%20Connector%20Plating%20Options%20Part%202:%20Pros%20and%20Cons%20of%20Electrical%20Connector%20Shell%20Plating&body=Understanding%20Circular%20Electrical%20Connector%20Plating%20Options%20Part%202:%20Pros%20and%20Cons%20of%20Electrical%20Connector%20Shell%20Plating%20https://blog.electroshield.com/connector-shell-plating) Margi Gay | November 19, 2024 # Understanding Circular Electrical Connector Plating Options Part 2: Pros and Cons of Electrical Connector Shell Plating In Part 1 of this series we discussed the importance of electrical connector contact or terminal plating. In this blog we discuss the importance of connector shell plating as an important aspect of connector design, impacting its performance, durability, and cost. Different plating materials serve specific purposes, and choosing the right one depends on the application. Here’s a breakdown of common plating options and their pros and cons. Each of these plating options — **black electroplated (cation), electroless nickel, cadmium olive drab, and trivalent chromate** — has specific characteristics that make it suitable for particular applications, especially in demanding environments. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of each: ## 1. **Black Electroplated (Cation)** Pros: Cons: ## 2. **Electroless Nickel Plating (EN)** Pros: Cons: ## 3. **Cadmium Olive Drab Plating**  Pros: Cons: ## 4. **Trivalent Chromate Plating (Zinc with Trivalent Chromate Conversion)**  Pros: Cons: ## **Selecting the Right Plating** The selection of connector shell plating depends on several important application and operational factors including: - **Environmental conditions:** Humidity, temperature, corrosive exposure. - **Mechanical durability:** Frequency of connections/disconnections. - **Electrical requirements:** Current, frequency, and signal integrity. - **Regulatory Compliance:** Trivalent chromate and black electroplating are often favored for environmental compliance, as cadmium's use is restricted in many regions. - **Corrosion and Wear Resistance**: For marine, medical and military applications, cadmium or electroless nickel is often preferred. Electroless nickel is ideal for its durability and uniform coating, especially in corrosive environments. - **Conductivity**: If electrical conductivity is essential, cadmium, electroless nickel, and, in some cases, trivalent chromate over zinc are good choices. - **Aesthetic Needs**: Black electroplated finishes provide a modern appearance, suitable for visible components in both industrial and consumer-facing applications. - **Cost considerations:** Certainly upfront connector costs are an important consideration. These upfront costs need to be balanced against the longer-term durability (think downtime costs), performance reliability (think output optimization) and ongoing maintenance expenses (think replacement costs). Each of these options has trade-offs, so the best choice will depend on balancing factors like environmental impact, cost, durability, and performance in the specific application environment. Our connector experts can assist in finding the precise component for your spec. We can also provide samples for prototype design and testing. Once the choice is made, we offer easy ordering via our website or work with our sales team to place your order, establish favorable terms, set up blanket orders and schedule deliveries so you have your components when and where you need them. ## Connect with us Contact us to consult on the right plating technology for your application and operating environment.  Work with us how you prefer…call in by phone at (800) 662-1054, email [sales@electroshield.com](mailto:sales@electroshield.com), or order at your convenience via our [website](https://www.electroshield.com/). ## About the Author Margi is a seasoned sales professional who has been a part of the ElectroShield sales team since 1996. She was promoted to the Sales Manage role in 2015. Her extensive knowledge of the electronic connector market makes her the go-to source for customers looking for the precise product to meet their stringent performance specifications and operating conditions. 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