Originally Posted by
DaneDHorstead
First of all, I would like to say that I do not use 430 grade stainless, but
I do want to point out a fact that does not seem to be apparent throughout this thread, or even through out the forum..........
Rergardless of what plate grades you use (at least in a wet cell design), they need to be connected to the source of current..........
When is the last time you found 430 SS grade nuts and bolts, or for that matter, 316 nuts and bolts (either regular, or L grade)?
In virtually every circumstance (in the USA), you will encounter 18-8 ss nuts, and bolts (which is the same as 304 grade).
Whenever you use two different grades of materials, either above or below the water line, the weaker grade, will always corrode!
However, if you select your plate materials, with the fastener grades in mind, you can yoke the materials evenly!
With no imbalance of material grades, even the softer materials can last a very long time!
But without that balance, even the 316L, will react with the softer bolts, eating away at the connection points of contact, possibly causing a spark!
It is always the softer metal that is eaten up, but materials in balanced composition, do not suffer that consequence!
In the HHO quest, never mix material compositions!