Sliprings

Slip rings in electrical engineering are used for a method of producing an electrical connection through a rotating assembly. Slip rings are also known as swivels or electrical rotating joints and are commonly found in electrical generators and alternators. Slip rings consist of a conductive band mounted on a shaft and insulated from it. Electrical connections are made to the slip rings, and fixed contacts or brushes run in contact with the slip rings, transferring power or signals to the static part of the system. Slip rings can be used where electrical power needs to be transferred to a rotating device, and rotary transformers are often used instead of slip rings, in high or low speed friction environments. Mercury wetted slip rings run on a different principle, and the liquid metal maintains the connection between the stationary and rotating contacts.