[Milsurplus] [Fwd: [Boatanchors] solder whiskers grow on "non lead" solder]

[C.Whitaker]

de WB2CPN
When I was with the old AT&T in the early 60's some
new type carrier equipment, (LMX-2), was being introduced.
After a few months use there were problems in the mechanical
relays in the Alarm circuits.   A flashlight would show the
whiskers growing a quarter inch on the inside of the relay covers.
Not on the outside.  Solution: remove the covers.   Bell Labs
identified the whiskers as being Zinc.  On some covers the
surface would be well populated, and the whole surface would
look like they'd been dusted with fine confectioners sugar. 
73  Clete