Conductive Hook & Loop what is it? and how is it used?

Conductive hook & loop is used in various applications and designs which are always evolving. It is not a new produce as it has been around for decades.  Today it is often described as “Velcro” but this is a trade name so we will call it hook and loop. 

Today, there are hook and loop fasteners that will conduct electricity this is called conductive hook and loop. The hook and loop is spray coating with liquid silver. Silver is used because it possesses the highest electrical conductivity of any element. It also has the highest thermal conductivity of any metal. Electrical conductivity measures an object’s ability to accommodate the transport of an electric charge.

Electrically conductive hook and loop is used in all sorts of projects regarding radio frequency or electromagnetic interference. Essentially, it can protect equipment or people from high-intensity electromagnetic fields (used in grounding straps). It can also prevent the escape of signals from secure facilities. This makes it especially useful in the military, government buildings, hospitals, and private or classified organizations.

The resistivity of electrically conductive hook and loop has a maximum of 1.8 ohms per square inch on the hook, and 1.4 ohms per square inch on the loop. The closure combines for 0.8 ohms through resistance and has a cycle life of around 5,000 closures.

For E- Textile project usually a 10cm long strip of conductive hook & loop is used. This strip is used where you need to make a complete circuit by simply forming a connection between the hook and loop pieces. 

You can use this hoop and loop to light LEDs with a simple on/off switch. Conductive hook & loop strips are extremely versatile touch fasteners.

These fasteners are Ideal for making many projects including light up dog collar or other wearable projects including a reflective jacket.  It is used in the same way you would use conductive thread. This idea from Sparkfun show a great dog collar

Conductive hook and loop

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