Probably old question about contacts

[Mtdarkness]

I'm brand new on this forum, and I haven't even began collecting the materials and tools for refining, though I have started setting aside many items that I know to be gold (certain terminals, the RAM I just replaced, etc.) I have already learned so much and chemistry runs in the family (several uncles, my mom, my brother) so I have been learning and refreshing for a few days now. I am currently reading Hoke, as it seems to be required reading for anyone who actually wants to get into this. In the mean time, I've got some questions.

I came across some terminals and spades today on many electrical contacts/switches while working (I'm a technician for vending machines and fountains) and was wondering how likely they were to be gold. Many of these machines are quite old. Is it even possible?

Also, many of their plugs in the older machines are gold in color as well. I'm sure this one is quite common: Would older style electrical plugs such as these have actual gold plating on them? If so, would it be worth keeping?

 

[Barren Realms 007]

More than likely they are just brass.

 

[Mtdarkness]

Good to know. Any clues to help me figure that out for sure aside from acid applications?

 

[Barren Realms 007]

That would probably be your best route.