Self-passivating metal circuit devices for use in a submerged ambient environment

A method for fabricating a circuit device comprising at least one of an inductor coil, a switch, a relay, a circuit breaker, and a thermostat for use in a submerged ambient environment, the method comprising:

• forming at least one input electrical contact of the circuit device at least in part from one of a variety of self-passivating metals, the at least one input electrical contact being configured to receive an electrical input;
• forming at least one output contact of the circuit device at least in part from one of the variety of self-passivating metals, the at least one output contact being configured to provide an electrical output;
• and
• forming at least one electrical conductor of the circuit device at least in part from one of the variety of self-passivating metals, the at least one electrical conductor being associated with an electrical function of the circuit device,
• wherein the one of the variety of self-passivating metals of the at least one input electrical contact, the at least one output contact, and the at least one electrical conductor form an insulating layer on a surface thereof when exposed to the submerged ambient environment to mitigate electrical arcing between the at least one input electrical contact, the at least one output contact, and the at least one electrical conductor.

A method for implementing a circuit device in a submerged ambient environment, the method comprising:

• electrically coupling at least one first electrical conductor to at least one respective input electrical contact formed at least in part from one of a variety of self-passivating metals of the circuit device, the at least one input electrical contact being coupled to at least one electrical conductor of the circuit device formed at least in part from one of the variety of self-passivating metals;
• electrically coupling at least one second electrical conductor to at least one respective output contact formed at least in part from one of the variety of self passivating metals of the circuit device, the at least one output contact being coupled to the at least one electrical conductor of the circuit device;
• submerging the circuit device in the submerged ambient environment before or after the electrical coupling;
• and
• at least one of mechanically and electrically controlling the circuit device to provide an electrical function via the at least one electrical conductor in response to an electrical input provided to the circuit device from the at least one first electrical conductor,
• wherein the one of the variety of the self-passivating metals of the at least one input electrical contact, the at least one output contact, and the at least one electrical conductor form an insulating layer on a surface thereof when exposed to the submerged ambient environment to mitigate electrical arcing between the at least one input electrical contact, the at least one output contact, and the at least one electrical conductor.