Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat Audio Grade Electrical Outlets 15amp

Gold is wonderful but very expensive.
Silver has an affinity to sulphur hence the oxidisation. This oxide layer is very smooth and also thin.
At voltages below 5 volts and with current below 5 milliamps gold would be my recommendation.
Above this level the potential applied to silver plated contacts will to a great degree overcome the increase in contact resistance and detrimental effect of the oxide layer.
The home environment is not particularly aggressive as far as silver oxidisation is concerned and if contacts are well designed I cannot see the need for gold plating at mains voltages or even silver for that matter.
Gianni is correct terminations and decent switched sockets are the most important points to consider. Applying the correct torque to screw terminations is very important.
I do not agree with "nip it up" after a period of time theory as too much torque is just as bad as too little.
If you want the best results for termination of stranded copper wires in screw terminations without wire support use a crimp ferrule or at minimum solder dip the stripped wire.
Just my thoughts
Hector