Abstract: The useful life of electrical contacts is extended by a cryogenic treatment. An electrical contact is exposed to a low temperature, such as below 172 K for a selected period of time. The low temperature may be obtained via a controlled rate of cooling. After the contact has been exposed to the low temperature, the contact may be returned to ambient temperature at a controlled rate. The cryogenic treatment results in extended useful life of contacts made of materials such as copper and of composite contacts incorporating silver, refractory metals, and metal oxides such as cadmium oxide and tin oxide.