We often find that electrical contacts get dirty, which can seem displeasing and cause some electrical malfunctioning. Thus, this situation has stirred up several questions on how to clean electrical contacts amongst most various users of electrical appliances.
Some persons might be tempted to get them cleaned with water, but this can lead to rust and further malfunctioning. It is a well-known fact that the constant accumulation of contaminants.
These contaminants, including grease, dirt, and oxidation on electrical contacts, can lead to total damage. Hence, it would be beneficial to clean them from time to time while making proper use of several safe products.
The extent of cleaning and the kind of electric contact cleaner you use might depend on the level of dirt you find on the electrical connections. Hence, we’ve provided you with the best methods to clean electrical contacts.
What is a contact cleaner?
A contact cleaner (also called electrical cleaner, switch cleaner, electrical contact cleaner, and, specific to automotive repair, battery terminal cleaner) is a solvent cleaner designed to remove contamination from electrical contacts.
The conductive surfaces of connectors, switches and other electrical and electronic components with moving surface contacts.
The goal is to quickly remove insulative contamination as quickly as possible, avoiding a lot of wiping and scrubbing if possible.
Contact cleaning solvents usually come in pressurized aerosol packaging for convenience and to provide a forceful spray that creates agitation and reaches into all the crevices of the connectors.
Centronics offers a large selection of aerosol electrical contact cleaners under the Pow-R-Wash™ brand, which range from economical heavy-industry cleaners to high precision solvents for sensitive components.
Importance of Maintaining Clean Contacts
The importance of upholding clean contacts transcends mere surface cleanliness; it is a cornerstone of electrical functionality.
By ensuring the removal of any inhibiting agents or substances from electrical contacts, the risk of signal disruption or power attenuation is significantly reduced.
This critical maintenance practice guarantees seamless electrical conductivity, upholding the performance and safety standards of electronic systems.
The unique advantage of maintaining clean contacts lies in the enhanced operational reliability and extended lifespan of electrical components, underscoring its indispensable role in device maintenance.
Signs That Your Electrical Contacts Need Clean
These are the most common signs that will let you know that your electrical contacts need cleaning.
#1. Corrosion.
Accumulation of grease, dirt, and contaminants in your car’s electrical system can eventually lead to contact failure as well as malfunction.
Electrical contacts usually suffer fretting corrosion. You can consider fretting corrosion to be an increased deterioration or degree that takes place because of repeated oxidation or corrosion of the freshly abraded surfaces.
When electrical contacts of your automobile are exposed to vibrations of contraction and expansion, the micro-movements between the contacts generate fretting wear.
Contacts that are made of cheaper materials and then coated with gold or sliver usually suffer the most when the gold or silver plate is worn out.
#2. Electrical Arcing.
When two electrical contacts are attached, current will pass through them. But when the contacts are pulled apart an arc is formed as you disconnect the electrical supply.
The formation of the arc is because electricity wants to keep on flowing even after disconnecting the two contacts. The arc ionizes the air that exists between the two electrical contacts.
The energy and temperature of the arc can easily damage your electrical contacts. The burning capacity of the electrical arc is usually increased by the amount of current flowing through.
If arcing occurs repetitively, it usually damages the contacts, exposing them to carbon buildup as well as corrosion.
#3. Flammability.
Your safety when using a contact cleaning agent is very important, and that’s why you have to consider the flammability of the cleaner.
You should pay close attention to the flashpoint of the cleaning solution. This refers to the lowest temperature at which an electrical contact cleaner can form an ignitable mixture when exposed to air.
The ideal flash point should be above 145 degrees Fahrenheit. A cleaner with this specification is considered to be a non-flammable liquid. This is a very important aspect when you want the parts you are cleaning to remain energized.
If you settle for an electrical contact cleaner that has a low flash point, then the liquid can ignite, destroying your components. You could also get injured in the process when the liquid ignites unexpectedly.
#4. Fully Evaporative.
The next important thing to consider is whether the cleaning agent is fully evaporative or a lubricant. Choose a cleaner that is fully evaporative when cleaning electrical contacts.
This will ensure there is no residue left behind that could otherwise cause grime and dirt to collect.
Accumulation of dirt and grime can obstruct the flow of electricity when they come between electrical contacts and their contact points. A proper cleaning procedure requires the contacts to be residue-free.
You may not want contact cleaners that contain lubricants because they will leave residue after cleaning, which may affect the performance of the contacts.
#5. Water-Free Formulation.
This is an important factor considering that most electrical contacts are made of material that can oxidize and corrode in the presence of moisture. The best cleaning agent should have a water-free formulation.
#6. Toxicity.
When selecting a contact cleaner you don’t want a cleaning solution that has hazardous ingredients that could result in it being regulated to the extent you could no longer use it for your DIY contact cleaning project.
Preferably, consider a cleaner that doesn’t contain RCRA or SARA listed ingredients.
#7. Precision Contact Cleaners.
It is important to choose a contact cleaner that offers precision contact cleaning. Such a cleaning solution will make it easy to clean impossible or difficult to reach places.
Precision contact cleaners usually come in a trigger spray foam or aerosol design. They emit particles evenly over the surface of contacts and produce very little waste.
Side Effects of Dirty Electrical Contacts
The idea of cleaning electrical contact is excellent, and it seems convenient since this cleaning is not done daily.
However, leaving this dirt in for too long can cause several adverse effects. Thus, several persons set up a good maintenance schedule to ensure they clean their connections from time to time.
But, what happens when you leave this dirt on your contact surfaces for a very long time? What happens to your devices whenever you do not clean the electric contacts on time? Here are some side effects of dirty electrical contacts.
- As the dirt accumulates, they become tougher to clean. Thus, it would require more than the standard maintenance techniques that you employ to get them cleaned. For metal surfaces, you might need sandpaper to do the scrubbings instead of a regular brush.
- The dirty electrical contacts can lead to a failure of the starter motor of vehicles. Thus, you would soon start noticing potential hitches and faults that can also cause your vehicle not to start.
- When the electric contacts are dirty, it can interfere with other automobiles to cause issues that would keep your engine check light on.
- It Causes your vehicle lighting system to interrupt and fuel injectors can be inactive. However, it would be best if you carefully check whether this issue has sprung up due to some other problems.
How to Clean Electrical Contacts?
The methods for cleaning electrical contacts varies, and this is often based on the type of dirt that is on the surface. You can find common contaminants like dust and grease or corrosion and oxidation on electrical connections.
Corrosion on electrical contacts occurs as a result of an interaction with water. Oxidation can also happen if the metals of these connections react to oxygen, thereby forming metal oxides.
Are you getting bothered about the contaminants accumulated on your electrical contacts? Well, there are some ways that you can effectively clean your electrical connections.
#1. Cleaning with a Micro brush and a Suitable Cleaning Solution.
The use of micro brushes, along with a suitable cleaning solution, is one excellent option for cleaning your electrical contacts. You can reach out through tiny holes or smaller surfaces with micro brushes and clean them with ease using the bristles.
A suitable electrical contact cleaner would help weaken these contaminants and clean the electrical connections.
However, when choosing an electrical contact cleaner, do consider some factors to help you make a better choice.
Some important factors like its flammability, compatibility with plastic contacts, dielectric strength, and environmental compatibility/ toxicity issues. Follow the steps below to clean your electrical connections using an electrical contact cleaner and a micro-brush.
- Unplug your appliance from its power source or remove all batteries.
- Spray the electrical cleaner on the corroded connections. You can do this by keeping the object is a vertical position and spraying the cleaner 4-6 inches away from the contacts.
- Use the brush to scrub and remove the contaminants.
Some persons might find electrical cleaners to be quite expensive and may not be able to afford them. Hence, you can use other cleaning solutions, such as Vinegar, Alcohol, and a Nail polish remover, and you can get these solutions with ease.
#2. clean electrical contacts with vinegar.
To clean your electrical connections using vinegar, follow the steps below:
- Disconnect all forms of power supply
- Apply the vinegar on the contact areas you want to clean; you can employ a cotton swab
- Then scrub gently using a brush
#3. Cleaning with Alcohol.
- Take out all power supply
- Clean electrical contacts with rubbing alcohol by applying on the surface or through the slot
- Scrub gently with the micro-brush
#4. Cleaning with a Nail Polish Remover.
- Take off the power supply
- Apply a nail polish remover to clean electrical contacts
- Brush off the dirt
Note: Applying vinegar, alcohol, and nail polish remover would help weaken dirt accumulation and corrosion.
But please note that using a brake cleaner to clean your electrical contacts can prove harmful, as it could lead to cracks on plastic electrical connections.
#5. Cleaning Gold and Silver Plated Electrical Contacts.
Most times, you would find that the electrical contacts come plated with either silver or gold and not all electrical contact cleaners are suitable for cleaning them.
When you employ the wrong products or materials for cleaning silver-plated or gold-plated electrical surfaces, you might damage them.
This damage occurs because the plating is relatively thin, and it would interest you to know that once the plate gets damaged the metal beneath would be exposed to the risk of corrosion.
Hence, a lot of people are eager to learn how to clean gold electrical contacts, as well as silver electrical contacts.
Although silver-plated electrical connections may not prove to be harmful, if they occur as a result of insulative deposits, then there is cause for alarm.
However, cleaning these electrical contacts requires that you use a suitable cleaner or rubbing alcohol along with a cloth that is not abrasive. This method of cleaning would ensure that the plating does not go off.
#6. Using a Contact Cleaner Kit.
Although a contact cleaner kit might not be the first option for most folks, it is an excellent option as the kit comes with everything you need for proper cleaning.
With the best cleaner kit, you are sure that you have an all-in-one set to get started with the cleaning process.
You would be able to find a contact cleaner, brush, air can, and lint-free material in the kit. The cleaning process is often explained in the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Safety Precautions When Using Electrical Contact Cleaner
While DIY electrical contact cleaner can be beneficial, it’s critical to use caution during both the preparation and application. Here are some important safety tips:
#1. Proper Ventilation.
Isopropyl alcohol can release vapors that may be harmful if inhaled. Ensure you work in a well-ventilated area by opening windows and utilizing fans if necessary.
#2. Protective Gear.
Consider wearing gloves and goggles when handling isopropyl alcohol to prevent skin irritation and protect your eyes from splashes.
#3. Keep Away from Open Flames.
Isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable. Always keep it away from open flames, sparks, or heat sources.
Store your DIY contact cleaner in a cool, dark place, preferably in a labeled container out of reach of children and pets.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Contact Cleaner Kit
#1. Flammability.
Most effective contact cleaners contain hydrocarbon solvents and alcohol components, which are highly flammable. The same components provide optimal performance while dealing with oxidation contamination, but pose a safety hazard.
Considering that such components might be inevitable, you should avoid using such cleaners near sparks or open flames. Alternatively, you can opt for a safe cleaner without or least-flammable components.
High flash (HF) Cleaners
Electrical contact cleaners with the HF feature imply they’re combustible, but their vapors won’t combust at normal ambient temperatures.
To obtain a solvent’s HF value, it’s heated to its boiling point as the vapors are attempted to be ignited. Therefore, the flashpoint is the time when the vapor lights.
Resultantly, high flash cleaners are safer to use and are also low cost suiting their effectiveness.
To further make these solvents have slow evaporation, they are made with citrus-based or terpene-based solvents. Eventually, HF cleaners or solvents are effective in removing contact contaminations.
#2. Rubber and Plastic Compatibility.
Contact surfaces are often protected by plastic covers and rubber seals from the outside environment, which contributes to rust and oxidation.
Accordingly, as you apply cleaners, such housing materials are vulnerable to chemical corrosion.
As a result, a harsh solvent on rubber and plastic might embrittle covers causing small cracks. Therefore we recommend, choosing contact solvents that will be friendly to rubber gaskets and plastic housing.
#3. Dielectric Strength.
Dielectric strength refers to the capability of an electrical material to handle maximum electric field before the degradation of its insulating properties. This feature is applicable as you use contact cleaners when power is on.
Ideally, a cleaner with the highest dielectric strength is best to use. Subsequently, it won’t cause the target material to break down causing a current flow that might lead to a short circuit.
#4. Toxicity.
In your search for non-flammable cleaners, you should be careful about the chemicals used to provide this performance. For instance, chemicals like Trichloroethylene (TCE) and -N-Propyl Bromide (nPB) can be found in such solvents but are toxic.
As such, these chemicals have been attributed to headaches, dizziness, and even cancer among car users. Consequently, car owners and mechanics should opt for non-toxic cleaners.
#5. Environmental Issues.
In the recent wake of reducing carbon emissions, it’s important to use cleaners that are friendly to the environment.
Despite other automotive mechanics sticking to the functionality of these solvents, manufacturers are continually phasing out solvents with Chlorofluorocarbons.
Accordingly, you should choose cleaning products that don’t have Global Warming Potential (GWP) materials or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Benefits of Cleaning Electrical Contacts Timely
#1. Enhanced Conductivity.
The enhancement of conductivity represents a fundamental benefit of employing electrical contact cleaners in maintenance routines.
By eliminating barriers to electrical flow through thorough cleaning, conductivity is optimized, promoting signal integrity and power transmission efficiency.
The key characteristic of enhanced conductivity lies in the rejuvenation of contact surfaces, enabling seamless electrical conduction essential for optimal device performance.
#2. Prevention of Corrosion.
Mitigating the risks associated with corrosion stands out as a pivotal advantage of integrating electrical contact cleaners in maintenance protocols.
The prevention of corrosion is achieved through the removal of corrosive elements and the application of protective coatings, safeguarding electrical contacts from degradation.
This crucial maintenance practice ensures the longevity and reliability of electrical systems, preserving their functionality under varying operating conditions.
#3. Increased Lifespan of Electrical Components.
The extended lifespan of electrical components emerges as a tangible outcome of regular maintenance with electrical contact cleaners.
By eradicating contaminants and corrosion that contribute to premature component wear, the durability and performance efficiency of electrical devices are substantially prolonged.
This key characteristic highlights the role of contact cleaners in sustaining the longevity and operational efficacy of electronic systems, emphasizing the value they bring to overall device maintenance.
FAQs.
Q: What do I use for the effective cleaning of my electrical contacts?
Generally, you can use an electrical contact cleaner, as they are produced to be very useful for this purpose. These cleaning products come with the right chemicals to help soften and remove accumulated dust and corrosion of electrical contacts.
You can easily find various types of these products out there and ensure you pick the best cleaner for your electrical connections.
In the absence of a suitable electrical cleaner, you can employ some household solutions such as vinegar, nail polish remover, and alcohol. Some persons make use of brake cleaners, but this can cause damage to contact with plastics.
Q: Can I use wd40 as an electrical contact cleaner?
You can use clean electrical contacts with wd40, as it is an excellent electrical contact cleaner that can help you get those contaminations on your electrical surfaces out.
It is an ideal solution to help you get rid of condensation that results from any sensitive electrical equipment, flux residues, dirt, and oil.
It is among the top choices for cleaning various electrical connections, including plastics and metals. With wd40, you can comfortably clean printed circuit boards, and spraying the cleaner occurs with high precision.
Q: How do you remove corrosion from electrical connections?
Cleaning a corroded electrical contact would require more than just spraying a cleaner and applying air. You would need to employ a brush to help remove the dry corrosion dust. Get a suitable electrical contact cleaner and spread it on the corroded areas.
Then, use the brush to scrub off the dirt gently. You can employ a sandpaper block if the corroded connection is highly patinated. Please note that you can put vinegar to use in the absence of an electrical connection cleaner.
Q: Can you use rubbing alcohol to clean battery contacts?
Yes. You can make use of rubbing alcohol for cleaning battery contacts. To do that, you must first unplug the device from its power source.
Then get a brush or sandpaper, depending on the type of battery connection and the level of corrosion. Conduct a prior cleaning to remove dirt from the surface and apply the rubbing alcohol.
Finally, you should use a brush or sandpaper to scrub off the remaining dirt. It might be helpful if you protect these electrical contacts with dielectric grease after cleaning. This grease helps seal out moisture, which can cause corrosion in the future.
Final Thoughts
Various electrical contacts often get dirty after some time, and if not cleaned timely, your electrical device might not function properly.
For automobiles, not cleaning your electrical surfaces often can cause your vehicle to stop at running. Thus, it would be beneficial to clean your electrical contacts often and try to incorporate it into your maintenance plan.
You can conduct this cleaning in various ways, using an electric contact cleaner or other suitable cleaning solutions.
Are you searching for an appropriate method on how to clean electrical contacts? Check out our article for the best way to help clean your electrical connections.