Effective Electrical Contact Cleaning Tips

Keeping electrical contacts clean is crucial for the proper functioning of electronic devices, appliances and machines. Dirt, dust, and other debris can cause poor connectivity, intermittent performance and even complete failure of the equipment.

A contact cleaner is also called electrical cleaner, switch cleaner, electrical contact cleaner, and (specific to automotive repair) battery terminal cleaner. It is a solvent cleaner designed to remove contamination from electrical contacts, or 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.

The following are five important tips for cleaning electrical contacts effectively and safely. These tips are simple and easy to implement, yet they can make a significant difference in the longevity and performance of your electronic devices.

1. Disconnect the power source

Before cleaning electrical contacts, it is essential to switch off the power source. This will help prevent any electrical shock or damage to the equipment. Unplug any electrical devices or turn off the circuit breaker before starting the cleaning process.

2. Use a specialized contact cleaner

You can use a specialized contact cleaner to clean the electrical contacts. Contact cleaners are designed to remove any dirt, dust, or oxidation from the contact surfaces. However, be sure to use the contact cleaner that is recommended for the type of contact you are cleaning.

3. Clean the contacts gently

When cleaning electrical contacts, apply gentle pressure to avoid damaging the contacts. You can use a cotton swab or soft-bristled brush to clean the contacts. Be sure to remove any excess cleaner or debris from the contacts after cleaning.

4. Allow sufficient drying time

After cleaning electrical contacts, allow them to dry completely before reconnecting the power source. This will ensure no moisture is left on the contacts, which can cause corrosion and damage to the equipment.

5. Regular maintenance

To prevent the accumulation of dirt and dust on electrical contacts, it is essential to perform regular maintenance. You can use a soft-bristled brush or a lint-free cloth to clean the contacts periodically. This will ensure that the equipment operates efficiently and prevents any damage to the contacts.

Cleaning electrical contacts is an essential maintenance task that should not be overlooked. With the five tips outlined above, you can ensure that your electrical contacts are kept clean and functioning at their best.

Remember to always follow safety precautions and use the appropriate cleaning products to avoid damaging the contacts. By taking these simple steps, you can prolong the life of your electrical equipment, prevent unnecessary downtime, and ensure that your systems operate smoothly and efficiently.

Techspray Contact Cleaners

Techspray offers a wide variety of electrical contact cleaners in spray and bulk packaging. Our contact cleaners remove oxidation, oil, and other contaminants from contacts, metal switches, motors, relays, generators, edge connectors, buss bars, circuit breakers, scales, and sensors.

Techspray E-LINE Contact Cleaner is a powerful and economical mix of hydrocarbon and alcohol solvents. G3 Contact Cleaner offers the safety of a nonflammable solvent, along with dielectric strength of 36.2 kV, all without sacrificing cleaning performance.

All Techspray solvent cleaners are safer replacements to nPB, TCE and Perc-based cleaners, matching and surpassing their cleaning performance without safety concerns.

For more information on Techspray contact cleaners, go to www.techspray.com or call 800-858-4043.