How to clean electrical contacts
Knowing how to clean electrical contacts is an important skill.
Around the home, office or workshop, there are many electrical components, which may need routine work from time to time. With continued use, wear and tear can occur, leading to malfunction. As most electrical controls are usually in boxes, they can also face humidity, leading to dust and rusting. So, how can you clean electrical contacts safely?
Continue reading this handy blog to find out more.
Please note: When checking electrical components, always be sure to turn off the power from the mains first! You should do this by turning off the main switch and the meter. Non-professionals should not try to carry out certain activities except in emergencies. Always consult a professional if you are unsure.
Things you will need
WD-40 Specialist® Fast Drying Contact Cleaner
Insulated screw driver
Tester
Step 1
Wall sockets and switches
If a socket or switch isn’t working properly, it should be disassembled.
Check for any disconnected cables and reinsert them. If the switch itself is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
If you find any deteriorated terminals or electrical connectors, treat them with a spray of WD-40® Specialist® Fast Drying Contact Cleaner. This will eliminate various types of residue and condensation on electronic equipment.
Step 2
Junction Boxes
If an electrical service (socket, light point, etc.) doesn’t work, first try to make sure that the problem isn’t coming from the electrical service itself. Then, trace it back to the conductors in the junction box.
Check that the terminals are properly connected: then apply some WD-40® Electrical Contact Cleaner Spray which penetrates and cleans the contacts. You can also apply the product to all other connectors in the box.
Step 3
Other electrical equipment
All household appliances such as power tools also have electrical contacts. These connections are almost always inside the body of the appliance. Therefore, reaching them for inspection and maintenance involves opening these containers. Before doing so, make sure that your actions won’t result in the loss of warranty coverage, and that it won’t compromise the integrity of the equipment. In this case, the intervention must again be entrusted to a qualified technician.
If you notice any damaged connections, restore their connection by applying some WD-40® Electrical Contact Cleaner Spray
Step 4
Electrical contacts on cars and motorcycles
These contacts are often exposed to water and other substances inside the engine. If your vehicle malfunctions, you can visually check and evaluate with a tester, reconnect any detachments and apply WD-40® Electrical Contact Cleaner, which penetrates the hardest to reach areas. The product restores electrical conductivity, eliminating the danger of short circuits. Its formula rapidly evaporates and leaves no residue. Plus, it is compatible with all metals, plastics and rubbers.
Now you know how to clean electrical contacts
Always remember to switch all electrical components off before trying any of the steps above and if in doubt, call a professional electrician. Visit our website to find out more about WD-40® Specialist® Fast Drying Contact Cleaner and all our Specialist Range.
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