Electrical Contact Cleaner
I've been curious about these products for years, and the current post got
me motivated to google this topic. On several sites, WD-40, it was noted,
should not be used on electrical contacts since it has kerosene in it, and
kerosene doesn't evaporate, When I've wanted a contact cleaner, I've gone
to an electronic or auto store and purchased a product that was labeled as
an electrical contact cleaner. No product with an acid in it should be used
on electrical contacts. These sites do indicate that Iso. Alcohol is
acceptable on electrical contacts as it evaporates. I should note that I
did not read all of the sites, just a few, but these few repeated the same
suggestions.
Rudy & Jill Sechez
*BRINEY BUG-a 34' Sail-Assisted Trawler *
850-832-7748
trawlertrainingabc.com http://trawlertrainingabc.com
New Smyrna FL
This brings up the topic of using brake cleaner on electrical stuff and the
possible hazards thereof. Another issue is what to use to put corrosion
protection onto electronics which might be exposed.
Rich Gano
Frolic (2005 Mainship 30 Pilot II)
Panama City area
Electrical Contact Cleaner
I've been curious about these products for years, and the current post got
me motivated to google this topic. On several sites, WD-40, it was noted,
should not be used on electrical contacts since it has kerosene in it, and
kerosene doesn't evaporate, When I've wanted a contact cleaner, I've gone
to an electronic or auto store and purchased a product that was labeled as
an electrical contact cleaner. No product with an acid in it should be used
on electrical contacts. These sites do indicate that Iso. Alcohol is
acceptable on electrical contacts as it evaporates. I should note that I
did not read all of the sites, just a few, but these few repeated the same
suggestions.
On 12/12/19 10:59 AM, Rudy Sechez via Trawlers-and-Trawlering wrote:
... On several sites, WD-40, it was noted,
should not be used on electrical contacts since it has kerosene in it, and
kerosene doesn't evaporate,
Well, it's not entirely clear that it's kerosene vs. some other
petroleum fraction; the MSDS does not differentiate, and the exact
formula is a trade secret. (It's not fish oil, which is a, uhh, fish
story.) But likely it includes components heavy enough to resist
evaporating at room temperature.
I do know that it is not electrically conductive at normal voltages and
is safe to use for it's intended purpose as a solvent (it's not really a
lubricant, as some believe). It will dissolve things, particularly
petroleum-based contaminants, that alcohol simply will not. Which is why
I suggested using WD40 first, then wiping, then cleaning the contacts
with alcohol. I would suggest acetone, but that can have deleterious
effects on the non-metallic parts of the connector, depending on
composition.
When I've wanted a contact cleaner, I've gone
to an electronic or auto store and purchased a product that was labeled as
an electrical contact cleaner.
Lee is in Turkey, where apparently contact cleaner is not readily
available as it is here. At least, that's what I understood was behind
his question.
No product with an acid in it should be used
on electrical contacts.
True. There is no acid in WD-40 (pH ~11, actually quite basic).
Isopropanol, however, can be acidic, with a pH as low as 6, although it
is more typically near 7 (neutral) and can be as high as 8 (basic).
-Sean
m/y Vector
too long in the yard in Bayou La Batre, AL
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
On 12/12/19 11:31 AM, Rich Gano via Trawlers-and-Trawlering wrote:
This brings up the topic of using brake cleaner on electrical stuff and the
possible hazards thereof.
While some brake cleaners, particularly in places that have
environmental restrictions, contain acetone, which can damage plastic
parts, most brake cleaner is mostly tetrachloroethylene, which is safe
for most material. This is, in fact, dry cleaning fluid, so like the old
dish soap commecials: you're wearing it. There are health risks and it
is not very environmentally friendly so I don't recommend you clean
things with brake cleaner unless there are no good alternatives.
Another issue is what to use to put corrosion
protection onto electronics which might be exposed.
Probably the safest thing to do is simply put silicone dielectric grease
on them. In some harder cases (for example, battery contacts), there are
products available such as Battery Terminal Protector from CRC or
Permatex. These can make a mess of things whereas the silicone grease is
easily wiped up.
-Sean