Best way to clean electrical connector

Hello,

For you what's the best way to clean an electrical connector? Like the ones used in cars.

With an electrical cleaner and a piece of sand paper? Or there is another way?

Regards,
Bruno

Hi brunofunchas,
Sand paper makes grinding_ you will lose the galvanized protecting metals...
I belief, some contact spray/fluid is better (CRC/Kontakt chemie/electrolube...), but if you have strong corrosion, the only good way is to change/renew the connectors, and check for good sealed mounting...
K.

The cleaning method depends on what type of contact it is and how bad the connection is. Most connectors will be made from brass that is plated with tin, silver or gold. Using anything abrasive will wear the plating and possibly remove it. Bare brass will tarnish quite quickly in the relatively harsh automotive environment.

My approach to bad connections is first to try aerosol contact cleaner, which is really just a solvent designed to removed grease and dirt.

If that doesn't work, I next check to see whether the contact is mechanically sound. If it's a loose fit (common problem with spade receptacles), I carefully squeeze with nose pliers to improve the mechanical pressure when the spade is inserted. This can also work for the old-fashioned bullet connectors.

The next thing to try would be judicial use of fine emery or wet and dry paper. As mentioned above, this can wear the plating so don't go too mad. I would not recommend this for silver or gold plated contacts (these metals should not have tarnished) but it can work for tin plating (if it is silver/grey and isn't shiny it is probably tin plated). Avoid coarse grits such as glasspaper/sandpaper as these will just scratch through the plating and cause problems later when corrosion sets in again.

The last resort is to fit new connectors. Crimping with a special ratchet tool is best. Soldering is good, provided that you can solder properly (the trick is to get the parts hot enough before applying the solder, such that it runs freely). Crimping with a "cheap" tool is acceptable if you take care.

Finally, I would steer clear of Scotch-lok connectors (as sold for DIY splicing into wires) because these are prone to causing corrosion of the wire where they have pierced it.

If you are adding any new wiring, ensure as far as possible that connections are suitably sealed against the elements.

3phase.