Contact cleaner is a solvent that is
dispensed in a spray can. It is used for removing oxidation and corrosion on
electrical connections. Over time, the metal surfaces on weak quick
connectors will develop a thin layer of crud. This is especially true on control panels that sit idle for
more than 6 months, or if the connectors are made from cheaper metal. An
oxidized connector will look hazy.
Contact cleaner will not conduct electricity but turn off the power just to be
safe.
Step #1: Shut off all power.
Step #2: Flood all electrical quick connectors
and ribbon cables with Contact Cleaner. Write down any connections that
are close to each other to avoid confusion when putting it all back together.
Step #3: Wait 20 minutes. Meanwhile, tug on all
the rest of the wires in
control panel and look for poor connections.
Step #4: Inspect connections in good light for
oxidation, corrosion, or bent pins.
Step #5: Put connectors back together and
restart the machine.
Poor connections can heat up the wires
and cause circuits to misfire. In turn, this can lead to malfunctions and
defects on your production line.
Warning! Never use battery
cleaner in place of contact cleaner. They are not the same. Battery
cleaner is for car batteries.
Contact Cleaner can also be used on a malfunctioning
cell phone battery.
