Electrical connector pins are vulnerable to corrosion over time, particularly if they are used outdoors. Then the question comes: how to remove corrosion from connector pins? We’ll outline 5 practical solutions that can assist you in solving the issue.
By reducing the amount of electricity flowing, corrosion on connector pins can stop a device from being charged. If you notice sluggish charging or decreased electricity flow, check to see if your connectors are free of corrosion. If you are unable to clean the connectors on the sockets, do not worry.
The necessity of removing corrosion and the procedures for cleaning connector pins will be covered in this blog.
Table of Contents
Why Should You Clean Electrical Connectors?
To keep the gadget working, electrical connectors must be cleaned. One way to understand its significance is to observe a car with numerous electrical connections. Additionally, clean connectors are necessary for the efficient operation of nearly all automotive systems, including the battery and audio.
It is challenging to experience a smooth connection when dirt accumulates on connector pin surfaces. Electrical connections can become interrupted or obstructed, which leads to a malfunction. If there is contamination, it will be difficult for you to start your car’s engine.
The amount of corrosion and dirtiness present, however, determines how serious the problem is. It implies that contacts can be stopped by leaving connectors dirty. In addition, it will eventually be challenging to clean dirt and corrosion off the pins. Because of this, you must routinely maintain the contacts and connector pins on sockets.
Does Corrosion Ruin Electronics?
Electronic device corrosion can have serious negative effects. It first disrupts electrical connections between partner pairs and connectors, leading to malfunction.
The electronic device will soon begin to erode after suffering aquatic damage. Additionally, corrosion occurs when there is water damage. The corrosion process, however, has no known duration. A short period of time can pass without having any negative effects.
The design of the device, the amount of time it was submerged, the severity of aquatic deterioration, and moisture intensities all play a role in how quickly corrosion occurs. Additionally, each factor has a big impact on how long it takes for water to damage the device. However, if the device is made with a barrier that prevents further water damage, the water can’t affect it even after it has been exposed to water.
How to Clean Corrosion from Electrical Connector Pins?
You can easily clean all the connector pins, regardless of dirt, grease, or corrosion. To remove corrosion from electrical contacts in the presence of compressed air, some people use a solution of water and baking soda. The removal of loose dirt is aided by such compressed air.
Sandpaper, rubbing alcohol, or any other cleaning agent can be used in addition to the baking soda mixture to remove grease and dirt. Let’s explore how to remove corrosion from connector pins step by step:
Pick a Specialty Cleaner
To clean electrical contacts of extra dirt, grease, and layers of corrosion, a variety of specialized cleaners are available. Any safe, dependable, and well-known brand’s cleaner is an option. Additionally, when using the cleaner, be sure to follow all of the instructions on it. For the protection of components, following regulations is crucial.
WD-40 is regarded as a trustworthy electric contact cleaner. It takes just a few drops of this cleaner to thoroughly clean all exposed or open areas and get rid of dirt and debris. This cleaner excels at penetrating thick grease and resistant corrosion. To guarantee its movement to challenging areas of the contact corners, you can also use a handy nozzle.
When it comes to restoring the electrical conductivity of circuits, these specialized cleaners work incredibly well. Furthermore, using this to clean the contacts lowers the risk of a short circuit. With its quickly evaporating, non-conductive formulation, the cleaner is safe to use on any rubber, metal, or plastic surface.
Use Baking Soda Mixture to Clean Battery Terminals
Baking soda and water is another powerful cleaner for removing corrosion from battery contacts. Making a solution of baking soda and water is certainly very simple, but using it is not.
To apply it on all the electrical connections, including battery terminals and connector pins, follow these steps:
- Grab a wrench or a stack of objects, and remove all the nuts and bolts holding the cables in the electrical socket or circuit.
- First, disconnect the negative cable. Negative cable can be detected by signs and by the color black.
- After removing the negative cable, remove the red positive cable with the + symbol on it.
- Apply baking soda and water directly to the connector pins if you still need to mix them. The contacts only require a light dusting of baking soda powder. The water can then be added to the baking soda using a spray bottle. When the baking soda on the corroded and greasy contacts begins to fizz, spray water on it.
- Use a stiff brush to scrub the connector pins and battery terminals’ stiffened areas. It is also essential to wear gloves to protect yourself from irritability.
- Depending on the need to remove debris, sprinkle additional water and baking soda.
- After removing all corrosion and greases, you should use distilled water to rinse or clean the wiped area.
- The battery terminals and connector pins should be dried using a microfiber towel.
- Make sure the battery or socket is completely dry before connecting the two electrical cables. The positive red cable should be connected first, followed by the negative black cable, when connecting cables.
- Ensure that every connection is secure.
You can also use a baking soda and water solution for car areas, regardless of household sockets and electrical contacts. Clean the interior of connectors to increase connector performance, and clean carbon buildup from engine parts to increase engine performance. To ensure smooth performance, lastly, apply dielectric grease to the connector’s pins.
Use Compressed Air to Remove Loose Debris
Compressed air is the best method for removing loose debris from electrical contacts, battery terminals, and sockets. You are in charge of getting rid of any loose dirt in the connectors, whether you use compressed air cans or household air tanks.
Compressed air works well for other cleaning tasks besides clearing away loose debris, such as cleaning electrical contacts. For instance, before connecting the cables in the circuit, dry the wet surface with compressed air.
Remove Contamination With Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbish alcohol is also very efficient at removing any lingering contamination from electrical contacts and connector pins. Only a small quantity is required to thoroughly clean the electrical contacts of all the dirt and debris. For the removal of contamination, rubbing alcohol works similarly to acetone.
Acetone and rubbing alcohol work well to get rid of grease, carbon, and dirt residues. It has been noted that brake cleaners are used for this purpose in some places, but we won’t advise using them because they could damage the electric connector if it has any cracks or pores.
Rub Connector Pins With Sandpaper
By using small sandpaper to clean connector pins, you can say goodbye to all flaws, dirt, and debris. Never use large-size sandpaper. If you don’t have any sandpaper, use a pencil eraser instead. The connector pins can also be made flawless, shiny, and clean with the proper use of a pencil eraser.
Use any abrasive material or toothbrush to gently brush the electric contacts after using sandpaper or an eraser to rub the pins. Sand and erasers can benefit from having debris removed with it. Use vinegar or alcohol to complete the cleaning. Before re-connecting, make certain that connector pins are completely dry.
You May Also Like: How To Remove Wire From Push In Connector?
FAQs
What Causes Corrosion on Electrical Connectors?
- Corrosion happens when moisture makes its way into a vehicle’s electrical and power delivery system.
- Anywhere along their surfaces, electrical and wiring systems are vulnerable.
- Moisture can also easily enter through leaking lamp connections, cracked lamp housings or lenses, cable and wire abrasions, etc.
How to Remove Corrosion from An Electrical Panel?
- First, take out the batteries.
- Use Vinegar.
- Clean the corrosion.
- Apply the paste.
Does WD 40 Clean Electrical Connections?
It dries quickly, leave no residue and removes over 95% of common surface contaminants, making it the best at cleaning electrical contacts and for optimal performance of equipment. Use on battery terminals, switches, precision instruments, printed circuit boards, controls, and electric panels is secure and recommended.
Conclusion
Cleaning the corrosion from the connector pins will increase the efficiency and conductivity of electrical circuits. Rust can be eliminated mechanically or chemically. To clean battery terminals and connector pins in addition to the aforementioned methods, you can also use mild acids like vinegar.
By clearing away all dust, debris, grease, and corrosion, you can get more use out of your electric contacts. Want to learn more, read our post on how to remove pin from connector.
