Conductive surfaces, electrical contacts, connectors, and switches can get dirty and contaminated over time. Although on signal circuits that don’t carry current, the mating connectors can look just fine and still impede the voltage needed for an accurate input.
The presence of dust, dirt, or grease can increase electrical resistance and cause connectivity and circuit issues. These problems can affect electronics such as your vehicle’s starter motor, headlights, and fuel pump. This can even be a safety hazard since it can cause your vehicle to stall or lack proper lighting
Sometimes, dirty contacts can also create patches of high resistance, which can heat up. Fortunately, electrical contact cleaners can allow vehicle owners to clean electronic parts like the ignition easily and prevent these problems from occurring.
An electrical contact cleaner is a solvent designed to remove contaminants from electronic components. Compared to most solvent cleaners, electric contact cleaners can clean surfaces without requiring the user to rub or wipe the component’s surface. As long as the contact cleaner touches the component, it’ll be able to remove contaminants.
Note, however, that you should have enough understanding of connectors in general to know when using an electrical contact cleaner is the appropriate solution.
Contact cleaners come in a pressurized aerosol can. Once the nozzle is pressed, the high pressure sprays air and contact cleaner solution in the chosen direction. Cleaning the electrical connectors and switches in tight areas with the nozzle can be difficult. Luckily, most contact cleaners also come with a small hose that you can install at the end of the nozzle, which allows you to accurately spray the contact cleaner into nooks and crannies.
Your vehicle’s ignition switch is responsible for completing a circuit that activates your vehicle’s starter motor, which then starts the engine. Sometimes, the electrical contacts on the ignition switch can get dirty. When you turn the key, the dirt might create resistance which can prevent the starter motor from activating.
Contact cleaner is convenient and easy to use, but there are some safety precautions that you should know.
Electrical contact cleaner sprays contain alcohol and hydrocarbon solvents, which are flammable. Hence, you shouldn’t use contact cleaners near open flames, sparks, or hot surfaces, or on live circuits that may create a spark and ignite the cleaner. Otherwise, the contact cleaner vapors could combust and potentially cause burns or fires.
Contact cleaners should be used in well-ventilated environments to allow the vapors to disperse. Otherwise, your skin and eyes might become irritated because of the solvent’s harsh chemicals.
Contact cleaners are rated by their corresponding dielectric strength, which is the maximum amount of current the solvent can withstand before it allows electricity to flow. If a contact cleaner is sprayed onto a circuit that exceeds its dielectric strength, then the solvent will conduct electricity and potentially cause a short circuit.
Caution: Never use electrical contact cleaner on a live circuit where current is flowing.
Some contact cleaners that use harsh solvents like toluene, xylene, and acetone can damage rigid plastics like Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, and acrylic. The solvents can cause these materials to become brittle and create small cracks. Many gaskets made from rubber and silicone can also be susceptible to these harsh solvents. You should be careful when spraying contact cleaners near these materials. On the other hand, contact cleaners that have alcohol and hydrocarbons for a base tend to be less harsh on these sensitive plastics. If you’re using contact cleaners for electronic components near plastic components, then you should use alcohol and hydrocarbon-based contact cleaners instead.
Electrical contact cleaners offer a convenient and effective way to clean electronic systems. That said, you should always use contact cleaners with caution. Be mindful of safety precautions in order to prevent accidents.
Cleaning sensitive electrical components can be tricky because you run the risk of permanently damaging them. Dust, dirt, and grease should theoretically be easy to remove but not when they’re attached to switches, connectors, and conductive surfaces.
A contact cleaner spray can help you get rid of these contaminants without any hassle, and if you’re in the market for one, we have you covered here at CarParts.com.
Every item in our catalog is sourced from the most trusted names in the industry. Our sprays are carefully vetted by a team of professionals to guarantee premium quality at affordable prices. You won’t have to break the bank to get your hands on a contact cleaner spray.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.