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Old 01-23-2014, 03:28 PM   #7805 (permalink)
kenchan
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4r3s View Post
Oxidation is what causes your contacts to no longer make good connections. There is a fine layer of rust on the contact that needs to be removed. WD40 works only because it has cleaning agents in it but the catch is that its a lubricant so it leaves a thin film on the contact. So you don't get the best connection but chances are its good enough for your purposes. Regular Wd40 is a short term solution, not a long term solution.

The correct way to clean electrical connections is to use a fine grit sandpaper and sand the corrosion away.

If you can't do that, use isopropyl alcohol in a spritzer to spray the contacts. Pretty much all the otc contact cleaners are just isopropyl alcochol. Isopropyl alcohol is used because it evaporates without leaving behind a film on the surface and it breaks down rust fairly well.

source: I'm an EE.
yah, if i just need to clean contacts i use my RC car motor spray. WD40 is something readily available in most households that works. that is why i mentioned it. most isopropyl in households are only 70% and takes a while to dry. and leaves behind no lubricants so if your switch had lube, well, you just washed it all out.

source: i am kenchan. i only speak from experience.
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