Molly Ayala
Corrosion on electrical terminals can be a serious issue, causing problems ranging from inconvenience to electrical shocks and fires. The most common cause of electrical corrosion is water, so it is important to keep electrical terminals dry. Other factors that can cause corrosion include salt water and the chemicals used to de-ice roads. To prevent corrosion, it is recommended to use products such as dialectic grease, electrical contact cleaner, and sealed connectors. When cleaning electrical terminals, it is best to use a toothbrush and a mild solvent like WD-40, rather than a wire brush, to avoid scratching soft metals.
Characteristics and Values for Preventing Electrical Terminal Corrosion
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Keep moisture out | Check for damaged pipes, leaks, and cracks indoors, and ensure rainwater does not collect around outdoor wiring |
| Use dialectic grease | Seals out and prevents moisture from collecting around wiring |
| Use electrical contact cleaner | Precision aerosol spray that dissolves and removes dirt, oil, and oxidation build-up from electrical components and contacts |
| Use sealed connectors | Use sealed connectors, heat shrink tubing, and proper field repair procedures to avoid wiring issues |
| Use liquid vinyl | Coat the entire connection with liquid vinyl and keep salt water away from the terminals |
| Use corrosion block spray | An aerosol product called Corrosion Block can be used on electrical connections and aluminum parts |
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What You'll Learn
Keep moisture away from electrical terminals
Keeping moisture away from electrical terminals is key to preventing corrosion. Water is the primary cause of electrical corrosion, so it is important to be vigilant about checking for water leaks or damage that could lead to water ingress. Regularly check for damaged pipes and leaks or cracks in foundations, walls, and around outdoor wiring. Ensure that rainwater or garden water cannot collect near electrical wiring.
There are several products available to protect electrical connections and prevent corrosion. Dialectic grease is a popular option, as it seals out moisture and prevents it from collecting around wiring. It is important to clean electrical connections before applying dialectic grease, and to disconnect the power source first to avoid electric shock. Electrical contact cleaner can be used to dissolve and remove dirt, oil, and oxidation from electrical components and contacts.
Other products that can be used to prevent corrosion include electrical corrosion protection sprays, which are designed to penetrate and soak into hard-to-reach areas, and liquid vinyl, which can be used to coat electrical connections. For electrical connections exposed to saltwater, it is recommended to use marine-grade products, such as Anchor brand marine-grade battery cables with tinned copper terminals.
Proper procedures for field repair should also be followed to avoid wiring issues and moisture ingress. Puncturing wires with wire probes or picks to check voltage or continuity should be avoided, as this allows moisture to wick throughout the electrical system, leading to corrosion. Instead, a multimeter should be used to troubleshoot wiring issues without damaging connectors, wires, and seals.
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Use dialectic grease to seal out moisture
Since water is typically to blame for electrical corrosion, keeping it away from your electrical panel and indoor and outdoor connections should be a priority. Dialectic grease is a great way to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion.
Dialectic grease is a product that is designed to seal out and prevent moisture from collecting around wiring. It is important to disconnect the power source before applying dialectic grease or any other product to avoid electric shock. Dialectic grease is safe to use on electrical connections in boats, cars, motorcycles, and lawnmowers. It is also suitable for use on exposed connections, plugs, and sockets.
Grote Industries, for example, applies corrosion-preventative grease to all its lamps and female terminals on harnesses. The company also recommends the use of sealed connectors and dielectric grease or spray to avoid wiring issues. Dialectic grease is also useful for preventing corrosion on battery terminals. One user reported that they cleaned up some corroded connections and coated them with dielectric grease, and they had not had a terminal problem in thirty years.
You can find dialectic grease at marine centers, electrical supply houses, and larger home centers.
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Use electrical contact cleaner to remove dirt and oil
Electrical contact cleaners are designed to remove dirt, dust, oil, and oxidation from electrical contacts and components. They are available as precision aerosol sprays at most hardware stores. These sprays are safe to use on metal, rubber, and plastic surfaces.
Before using an electrical contact cleaner, ensure that the power is turned off and there is no current running through the device. Also, make sure the surface is cool to the touch. Hold the can 15-30 centimetres away from the surface and tilt it slightly to allow the excess to run off. Wipe off any excess product with a soft-bristled brush or a lint-free cloth. It is important to ensure that the surface is completely dry before restoring power to the electrical equipment.
WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner is a popular option for removing oil, dirt, and flux residue from electrical equipment. It is a non-conductive cleaner that can be used on sensitive electrical components. It dries quickly without leaving any residue and can be used to clean circuit boards, switches, controls, and metal, plastic, and rubber surfaces.
Techspray also offers a range of electrical contact cleaners in spray and bulk packaging. Their products remove oxidation, oil, and other contaminants from various electrical components. Their G3 Contact Cleaner is a non-flammable solvent that provides excellent cleaning performance.
In addition to using electrical contact cleaners, it is important to keep moisture away from electrical panels and connections to prevent electrical corrosion. Regularly check for water leaks, damaged pipes, and cracks in foundations or walls.
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Avoid using a wire brush to clean electrical terminals
When it comes to electrical terminals, corrosion is a common issue that can be prevented in several ways. While cleaning electrical terminals, it is advisable to avoid using a wire brush. Here's why:
Firstly, most electrical contacts are made of copper connectors or copper connectors plated with tin or silver. A wire brush is typically made of stiff steel wires, which can cause scratches and damage the soft copper or thin plating of tin or silver. Using a wire brush can create pockets or openings at the point of contact, reducing the surface area and compromising the integrity of the electrical connection.
Secondly, there are alternative methods to effectively clean electrical terminals without causing abrasion. A recommended approach is to use a clean toothbrush and a mild solvent like WD-40, which is safe to use on copper, tin, and silver. This method helps remove corrosion and other deposits while reducing surface variations at the point of contact between conductors.
Additionally, it is crucial to disconnect the power source before cleaning to avoid electric shock. After cleaning, applying dialectic grease or a corrosion-inhibiting spray lubricant can provide further protection against moisture and corrosion. These products are designed to seal and prevent moisture accumulation, ensuring that electrical connections remain intact and functional.
By understanding the potential drawbacks of using a wire brush, you can make a more informed decision to explore alternative cleaning methods that are safer and more effective for electrical terminals. Maintaining electrical connections properly helps prevent corrosion and ensures the longevity of the electrical system.
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Use liquid vinyl to coat electrical terminals
Liquid electrical tape is a great option for preventing corrosion on electrical terminals. It is a waterproof, dielectric coating that is easy to apply and provides superior protection compared to traditional electrical tape. It adheres well to metal, plastic, vinyl, rubber, and composite surfaces, creating an airtight, protective, and waterproof seal.
One such product is Star Brite Liquid Electrical Tape, which comes in 4-ounce cans and 1-ounce tubes. It is designed to meet all your electrical sealing needs and can be applied by brushing or dipping it onto the electrical connection area. The product dries quickly, forming a solid, waterproof seal that protects against moisture, saltwater, and corrosion. It also stops terminal screws from loosening due to vibration.
Another product, Plasti Dip's Liquid Tape, provides a flexible, rubberized coating that effectively seals and insulates exposed wires, protecting them from moisture, corrosion, and other environmental hazards. It creates a seamless, moisture-resistant barrier in electrical wiring applications, ensuring a long-lasting seal that adapts to the dynamic conditions often encountered in electrical systems.
When using liquid electrical tape, it is important to ensure that the wires or terminals to be sealed are clean and dry. After applying the first coat, allow it to dry for about 5 minutes before applying a second coat if a thicker seal is required. Succeeding coats can be applied at 5-minute intervals to build up extremely thick protection. The product typically cures fully within 24 hours.
Liquid electrical tape is a convenient and effective way to prevent corrosion on electrical terminals, providing a flexible, waterproof, and airtight seal that protects against moisture and other environmental factors.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent corrosion on electrical terminals, it is important to keep moisture away from electrical panels and connections. Use dialectic grease to seal out moisture and prevent it from collecting around wiring. Electrical contact cleaner can also be used to dissolve and remove dirt, oil, and oxidation build-up.
Yes, there are several products available for preventing corrosion on electrical terminals. These include:
- Corrosion Block (aerosol)
- TC-11 (spray)
- BTAS Dielectric Grease
- Strikehold Marine (spray lubricant and corrosion inhibitor)
- CorrosionX Heavy Duty Rust Prevention Spray
- HinderRUST Electrical Corrosion Protection
Yes, here are some best practices:
- Do not use a wire brush to clean electrical contacts as it can cause scratches. Instead, use a clean toothbrush and a mild solvent like WD-40.
- Avoid using wire probes or picks to check voltage or continuity as this can compromise the harness system and allow moisture to wick throughout the electrical system. Instead, use a multimeter to troubleshoot.
- When replacing pigtails, clean connections with electrical cleaner and apply new corrosion-protective dielectric grease.
- Inspect cables and wires for damage such as cracks, cuts, or excessive butt connectors, and replace or repair any damaged areas.
- Be aware that chemicals used to deice roadways, such as calcium and magnesium chloride, can contribute to electrical corrosion.
