Otis Singleton
WD-40 is a popular product that has been advertised for a variety of uses, including as a lubricant and penetrating oil. However, its use on electrical components has been a topic of debate. Some people claim that it is not suitable for electrical contacts and relays, as it is not a lubricant and can turn into a gummy substance that attracts dust and dirt, potentially causing issues over time. On the other hand, some people have used WD-40 on electrical connections and relays with success, and the company also markets a specialist contact cleaner product that is deemed safe for electrical equipment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Developed as | Missile polish |
| Marketed for | Anywhere you want oily stuff to spray out of a can |
| Use cases | Hand cleaner, mosquito repellent, crank small engines, fire up a diesel engine |
| Electrical use | Not a lubricant, not recommended for electrical contacts and switches |
| Alternative | Penetrating oil like Kroil or Liquid Wrench |
| Safe for use on | Electrical equipment, most plastics, rubber and metal |
| Use cases | Removing carbon dust in wind turbine slip rings, preventing railway short circuits, cleaning battery terminals, printed circuit boards, controls, switches, precision instruments and electric panels |
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What You'll Learn
WD-40 is not a lubricant and shouldn't be used as one
While WD-40 has been used by many as a lubricant, it is not a true lubricant and should not be used as one. This is a common misunderstanding, as the product has an oily texture and can temporarily act as a lubricant for penetrating between mating parts that are stuck and require cleaning. However, WD-40 dries out and will not provide long-lasting lubrication.
WD-40 was originally developed as a missile polish and is now marketed for a wide range of applications where a spray-on oily substance is desired. The product is a blend of lubricants, anti-corrosion agents, and ingredients for penetration, water displacement, and soil removal. While it can be useful for cleaning and protecting surfaces from rust and corrosion, it should not be relied upon for lubrication.
One of the main issues with using WD-40 as a lubricant is that it can attract dust and dirt over time, leading to gunk buildup. This can be especially problematic when used on electrical contacts or switches, as it may cause a short circuit or other malfunctions. For electrical applications, it is recommended to use dedicated contact cleaners designed specifically for this purpose.
Additionally, WD-40 is not suitable for applications that require prolonged lubrication, such as between mating parts in constant motion or varying temperatures. In these cases, a grease-based lubricant is more appropriate as it can provide long-lasting lubrication and protection.
It is important to understand the limitations of WD-40 and use it for its intended purposes. While it can be a handy product for certain tasks, it should not be considered a substitute for proper lubricants or specialized maintenance products.
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WD-40 is not suitable for electrical blower motors
Although WD-40 has numerous applications, it is not suitable for electrical blower motors.
Firstly, WD-40 is not a lubricant and should not be used as one. It is a solvent, and spraying it on insulated motor windings can be dangerous. It can make the existing grease thinner and less effective. It can also dissolve plastic, causing parts to deteriorate and fail.
Secondly, WD-40 turns into a gummy substance over time, attracting dust and dirt. This can cause clogging and result in poor performance or even failure of the electrical blower motor.
Thirdly, WD-40 is flammable, and using it on electrical blower motors that create sparks can be hazardous.
Finally, for electrical contacts and switches, it is recommended to use contact cleaners specifically designed for this purpose. These cleaners will effectively clean the surfaces without leaving behind any residue or causing any damage.
Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using WD-40 on electrical blower motors and instead use suitable lubricants or cleaners designed for electrical applications.
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WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner is safe for use on electrical equipment
There are differing opinions on whether WD-40 is safe to use on electrical relays. Some people advise against using WD-40 on electrical contacts and switches, as it can turn into a gummy substance that attracts dust and dirt. It is also not a lubricant and should not be used as one.
However, WD-40 does produce a specialist contact cleaner that is safe to use on electrical equipment. The product has been designed to clean electrical contacts and connections, and it dries quickly, leaving no residue. It is safe and ideal for use on printed circuit boards, controls, battery terminals, switches, precision instruments, and electric panels. It can also be used to protect all-weather equipment against short circuits and ensure heating and cooling controllers stay connected.
It is always a good idea to test any product on a small area first before applying it to the entire surface. It is also recommended to check with the manufacturer before performing maintenance on devices.
Overall, while there are mixed opinions on the regular WD-40 product, the WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner has been specifically designed for use on electrical equipment and is safe when used as directed.
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WD-40 can be used to clean corroded electrical contacts
There are mixed opinions on whether WD-40 can be used to clean electrical contacts. Some people claim that it is not suitable for electrical connections and can cause more harm than good. They argue that while it can free up a stuck switch, it will turn gummy over time, attracting dust and dirt, and causing more issues.
However, others, including the WD-40 company, claim that their product can be used to clean electrical contacts effectively. They state that the WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner can be used to clean sensitive electronics and electrical equipment, removing oil, dirt, flux residue, and condensation. It is safe to use on printed circuit boards, controls, battery terminals, switches, precision instruments, and electric panels.
It is important to note that the WD-40 Company specifically markets a product called WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner for electrical contacts, which is different from their standard WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This specialized product has been designed to clean electrical contacts and equipment safely and effectively.
Some people have used WD-40 to clean electrical contacts with success, claiming that it works great and causes no problems. However, it is always recommended to use products specifically designed for cleaning electrical equipment, as they are formulated for this purpose and are less likely to cause issues.
When dealing with electrical components, it is crucial to exercise caution. Before attempting any cleaning or maintenance, always turn off the power from the mains and consult a professional if you are unsure about anything.
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WD-40 is a plastic dissolver and can degrade certain plastics
While some people use WD-40 on electrical components, it is not recommended. This is because WD-40 is not a lubricant, and it can turn into a gummy substance that attracts dust and dirt, causing potential damage to electrical contacts.
WD-40 was developed as a missile polish and is now marketed for a wide range of uses. However, it is not suitable for all purposes and can be particularly damaging to plastics. This is because WD-40 is designed to remove oil, grease, and other watery substances from solid surfaces. Hydrocarbons in its chemical formula can break down the chemical bonds in certain plastic polymers, causing the plastic to soften, turn brittle, and eventually snap.
Amorphous polymers such as polycarbonate, polystyrenes, and PVC are vulnerable to WD-40-based erosion. These plastics are commonly found in items like cutlery, baby bottles, optical discs, and LCD screens. Therefore, spraying these items with WD-40 will cause them to break down over time. On the other hand, crystalline plastics like polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, and nylon are more resistant to erosion caused by WD-40. These plastics are used in the creation of tougher items like laboratory chairs or dishwasher-safe containers.
It is important to note that while some people have used WD-40 on electrical components without immediate issues, it is not a recommended practice due to the potential for long-term damage. In the case of electrical relays, it is best to use a product specifically designed for cleaning electrical terminals, as this will ensure the safety and longevity of the components.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not recommended to use WD-40 on electrical relays as it is not a lubricant and can cause damage to the components.
Using WD-40 on electrical contacts can cause them to become sticky and attract dirt and dust, leading to further issues.
Yes, there are specific contact cleaners available that are designed for use on electrical contacts and relays. These include isopropanol, contact cleaner lubricants, and ink erasers.
While WD-40 is not recommended for electrical relays, it can be used to clean certain other electrical components. These include battery terminals, switches, circuit boards, and electric panels. However, it should not be used on device screens or keyboards.
WD-40 has a variety of uses, including as a diesel engine starter, mosquito repellent, and arthritis relief. It is also useful for removing carbon dust from wind turbines and preventing railway short circuits.
