Clean Electrical Contacts Rubbing Alcohol
Is isopropyl rubbing alcohol adequate for cleaning electrical contacts or do i need to get some stuff formulated to clean contacts.
Clean electrical contacts rubbing alcohol. Be very careful when cleaning a computer or electronic device with ipa 99. While it is a great sanitizing agent it also cuts grease therefore there are infinite uses for it around the house. Insert the brush into the contact or wipe it off. In fact isopropyl alcohol can be used for cleaning purpose disinfectants paint thinners inks general purpose cleaners and windshield thawing agents.
Make sure that the brush is not dripping with the solution. Where water droplets would cause problems isopropyl quickly evaporates and can be used to dry water residues. It cuts oil carbon and other residues better than alcohol. In the case of electrical contact cleaning the faster evaporation helps ensure the flammable solvent is gone before energizing the equipment.
My preferred cleaner has always been acetone. What s the best way to clean the receptacle female part of a contact. This video shows the comparative evaporation rate of 99 8 pure ipa 70 ipa and acetone. Then take the part of the brush that you dipped into your solution and insert it into the electrical contact slot or wipe the brush across the surface of the contact if it is exposed.
While you are at it you should also check if the contacts need burnishing. You can clean electrical contacts with just a microbrush and some solutions. If it is dab it off on a paper. Stick a q tip down there or is there some better way.
The brush should also be dipped into a cleaning solution. Ipa 99 has flammable liquid and vapors so be sure that the device is completely turned off and give ipa 99 time to evaporate before turning any hot components on. Insert it into the electrical contact and clean it. For 90 just change the ratio to 1 1 25 isopropyl to distilled water and distilled water do not use tap water since it could leave mineral water stains works wonders at removing oily smudges without a streak in 2 3 swipes.
That is one of the reasons 70 pure isopropyl alcohol is commonly used for degreasing and smt stencil cleaning. It is safe to use alcohol to clean electrical contacts. Isopropyl generally isn t quite as good as a damp cloth and detergent for cleaning the outside of equipment it evaporates too quickly. Before you start cleaning unplug the item.
Make sure that the item is unplugged before you start cleaning it. Isopropyl rubbing alcohol 91 may also be effective but it is best to use the purest ipa available.