How to effectively clean electrical connectors
A home’s electrical system has a wide range of components; conductors, electrical connectors, circuit breakers, controls, relays, sockets, etc. All these elements have various types of electrical connections: terminal, sliding, interlocking, fast-on, etc. The prolonged use of the electrical services and the heating (even if slight) of all these components induced by the passage of current can lead to malfunctions in the long run due to uncertain or deteriorated contacts. Furthermore, most electrical controls are usually inserted in boxes embedded in the wall, and can be affected by various types of humidity present in the masonry (salient moisture from the ground, transmigration through the walls, condensation, etc.) and are therefore exposed to potential oxidation risks.
Lastly there’s dust that creeps everywhere and can cause malfunctions, an aspect that should not be overlooked. Whenever you have a problem with an electrical service that doesn’t work, before calling an electrician you should make sure that the problem isn’t caused by contacts interrupting the service. Of course, every check and even a minor intervention on electric connectors must only be carried out after having disconnected the system from the mains by disconnecting the main switch, and perhaps also the switch on the meter. Note that private users are not authorised to carry out certain interventions except in emergencies, as they must be done by an authorised technician.
Things you will need
- Insulated screwdriver
- Tester
Step 1
WALL SOCKETS AND SWITCHES
If a socket or switch (diverter, etc.) isn’t working properly, it must be disassembled and checked. Any disconnected cables must be reinserted and fixed in the relative terminal. If the switch is damaged it must be replaced. The terminals and electrical connectors should be treated with a spray of WD-40 Specialist Rapid-Drying Contact Cleaner, which eliminates various types of residue and condensation on electrical or electronic equipment, including delicate materials.
Step 2
JUNCTION BOXES
These boxes contain smaller or larger bunches of conductors connected together with capnuts. If an electrical service (socket, light point, etc.) doesn’t work, first make sure that the problem isn’t coming from the electrical service itself, then trace it back to the conductors reaching the service from the junction box. Check that the terminals in question are properly connected: otherwise, loosen the affected terminals and then restore their connection by applying some WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner, which penetrates and cleans the contacts. You can also apply the product to all other connectors in the box.
Step 3
MAIN SWITCHES, CIRCUIT BREAKERS, ETC.
Although you can do the same to the electrical connections of these components, it’s best to avoid doing so and leave it to a technician, as the removal and reassembly of these controls can be troublesome for those who aren’t experienced with electrical connectors and may have a negative impact on the system. Just try to observe the situation to detect any disconnections, and apply the usual treatment with WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner.
Step 4
VARIOUS TYPES OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
All household appliances, power tools, etc. also have electrical contacts. These connections are always inside the body of the appliance or the covers of the power tools. Thus reaching them for inspection and maintenance involves opening these containers. Before doing so, make sure that your actions won’t result in the loss of warranty coverage or compromise the integrity of the equipment. In this case, the intervention must again be entrusted to a qualified technician. All you can do is apply some of the above-mentioned WD-40 in order to avoid negative consequences.
Step 5
ELECTRICAL CONTACTS ON CARS AND MOTORCYCLES
These contacts are often exposed to contact with water and other problematic substances inside the engine. In the event of a malfunction, you can visually check and evaluate with a tester, reconnect any detachments and, as always, proceed by accurately applying WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner, which penetrates the hardest to reach areas, drying quickly and leaving no residue. The product restores electrical conductivity, eliminating the danger of short circuits. Its non-conducting formula with rapid evaporation leaves no residue and is compatible with all metals, plastics and rubbers.
Don't let electrical malfunctions catch you off guard.
When your switches or sockets are acting up, it's time to roll up your sleeves. A dash of WD-40 Specialist Rapid-Drying Contact Cleaner is the secret weapon to banish connectivity issues, leaving you with a smoothly functioning electrical system.
Disclaimer
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
Need some advice?
Come and discover all our DIY, maintenance, auto, bicycle tutorials!
Language
Contact Us
© 2025 WD-40 Company.
All Rights Reserved