Can I use Contact Cleaner?


Hi, 

I have a Classe CT-5300 which is suffering from an intermittent fault, sometimes when it powers up it appears to not initialise correctly and it sometimes engages protection circuitry (doesn't shut down, just flashes at me). I've spoken with Classe and they say it's probably the controller module. Given that it's very heavy and the nearest service centre is in Holland (I'm in the UK), I'm trying what I can to avoid sending it in, I thought I'd pop open the lid and take a look.

I disconnected and reconnected all of the ribbon cables that connect the various amp and fan modules to what I'm assuming are the power boards. There's one cable that seems to link the external connections (can-bus, USB, remote, etc.) to the main power board and that ribbon cable was quite loose. Re-seating all those cables seems to have "resolved" the issue. Time will tell, but it was happening a lot and it now hasn't happened for a couple of days.

To my question, I'm thinking that I'd like to clean the contacts with contact cleaner. With an interconnect or a power cable I can see how this would work, but is it appropriate with a ribbon cable that connects to bare pins? I'm concerned about shorting things. Are there specific contact cleaners for PCBs and internal circuity? Should I just use alcohol and let it evaporate? Or is this just a horrible idea in general?

Even if the consensus is to send it back to Classe, I'm still interested in an answer about the cleaning.

Thanks
conradnash
shkomg78:

I replaced Kontak with the much less expensive MG Chemicals 409B, with same SAME results.

DeKay
I had used  Kontak for 15 years with good result and no residue remaining.

It is easy to apply and last one or two years with a bottle.


https://www.musicdirect.com/equipment/kontak-contact-cleaner-aluminum-bottle

I use MG Chemicals 409B Electrosolve Contact Cleaner.

It's zero residue and safe for plastic.

Readily available on Amazon if you don't have a local vendor.

DeKay
The short answer is yes- its worth a shot.
But beware- don't use a contact cleaner that leaves a residue! DeOxit in the red and black can would be a good choice for this.