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Cleaning AC plugs, receptacles and other contacts

I just remodeled my audio room which included stripping old wallpaper, sanding, painting, Wainscoting, etc., -- you know, the usual MESS!

While I have the room empty, I want to clean the inside of my AC outlet contact points, my AC cord plugs etc.

What have you found to be the best cleaner for this application? I plan to use Caig Pro Gold after I clean them. I thought I remembered a publication recommending some sort sanding or slightly abrasive sheet on AC plugs prior to applying any Caig type treatment but I cannot recall the name. Do any of you use such a thing?

Any opinions on now you clean the electrical contacts (and/or treat them afterwards) or insides of the AC or IEC receptacles or your RCA connections and the products you prefer will be appreciated.

Thanks.

Frank
fmpnd
rja's avatar
rja
2,380 posts
 
Fmpnd,
A bit off topic but how do you like your Fim outlets?
I've got one here but haven't installed it yet.
casouza
239 posts
 
HiFiTime, ProGold (now Deoxit Gold G5) does not have metal particles, it is a proprietary deoxidant for plated contacts.Use it sparingly and clean any excess with cotton swabs or sponge-tipped makeup swabs.

Fmpnd, Deoxit Gold GN5 (notice the extra "N'' contains a quick drying, no drip solvent. It can be safely sprayed inside outlets, but a blast of compressed air before and after Deoxit treatment is a good idea.

I understand that Parts Express and other electronic vendors sell inexpensive compressed air aerosol cans (mostly to clean computer keyboards).

Eoxit/Progold is the pro-sound industry standard contact cleaner/deoxidant/protector.
Usual disclaimer....
hevac1
812 posts
 
Sanding a contact will cause more arcing between the contact points and could cause them to arc weld together. Contact point are smooth for a reason and should only be CLEANED with approved cleaners. A friend sanded his and at a later date went to clean them again and had to replace the outlets and the ICs because they would not come apart. Cost for error around $2,000.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Many of these kinds of contacts are 'self cleaning'

I unplug / plug annually.

As a side note, I went to turn on my RPTV and the power lamp blinked red 3x, pause and repeat. NOTE: this wasn't the lamp light.
Instructions said a lamp connect problem. Well, I took it apart, cleaning and vacuuming as I went. Confirmed the lamp at least looked good, put it back together, paying special attention to plugging in the lamp firmly. Problem solved.
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