Electrical Contact Cleaner: Less Hazardous Products Offer Equal Success

By Timothy Byron

image: depositphotos

Electrical cleaning supplies are utilized in various settings including the automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and maintenance industries. Contacts on parts can become soiled during use or creation causing the need for an efficient yet environmentally friendly industrial product. Cleaners remove soil, oil, grease, or metallic buildup when applied to parts or equipment. Moisture or corrosion are common causes for this type of buildup and can be easily alleviated with the right electrical contact cleaner. These supplies do not leave residue, and evaporate quickly to prevent harming components such as ignition systems, equipment, relays, or other types of electrical controls. A manufacturer may utilize these products to remove contaminants from electrical assemblies and circuits as well. The purposes of cleaning products have remained much the same over the years; however, the chemical makeup continually changes to accommodate environmental regulations.

Industrial Degreasers: New Chemicals Minimize Evaporation Dangers
Several propellants have been used to create industrial degreasers and cleaners; however, many are now outlawed due to the negative impact they pose to the environment. Companies must find an effective solution that not only falls within environmental regulations but also supplies the necessary results. Traditional chemicals include chlorofluorocarbons, carbon dioxide, Propane, and isobutane. These propellants come in a pressurized liquid form that is used to create a pressurized gas for application. Solvents used in these products consist of organic or petroleum concentrates but can include others depending on how the electrical cleanser will be used. Common solvents include:

• Hexane
• Isoethene
• Methane
• Acetone
• Trichloroethylene

Alternative solvents can be found to reduce environmental harm without affecting solution capabilities. Contact cleaning supplies may be used to remove debris or contaminants from electrical parts for proper circuit operations. They also have automotive applications such as ignition system or motor grime removal. Industrial degreasers may be found in manufacturing settings or in environments where heavy duty cleaning is required.