Dave, how and with what is the best way to clean them ? And are just our audio receptacles enough or back to the breaker box too, or is this overkill ?
Roger
Roger,
The best way is to kill the circuit at the panel, check and double check that there is no voltage.
Pull the receptacle. (I need to note that I prefer back wiring receptacle, because it makes this process much easier.)
Inspect the wires and remove any and all oxidation that you see with a good contact cleaner and small brush or rag. I use Caig DeOxit for most cleanings.
Clean the screws or the clamps in the receptacle with contact cleaner and bristle type pipe cleaners or a small twisted wire brush. I bought mine at a surplus place here in Albuquerque.
If the wire is really nasty and you have enough wire in the box, cut off the cruddy part and start with new, clean wire. Electricians that leave short wires in the box should be hung up by their thumbs.
If you are comfortable working at the service entrance panel, kill the main breakers and do the same at the panel. pull the breaker for the system, clean the breaker and get every thing tidy and shiny and reassemble.
I am all about oxide inhibitors. Out here in NM we have an average relative humidity of around 11% most of the year. That is why my skin looks like an alligator hide. In more humid areas, especially around salt water, a good inhibitor is a must IMO. Here is an excerpt from from IAEI back some years ago by Cristel Hunter:
"Oxide inhibitor use is considered good workmanship for all 600-volt terminations, whether wired with copper or aluminum conductors. The oxide inhibitor provides a barrier at the connection point that excludes moisture and other potentially damaging environmental substances. Oxide inhibitor must be compatible with the conductor type. Different manufacturers make compounds that can be used with copper only, aluminum only, or both copper and aluminum. Be sure to choose the compound listed for the application. Compression connectors often come pre-filled with the appropriate oxide inhibitor. When connectors are tested for compliance with UL 486B, the conductor is prohibited to be wire brushed or abraded, and oxide inhibitor may only be used if the connector is pre-filled with the antioxidant. Therefore, mechanical set-screw terminations are tested without wire brushing and oxide inhibitor.
According to the UL GuideInfo (UL White Book) for wire connectors (ZMVV), oxide inhibitor for aluminum or copper wire may be used if the connector manufacturer recommends its use on the connector documentation. Oxide inhibitor is of the most value when making connections between uncoated copper and aluminum. This type of connection is subject to galvanic corrosion when in the presence of an electrolyte. Since most lugs today are made of tin-plated aluminum, galvanic corrosion is limited except in the case of severe electrolytic environment or significant damage to the connector plating."
Be sure to use the proper inhibitor for your wire type. It also helps maintain a gas-tite seal between the conductors.
Clean wiring helps to ensure good sonics.
As always, remember that deaths by well intentioned weekend warriors through electrocution are not uncommon. The First Rule is: THINK about what can happen....
LOTO is an essential safety process in industry. Lock Out the circuit and Tag Out the circuit that is being worked on. Following this at home will keep your ears working... along with everything else.
I'll have info on "the other thing" this weekend.
I welcome any additional hints from the members, too. Speedskater, Pete?
Dave
