Cleaning Spring Terminal Connectors

[k_Berlin]

Hi everyone,

I’m working with an NI 9216 C Series module (resistance temperature sensors) that uses spring terminal connectors.

I’d like to clean the spring terminals to minimize any possible contact resistance, but I’m unsure what’s safe to use.

Is it acceptable to clean these terminals with:

• Electronics contact spray, or

• Isopropyl alcohol (IPA, e.g. 99%) 

Has anyone asked NI about this or has experience cleaning these connectors? Any official guidance, best practices, or “don’ts” would be very helpful.

Thanks a lot

[santo_13]

I don't think there is an NI official guide on this question. In general, any industrially accepted electronics contact cleaner should be safe.

BTW, you can always buy a new spring terminal connector block and/or lookup the respective manufacturer website on cleaning instructions. In most cases, NI uses Phoenix Contact parts for their connectors and terminals.