How to Clean Fuse Holder Corrosion

Fuses are used in electrical circuits for over-current protection. If the fuses are placed in wet or humid environments they can corrode at the metal connection points. Corroded connections can cause over heating and failure of the holder. A safeguard is to check fuses and corresponding holders regularly, and to clean the holder of any corrosion.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electrical contact cleaner
• Old toothbrush
• Emery cloth
• Flat screwdriver
• Anti-corrosion lubricant

1. Shut off all electrical power to the fuse circuit. This may require disconnecting all power to the fuse panel or bank of fuses.

2. Pull the fuse from the holder and inspect the metal connectors on the fuse. If the fuse shows any signs of pitting on the surface, replace the fuse, do not reuse it.
   Inspect the fuse holder connectors. Like the fuse, if the "U" shaped spring holder shows surface damage, replace the holders.

3. Spray the corroded connectors with the electrical contact cleaner. Scrub the contacts with the old toothbrush to remove the powdered corrosion. Spray the cleaner again to remove the debris. Inspect the surface of the connectors for pitting.

4. Brighten the inside of the holders using the emery cloth. Tear a small piece of the emery cloth and rub against the inside of the connector. Fold a piece of the abrasive over the end of a flat screwdriver for hard-to-reach areas on the fuse holder. Exercise caution so as not to push too hard on the spring connector, which may break.

5. Apply a thin coating of anti-corrosion lubricant to the inside of the fuse holder and the surface of the fuse connectors. The lubricant will help to seal out future moisture contamination.

Tips & Warnings

• Anti-corrosion lubricant can be found at most electrical supply stores. This is a non-conductive paste that will not damage electrical circuits.
• Read and follow all manufacturers warnings when using electrical contact cleaners. Some contain hazardous chemicals.

References

• New York University
• Bureau of Reclamation Instructions