On Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:28:42 -0700 (PDT), GeneO wrote:

:Have been Googling the proper way to clean plated electrical contacts
:but either get nothing if use " or a lot of nonrelevant hits without.
:
:Am interested in any suggestions esp how to remove the nonconductive
xides.
:
:If a connector is too damaged would also be interested in what are
:considered the best type replacement.
:
:Thanks
:
:Gene


I don't think I have ever come across a "plated" electrical contact. In my
experience electrical contacts are always a solid material such as brass (cheap
and nasty - often used in electrical appliances) or a more exotic alloy material
such as nickel-silver. The contact material used is dependant on the application
(AC or DC and whether inductive) and the magnitude of the current being handled.

Most relay contacts can be cleaned and reconditioned using a contact burnishing
tool such as http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/22-910

The use of a lubricant such as those mentioned in other responses may be
considered useful.