How to clean corroded electric wires

 When electrical wires are left too long in the weather, their metal can corrode. Electrical wires are usually made of copper and, as such, are subject to oxidation.

If they are connected to a battery, the resulting corrosion can take the form of acid leakage. Electrical wires will appear covered with a white or greenish powder and lose their conductive properties.

This can be very bad if an element that emits a lot of electricity has nowhere to go.

Be safe

When dealing with electrical cables, you need to be safe. Turn off the main panel switch off the power line that supplies the area where you will be working.

Use the current tester to make sure there is no incoming current. Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles while working, as corrosive residues can slightly burn your skin or eyes.

Access to electrical cables

Use the screwdriver to remove the faceplate of the electrical socket you are working on, or to remove the cover of the electrical box. If you are working on an electrical box, you must remove the plastic cover to access the electrical cables.

Locate the screws and remove them all, then remove the covering. To determine whether the electrical wires are corroded, simply see their discolouration.

Disconnect the wires from the contact points and work one at a time to avoid connecting the wires incorrectly when the work is completed.

Cleaning wires

Use the wire brush on the wires. Use the necessary force to avoid damaging the wires. The purpose of the wire brush is to remove any corrosive material on the wires.

The wire brush should also be used at the point of contact, as the corrosive material may spread much more quickly. 

Dip the toothbrush into the mixture and scrub the electrical cable and the wires connected to it. The mixture will start to fizz on the corroded metal, so do not be alarmed. Once the fizzing has ceased, the wire and connector are largely free of corrosion.

If you wish, you can repeat the rubbing until the wire and connector no longer produce sizzle. Once you are satisfied with the results, you can reconnect the wires to their terminals and use new connectors to reconnect the wires. The electrical box can then be closed again.

The Emergency Electrician in Portsmouth is available around the clock. We cooperate with the best electricians near you. After your call, our customer service sends immediately a reliable technician to you. Call us now, 02394200278.