How to Clean Wire Connectors

External wire connectors can get dirty quickly. Trailer lights, gardening lamps and similar lighting will tarnish much faster than enclosed, shielded connectors. To keep these lights functioning at full capacity, you must regularly clean the connectors. Cleaning a wire connector only takes a few minutes, and it will ensure longer wire life and brighter lighting.

• 1

  Turn off the main power at your home's circuit breaker. If you're working on a portable device, remove the battery.

• 2

  Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from any possible corrosion around the connectors.

• 3

  Use a dry rag to away any dirt or grime on the plastic connector casing.

• 4

  Pull apart the connector.

• 5

  Remove rust or corrosion from the metal connector pins using a piece of 300-grit sandpaper. According to the National High Traffic Safety Administration, fine sandpaper will effectively clean a wire connector. Just don't rub too vigorously, or you risk damaging the contact area.

• 6

  Dip the wire connector in vinegar to loosen any stuck-on grime and sand the surface again.

• 7

  Apply dielectric grease to the connector to help protect it from future moisture and grime.