july2022 - 19

Avoid corrosive
behavior
corrosion at bay after every cleaning.
Among the many items in its series of Qwik Tech
Tips, Phillips Industries covers combating electrical
corrosion.
Fleet and drivers first detect corrosion problems
in electrical, noted Ron Fay, technical
support specialist at Phillips
Industries. " That is because
electricity causes the copper
wiring within the electrical
system to heat up and expand,
and with fluctuating temperatures,
it acts as a sponge,
sucking moisture and contaminants
further in, accelerating
the corrosion process, " he said.
In an experiment conducted
at Phillips, Fay said, it took less
than 24 hours for saltwater to
wick through a 7-inch piece
of copper wire, without varying
temperatures that would
expand and contract the wiring.
" Imagine how much farther it
could have traveled if an electrical
current was passed through
the wire? " he asked.
Additionally, this experiment
was conducted with salt
and water. Today, roads are
treated with deicing chemicals
such as magnesium chloride
and calcium chloride that are
50% smaller than sodium chloride
(salt), so they fit into tighter
spaces. And they are highly
soluble in water, creating finer
mists of spray that coat more of
the vehicle and have the ability
to absorb moisture from any
source, including the air in low
humidity conditions.
Fay said that the following
maintenance steps can help
prevent damage from corrosion
to the electrical system:
ÜSignificantly reduce magnesium
and calcium chloride
buildup during the
cold weather by frequently
wash ing equipment. Do not
power wash as water can be
forced into areas and cannot
escape, leading to corrosion.
ÜDo not leave soap residue
on electrical connections.
When degreasers
come
into contact with electrical
connections, it increases the
corrosion reaction.
ÜUse a plug and socket brush
with water (not soap) to clean
connectors every six months,
or more frequently in highly
corrosive environments.
ÜReapply dielectric grease on
plug and socket pins to keep
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©2022 PPG Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.
July 2022 | FleetMaintenance.com
19
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ÜInspect cables and wires for road-hazard damage
such as cracks, cuts, and rubbing, and excessive
butt connectors from an old repair. Wiring can
wick moisture and additional corrosion might be
present further up from the initial problem area.
Replace or repair any damaged areas.
ÜIf you must repair wiring harnesses, or any
kind of wiring, use heat shrink terminals and/
or heat shrink tubing with adhesive that seals
the connection.
Knowing these rules will put you on the right
path, but like with any successful marriage, just
don't forget to put in the work.
For related content go to
FleetMaintenance.com/in-the-bay
http://www.FleetMaintenance.com/in-the-bay http://www.DelfleetOne.com
july2022

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