TM 5-3805-261-20
2-4.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE INFORMATION.
m.
Electrical System Components and Wiring.
CAUTION
Do not use pliers without plastic jaw inserts on electrical connectors. Unprotected pliers will
damage the outer plating of the connector. This will expose the metal beneath and cause
corrosion.
(a)
Dry the outside surface of electrical connectors and receptacles with a lint-free cloth before
loosening them for disassembly. Moisture can be present from rain, snow, washing or dew.
(b)
If connectors cannot be removed by hand, use conduit style, slip joint pliers with plastic jaw inserts
to loosen them. Finish removal by hand. Straighten any bent contacts with long round nose pliers. When installing
connectors on larger harnesses, another soldier will be needed to help aline the mating ends of the cable. Make sure that
contacts and keyways line up. Tighten twist-snap-type connectors until a click is heard. Tighten screw-on-type connectors
until ratchet noise is heard to indicate that connectors are tight.
(c)
Put a protective cap or cover over any electrical connector that is left uncovered. Cover connectors
on any item being moved to or from the vehicle. Take off covers when connectors are put back.
(d)
Look at connectors for broken, missing or pushed in contacts before making any connections. If a
connector is bad, repair it.
(e)
Tighten connectors by hand whenever tools are not called out.
(5)
Cleaning Electrical Connectors.
(a)
Use gun-type electric heater or open air to dry connector and receptacle.
WARNING
Cleaning compound can cause skin rash and can give off harmful vapors. To avoid injury, use in a
well-ventilated area. Wash immediately with soap and water if compound gets on skin or clothing.
CAUTION
Do not use wire brush or any metal tool to take corrosion from connector, receptacle or pin. These
could scratch the surface of the connector and expose metal and cause corrosion.
(b)
Clean internal corrosion and other contamination from the connector or receptacle with cleaning
compound MIL-C-81302. Clean external corrosion by scrubbing with abrasive mat.
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