7 Connector Care
Visual Inspection
Visual Inspection
Visual inspection and , if necessary cleaning should be done every time a connection
is made. Metal particles from connector threads may fall into the connector when it
is disconnected. One connection made with a dirty or damaged connector can
damage both connectors beyond repair.
Magnification is helpful when inspecting connectors, but it is not required and may
actually be misleading. Defects and damage that cannot be seen without
magnification generally have no effect on electrical or mechanical performance.
Magnification is of great use in analyzing the nature and cause of damage and in
cleaning connectors, but it is not required for inspection.
Obvious defects or damage
Examine the connectors first for obvious defects or damage:
– Plating
– Bare metal showing
– Burrs or blisters
– Deformed threads
– Center conductors
– Bent
– Broken
– Misaligned
– Concentricity
– Connector nuts should move smoothly and be free of:
– Burrs
– Loose metal particles
– Rough spots
Any connector that has obvious defects should be discarded.
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Getting Started and Troubleshooting Guide