3-28
a relay if you used sandpaper or emery cloth to clean the contacts. Only a burnishing tool, shown in figure
3-26 should be used for this purpose.
Figure 3-26.—Burnishing tool.
You should not touch the surfaces of the burnishing tool that are used to clean the relay contacts.
After the burnishing, tool is used, it should be cleaned with alcohol.
Contact clearances or gap settings must be maintained in accordance with the operational
specifications of the relay. When a relay has bent contacts, you should use a point bender (shown in figure
3-27) to straighten the contacts. The use of any other tool could cause further damage and the entire relay
would have to be replaced.
Figure 3-27.—Point bender.
Cleanliness must be emphasized in the removal and replacement of covers on semi sealed relays.
The entry of dust or other foreign material can cause poor contact connection. When the relay is installed
in a position where there is a possibility of contact with explosive fumes, extra care should be taken with
the cover gasket. Any damage to, or incorrect seating of the gasket increases the possibility of igniting the
vapors.
