Corrosion may not be the first word that comes to mind when thinking of preventative maintenance. Yet, it can be a critical part of keeping vital “nerve centers” going at any facility—making sure the lights stay on; the electricity continues working; and servers, phone systems, fire alarms, and other electrical controls keep functioning. Electrical or electronic failures mean interrupted operations, downtime, repairs, and extra costs. Fortunately, Cortec® VpCI® solutions require minimal effort with big returns on corrosion protection.
Many have found the benefit of VpCI®-105 Emitters and VpCI®-111 Emitters for protection of electricals/electronics in enclosed spaces. These simple self-stick cups emit Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors that diffuse throughout the junction box or control panel, forming a protective molecular layer on metal surfaces inside. The corrosion- inhibiting layer is self-replenishing, allowing personnel to open and close the cabinets for periodic maintenance. VpCI® emitters do not interfere with electrical, optical, or mechanical surface properties and are dosed based on the size of the electrical enclosure (e.g., VpCI®-105 Emitter for 5 ft³ [0.14 m³] of void space).
ElectriCorr® VpCI®-238 and ElectriCorr® VpCI® 239 are also helpful tools. These aerosols can be sprayed on as electrical contact cleaners or applied as a thin corrosion inhibiting coating on electrical contacts or panels within an enclosure or open to the air. They do not alter the electrical resistance or magnetic properties of metal substrates and can be safely used to protect circuits or relays without causing any changes in conductivity.
While VpCI® emitters and ElectriCorr® sprays protect in the presence of corrosive elements, Corrosorber® is another handy device that helps by absorbing corrosive gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and volatile mercaptans. Like VpCI® emitters, Corrosorber® is a small self-stick cup that can be added to electrical cabinets or wireways. It turns black when the Corrosorber® material is spent and needs to be replaced.
Strategies like these can benefit any facility, but maintenance crews should take special care for electricals and electronics located in harsh conditions:
- Non-climate-controlled production floors
- Chemical processing environments
- Outdoor junction boxes
- Shipboard/marine conditions
- Wastewater plants
VpCI® preventative maintenance is effective, easy, and economical for minimizing corrosion and failure on electricals and electronics. Applying one small self-stick cup or spraying an electrical cleaner into a junction box may seem like a small investment, but it is a big step in the right direction for protecting critical building utilities from corrosion.
Click HERE to start planning your electrical and instrumentation maintenance strategy today!
About Cortec Corporation
Cortec® Corporation is the global leader in innovative, environmentally responsible VpCI® and MCI® corrosion control technologies for Packaging, Metalworking, Construction, Electronics, Water Treatment, Oil & Gas, and other industries. Our relentless dedication to sustainability, quality, service, and support is unmatched in the industry. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, Cortec® manufactures over 400 products distributed worldwide. ISO 9001, ISO 14001:2004, & ISO 17025 Certified.
