Cleaning Agent for Cu Busbar

[Elector]

Hi
Can you recommend a cleaning agent that can be used on coppers bus bars that has become tarnishes due to water marks. I do not want to use a substance that would have a chemical reaction to the Cu .Some items which have been suggested buy a Cu BB vendor are, scotch brite, mild acid base solution. I feel that a incorrect cleaning would do more damage the good
Thanks

 

[oldfieldguy]

Elector-

First, unless you're really conscerned with looks, don't get zealous about cleaning the whole bus bar. With water marks, I'm going to be a lot more concerned about the condition of insulators.

If the corrosion has proceeded to the point where you have loose, flakey material, that should be removed. Other than that, your vendor guided you well. I've used scotchbrite or generic equivalents for years.

You do want to use caution if you're cleaning surfaces which are to be parts of connections that you do NOT remove so much material that you affect the connections.

old field guy

 

[alehman]

Many times bus bars are plated with tin or silver. Any abrasive cleaning will remove this plating (not to mention voiding any ETL listing). I agree with old field guy w/r/t cleaning insulators. Consult the manufacturer if possible.