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Caring for Connectors
Visual Inspection
Visual Inspection
Visual inspection and, if necessary, cleaning should be done every time a connection
is made.
Metal and metal by-product particles from the connector threads often find their
way onto the mating plane surfaces when a connection is disconnected and even 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 and Damage
Examine the connectors first for obvious defects or damage: badly worn plating,
deformed threads or bent, broken, or misaligned center conductors. Connector nuts
should move smoothly and be free of burrs, loose metal particles, and rough spots.
Immediately discard, or mark for identification and send away for repair, any
connector that has obvious defects like these.
Mating Plane Surfaces
Flat contact between the connectors at all points on their mating plane surfaces is
required for a good connection. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to
deep scratches or dents, and to dirt and metal or metal by-product particles on the
connector mating plane surfaces.
Also look for bent or rounded edges on the mating plane surfaces of the center and
outer conductors and for any signs of damage due to excessive or uneven wear or
misalignment.
Appendix D
145
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