Hi all,

Are ESD-safe cleaning brushed (such as the one shown below) good for constant cleaning of PCB pads? Can they cause damage to the pads if used regularly? I saw a video on Youtube and they look quite stiff, unlike horse-hair brushes.

 

Do you mean regularly cleaning the same board?

 

Do you have a picture? Why do the pads need regular cleaning?

 

Yes, regularly cleaning the same PCB. Basically this PCB has contact pads which make constant contact with pogo pins. Dirt, oxidation and other factors tend to increase resistance between the pogo pins and the pads.

 

Yes, regularly cleaning the same PCB.

Are the pads gold plated?

 

Yes, regularly cleaning the same PCB. Basically this PCB has contact pads which make constant contact with pogo pins. Dirt, oxidation and other factors tend to increase resistance between the pogo pins and the pads.

If that is the case, you should be using castleated pogo pins - or come up with a different method of making contact.

What's wrong with using the horsehair acid brushes?

 

Dirt, oxidation and other factors tend to increase resistance between the pogo pins and the pads.

You asked a similar question a few months ago. If you're cleaning with 70% alcohol, you should switch to 95% or higher. The 70% will leave more residue because it will evaporate more slowly.

If the pogo pins are pointed, they should be able to cut through some surface dirt.