What should I do if the ethernet port is oxidized

If a SAFR SCAN device was improperly sealed from the weather, water can corrode the ethernet jack on the back of the unit and prevent proper communication with the network.  

The documented installation process for outdoor applications is to fully seal the seam at the back of the SAFR SCAN or cable ingress points SAFR Camera with silicon.  It is also important to insert the desiccant pack into SAFR Camera before closing the lid which absorbs moisture sealed into the unit at installation time.   Failing to do so will likely result in oxidation and potentially more serious corrosion of the ethernet port or other components inside SAFR SCAN.  Typically the ethernet port sustains the most impactful damage resulting in inability for the device to communicate on the network.

Units that have not been properly sealed are not covered under the product warranty.  Further, because the ethernet port is soldered onto the main board, there are no repair options available for replacing this compoent.

If the oxidation is not too severe, it may be possible to clean the port and restore its operation.  The procedure below describes this process.

Clean an oxidized or corroded Ethernet jack (RJ45 port) by powering off the device and using a lint-free swab lightly dampened with electronic contact cleaner or 91%+ isopropyl alcohol. Gently swipe the inner pins to dissolve buildup, let the port dry completely, and test the connection.  To get rid of stubborn corrosion on Ethernet (RJ45) pins, use the following step-by-step approach:

1. Preparation

• Disconnect Power: Always unplug the device or power down the switch/router to prevent short circuits.
• Assess the Damage: Shine a flashlight inside the port. If the contact pins are severely pitted, bent, or heavily covered in deep green/black rust, it is often safer and more reliable to replace the keystone jack or device port entirely. 

2. Basic Cleaning

• Flush with Cleaner: Spray a small amount of Electronic Contact Cleaner (available at most hardware or auto parts stores) directly into the socket. 
• Scrub Contacts: Use a small, firm, lint-free tool, such as a plastic-bristled toothpick or a specialized electronics cleaning swab, to gently scrape the small metal contact pins. 
• Warning: Never use a steel wire brush inside an Ethernet port, as it will permanently scratch the pins.

3. Stubborn Corrosion (Heavy Oxidation)

• Use Alcohol: If contact cleaner isn't enough, dampen a cotton swab with 91% or higher isopropyl alcohol. Gently run it back and forth over the pins to dissolve the oxidization. 
• Burnishing: For very tight crevices, you can tightly wrap a very fine abrasive (like 600-grit sandpaper) around a paperclip or small, thin tool. Very gently move it in and out of the port to scrape away the corrosion, taking care not to bend the delicate contact fingers.
• Vinegar & Baking Soda: For severe cases, some users report success lightly dabbing pins with a mildly acidic solution (like a cotton swab dipped in cleaning vinegar) to eat away rust, followed immediately by neutralizing with a baking soda paste and cleaning thoroughly with alcohol. 

4. Drying and Reconnection

• Dry Completely: Let the port air-dry for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Ensure all moisture and alcohol have completely evaporated before plugging the cable back in.
• Inspect the Cable: Always check the connecting Ethernet cable's RJ45 plug as well. If the cable itself has corroded gold pins, plugging a clean jack into it will immediately reintroduce corrosion or fail to make a connection.