Safely, Effectively Cleaning Shop Receptacles

[DanF]

Was just reading an old post here about shop safety and someone mentioned a shop that burned down due to grinding dust in the receptacles.
Having a very small, close shop, this struck a chord and made me start thinking.
Any Suggestions to effectively clean out receptacles (and safely)?

 

[navman]

Clean or protect?

Best is to prevent dust from getting into the receptacle in the first place. Something like this works well. https://www.amazon.com/Hubbell-Bell.../136-2833972-4005661?pd_rd_i=B000C14XKA&psc=1

After that, use compressed air to get rid of grinding dust BEFORE unplugging a machine.

Other than that, I would say, secure power at the breaker and use compressed air to remove debris, carefully.

 

[DanF]

Both, that should do it, thanks much.

 

[LCoop]

Maybe a better option would be a IN USE weatherproof cover. Most home improvement places sell them. Amazon tool. They allow you to plug in a device and keep weather out while device is plugged in

 

[Drew Riley]

I'd probably just run a shop vac over any outlets that I thought were getting dusty. Maybe schedule a once per month cleaning routine.
The weather proof covers aren't a bad idea, or something like these "child proof inserts": https://amzn.to/3JRO5jv in unused outlets would be a good option I imagine.

Now that you mention it, I'm sure I need to give my back shop wall a good blow down.