The prongs (contact points) are not electronic. They are only conductive. Just like a wire is conductive, or a steel nail, or the hood of your car. The contact points however do have a spring in them that on some dogs and under some conditions could become clogged with oils and tiny debris. This may marginally affect conductivity of the contact point and contribute to a looser collar (and a dog out of the yard). This condition is more typical of oily coated dogs and outdoor dogs, and less common in little “froo froo” dogs like my poodle/bichon. The spring contact points are regarded as “wear items”. We have new ones in stock at our service parts store at The UPS Store at 6709 W 119th St, Overland Park, or at our online service parts store if you wish to replace them.
Stuck Spring Contacts?
Posted 03/25/2016
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Before replacing them, you might try this home remedy. (I suggest removing the point first by unscrewing counterclockwise with a wrench), but you could try it with them still attached to the receiver…
1) Immerse contact points in a solvent such as alcohol or mineral spirits for a while, letting the liquid solvent soak into the inner mechanism to dissolve or loosen the oils and tiny dust debris.
2) Work the points in and out while immersed in the solvent. The action of the point moving around and in and out acts like a tiny plunger or pump that could break up and force the tiny debris and oil solids out of the mechanism and into the solvent. In some cases the spring contact mechanism can be returned to like new condition.
3) Rinse and repeat then rinse again, especially if you used a chemical solvent other than alcohol.
Keep in mind that a working spring contact helps to maintain consistent contact and does not have to be as tight on the dog as a static point would. The springs constantly seek contact. They are designed to apply an even pressure, where a static point requires a snugger fit and heavier or lighter pressure depending on the position of the neck and head. A properly working spring contact point can help ensure more consistent contact and containment. Thus, a stuck point forfeits contact, containment and comfort. You decide what works best for you.