Electronic – use Formula SP-30 self-cleaning acid paste flux

fluxsoldering

I am a complete noob when it comes to soldering. I've only done a little bit in the past and it was years ago. Today, I bit the bullet after reading about how to solder and purchased some soldering supplies a the local Frys. When I got home I read the label for the paste flux I purchased and it said:

Kester
Self-cleaning Acid Paste Flux
Formula SP-30

I didn't see anything that said rosin, so I went online and read the manufacturers datasheet. It says:

Like other inorganic acid fluxes, Kester SP-30 is too corrosive for
electrical or electronics soldering applications. In all cases, the
flux residue should be removed after soldering to avoid any corrosion
problem.

Did I just buy plumber's flux instead of electronics flux? Does this product have any utility in electronics? If not, why would Frys put something like this in the electronics soldering isle?

Best Answer

Yes, if it's an acid flux, you can't use it with electronics like they say. Definitely sounds like plumber's flux. I would return it to Frys.