I've had it wrong all along...Dielectric Grease vs Condutive Grease

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    Author Topic: I've had it wrong all along...Dielectric Grease vs Condutive Grease  (Read 2971 times)

    Offline Bullitt-

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    I've had it wrong all along...Dielectric Grease vs Condutive Grease
    « on: April 28, 2015 - 07:57:52 AM »
    I've read many posts and took up what I believe is the common perception that Dielectric Grease was good for electrical connections.... contrary to what I've read & seen today.  :faint: 

    Ran across this U-tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuKAmaIkA-U

    Then this article  (more relevant in the lower section) http://www.w8ji.com/dielectric_grease_vs_conductive_grease.htm

    Going to get me some of this
    http://www.sanchem.com/electrical-contact-lubricant.html
    http://www.amazon.com/ounce-A-Special-Conductive-Grease-Antenna/dp/B000YD0O5Y
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    Offline roadman5312

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    Re: I've had it wrong all along...Dielectric Grease vs Condutive Grease
    « Reply #1 on: April 28, 2015 - 08:09:27 AM »
    Well I just learned something new.  Thanks Bullitt    :2thumbs:
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    Offline tommyg29

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    Re: I've had it wrong all along...Dielectric Grease vs Condutive Grease
    « Reply #2 on: April 28, 2015 - 08:23:22 AM »
    So... am I ok to continue using dielectric grease in my connections, such as the bulkhead connector?
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    Offline dodj

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    Re: I've had it wrong all along...Dielectric Grease vs Condutive Grease
    « Reply #3 on: April 28, 2015 - 08:47:16 AM »
    Dielectric grease is good for the connector and helping seal out contamination. The grease itself obviously doesn't promote a good electrical connection but it prevents tracking, shorts, etc by sealing out substances external to the connection such as water or oil. If left without the grease, oxidation occurs, water can ingress, creating a higher resistance, dropping voltage.
    If you used conductive grease, you could create electrical connection between connections that are close together.

    Tommyg, yes.
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    Offline Bullitt-

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    Re: I've had it wrong all along...Dielectric Grease vs Condutive Grease
    « Reply #4 on: April 28, 2015 - 08:49:28 AM »
    Quote from: tommyg29 on April 28, 2015 - 08:23:22 AM
    So... am I ok to continue using dielectric grease in my connections, such as the bulkhead connector?

    According to the article it's bad for connections... I put it on several myself with no ill effects, thought I was doing good
     
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    Offline HP_Cuda

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    Re: I've had it wrong all along...Dielectric Grease vs Condutive Grease
    « Reply #5 on: April 28, 2015 - 12:45:29 PM »

    Interesting. This from permatex:

    Directions for Connectors: 1. Make sure ignition system is off. 2. Clean surface with Permatex® Contact Cleaner. 3. Coat both parts of terminal contact with Dielectric Grease. 4. Reassemble, maintaining metal-to-metal contact.

    Funny seems to advise to put on metal connections. I guess its six of this half dozen of that, either have a problem with the grease or have a problem with corrosion.

     :bricks1:
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    Offline 734406pk

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    Re: I've had it wrong all along...Dielectric Grease vs Condutive Grease
    « Reply #6 on: May 01, 2015 - 11:05:32 PM »
    Quote from: HP_Cuda on April 28, 2015 - 12:45:29 PM
    Interesting. This from permatex:

    Directions for Connectors: 1. Make sure ignition system is off. 2. Clean surface with Permatex® Contact Cleaner. 3. Coat both parts of terminal contact with Dielectric Grease. 4. Reassemble, maintaining metal-to-metal contact.

    Funny seems to advise to put on metal connections. I guess its six of this half dozen of that, either have a problem with the grease or have a problem with corrosion.

     :bricks1:

    I think the idea is to clean your connectors bright and shiney, then apply dielectric grease to seal out oxygen etc to keep them that way for as long as possible. Conductive grease is used on high amperage single conductor terminals only but the effect is minimal. The only application I use for conductive grease is on my welding lead quick connects. It looks like copper anti seize compound with twice the copper content may be more. Thomas and Betts P/N CP8-TB Kopr-Shield. It is not cheap but it works.
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    Offline dodj

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    Re: I've had it wrong all along...Dielectric Grease vs Condutive Grease
    « Reply #7 on: May 01, 2015 - 11:42:32 PM »
    Quote from: 734406pk on May 01, 2015 - 11:05:32 PM
    I think the idea is to clean your connectors bright and shiney, then apply dielectric grease to seal out oxygen etc to keep them that way for as long as possible.
    :iagree: That's what it is for.
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    Scott
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