Dielectric Grease

[Johninbc]

I have been reading many threads where the idea of putting dielectric grease on electrical connections pops up, much as an afterthought. I think many do not realize that this silicone based grease is not a conductor. It could hinder connectivity by acting as an insulator. It is capable of preventing corrosion by excluding air and moisture to a connection, ie over battery posts after the connection is made, or to seal mated connectors. One certainly wants to remove it if it gets on the contact area.

 

[fast 99]

Dialectric has many more benefits than negatives. Personally, I have never seen it cause an issue if used correctly. Many more times than not, using it would have prevented issues. Sure, smear it all over a set of points the car probably won't start. Takes me about 6 months to use up a 4oz tube. Most is used is on plug boots.

 

[Bennyt]

This came up the other day with a friend of mine who did something with electronics in the military and he said they were taught not to use it for the reasons outlined above. But I use it on just about every connection. I figure if it needs to be metal to metal, it typically scrapes away where needed.

 

[Camar068]

if your connectors have good contact, dielectric grease will not affect conductivity by applying it to the connections. It's there to protect the exposed metal of the connectors so they don't deteriorate over time from moisture/dirt. It also provides insulation between connections.

What is Dielectric Grease?

If you over time you form bad connections, often the DE grease is blamed when it doesn't work. When that happens, clean out the DE and try it again for a while. If it's fixed, the DE may be super old and crusty from age AND the connection got loose over time. Clean, fix your connection and reapply DE to connectors exposed to the elements/dirt. Guessing the DE will last 15-20yrs (someone else chime in on the life).

 

[Blue Ox]

I've stopped using silicone dielectric grease on connections. I've had a few issues although I can't definitely say it was the grease that caused it. I'm also not happy with it's long-term properties for corrosion protection and lubrication.

I've shifted to NoOxID which is specific to keeping electrical connections clean and corrosion free. I'm much happier with its properties. Particularly long term on things like battery terminals.

It's available directly from the manufacturer, and like everything else, probably on Amazon or flEaBay.