Although the spray on copper grease claims to be suitable for electrical connections, I found it useless when used on battery terminals. It’s best if you use proper electrical grease.
Is there any grease that is conductive?
Some people believe that dielectric grease is conductive or abrasive because it contains silica, which accelerates wear. (There is no silica in it.)
Dielectric grease insulates connections, making them less conductive, according to the most common Internet complaint. Pure silicone grease is referred to as “insulating grease” by some. The word “dielectric” in the name serves as a general foundation for this argument. Because “dielectrics” are insulators, the name “dielectric” is considered to imply that the connection will have future problems. In general, authors expect powdered metal greases (also known as “conductive greases”) to increase or sustain connection quality over time, whereas dielectric greases will isolate connections since “that is what dielectrics do.”
My first encounter with silicone grease was as a lubricant in record turntables in the 1960s. On turret-type television tuners, where channel coil packs or “strips” were mounted in a rotary turret, it was also often employed as a lubricant and protectant. The transparent silicon grease (which replaced a green or red petroleum grease) lubricated the contacts and kept air off the plated surfaces as the turret rotated, moving different channel strips over stationary contacts to choose each channel. After experiencing field failures due to faulty electrical contact connections in new modular televisions, RCA, Motorola, and Magnavox advised pure silicon grease as a contact protectant. They delivered kits with pure silicone that could be applied straight to module contacts. Connection concerns between circuit modules, pins, and sockets were minimized with this 100 percent pure silicone dielectric grease. Silicone grease was used on signal and high voltage connections on hundreds of thousands of TV sets with hundreds of connections in each TV. Silicone grease was also used to lubricate frequently-switched gold or silver plated contacts, as well as contacts on low voltage signal level modules. To prevent or lessen corona, silicone grease was applied directly to high voltage CRT anode connectors.
My second job was in the cable television industry. As a systems engineer, I was drawn to CATV/MATV signal loss, radiation, and intrusion issues. Dry connections that corroded were a problem, as were aluminum trunk cable shield connections protected by Noalox, a lubricant that people often refer to as “conductive.” Silicone grease that was “non-conductive” solved all of these issues. The first oil and sealer I used in the systems was a white Teflon-silicone lubricant from an Elyria, Ohio-based manufacturer. While the grease fixed difficulties, applying it to tens of thousands of fittings was too expensive. It was also unattractive since service personnel left white fingerprints all over the place. I went to a GE 100 percent pure silicone dielectric grease in all CATV fittings after checking with numerous grease manufacturers. We utilized the grease in hundreds of thousands of connectors without incident for many years, totally flooding F connectors that were directly exposed to snow or rain.
Today, I still use silicone dielectric grease. I use it to lubricate the O-rings and threads of coaxial connectors. It’s what I use to keep stainless bolts and nuts from galling. It comes in handy for plug-in connections, which I use a lot in my automotive hobby. For battery terminal connection preservation, I also use silicone dielectric grease, which I apply directly to the battery post. I use it liberally on ground connections to protect stainless-to-zinc (galvanized), lead-to-lead, stainless-to-copper, and stainless-to-aluminum electrical connections against corrosion.
I’ve never had a problem with silicone dielectric compound causing increased resistance or wear. We use it to lubricate and preserve contact plating in very low current meter switches in new equipment construction. I use it on spark plug HV boots on race engines and in high voltage connectors since it has never produced shorts across insulation. In my EFI system, I also employ direct on contacts, including low voltage sensors.
Silicone vs. Petroleum Grease
Years ago, petroleum grease (Vaseline) was recommended (and appears to have been used) in low-power antenna installations. While some individuals claim to have had no issues with it, I never use it in my installs. Vaseline’s main flaw is its extremely low melting point. The majority of brands or varieties liquefy at roughly 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just above body temperature. While this may be beneficial in medical applications such as coating human skin, it is a major issue in connection applications. Vaseline will run when exposed to heat and will eventually dry out.
Vaseline’s production of flammable vapor, even at moderate temperatures, is a second petroleum jelly concern. A cotton ball saturated in Vaseline can burn for a long time and can even be used to start a fire. Petroleum jelly isn’t the ideal option because connectors are frequently near insulation or other materials that can act as wicks. This is especially true in warm weather because grease migrates.
Typical Applications for Greases
Myths thrive on internet forums. Dielectric grease, according to online forums, thermally insulates connections. Dielectric grease is also said to electrically insulate connections, such as those in connectors and on battery posts, according to online forums. Neither of these statements are correct.
A 35-watt dissipation resistor was used in this test. A stack of Belleville washers is used to secure the resistor to the heatsink. Conical spring washers are what these washers are. When half collapsed, they retain a steady pressure. The use of a Belleville washer ensures that the compression or pressure against the heatsink is nearly identical between testing. Cap screw torque isn’t an influence in the Belleville’s performance.
The best outcome is at the bottom. By roughing up the heatsink with 300 grit paper, all greases were tested in “scuffed” circumstances.
Thermal resistance was considerably raised when too much dense grease, such as thick heatsink compound, was used. Because the compression pressure was insufficient to drive excess grease out of the space between the heatsink and the resistor tab, this happened. Thermal resistance dropped dramatically when the layer was thinned to a light “wipe” of oil.
Permatex Dielectric Tune Up Grease and a specific heatsink compound used on high-power transistors are virtually identical. Even 1 percent Vaseline is preferable to bare metal-on-metal.
Completely flooding the connector is totally acceptable in radio frequency low power installations, particularly at low frequencies and/or when the connector has very little air gap. Flooding a connector at high power is not recommended since most greases will carburize when exposed to an arc. Grease lowers the dielectric constant of the connector by changing the dielectric constant. The problem’s effect on the system is totally reliant on the duration of the hump in electrical degrees and the quantity of the bump. (Not everything that appears on a TDR affects performance, but it does signal a potential issue.)
Flooding with an appropriate insulating grease of low-viscosity dielectric grease is totally allowed in ordinary low voltage multiple-pin circuit connectors, such as automotive applications, unless a manufacturer cautions against it. The grease should be stable, free of metals in any form, and manufactured expressly for use as a dielectric grease. Although some Teflon-based greases are permitted, this is usually a silicone dielectric grease.
Almost any pure grease of light viscosity will suffice in single low-voltage terminals or connections, such as metal-to-metal couplings, grounds, or battery posts. Grease containing metallic particles should be handled with caution to ensure that any metal present is compatible with the metal incorporated in the grease. Embedded metal powder enhances connections only slightly, if at all, and unless the grease is matched to the connector material, the chance of base metal interaction increases.
Only pure dielectric silicone greases should be used in single high voltage connections, such as spark plug boots or other high voltage connectors (x-ray, neon sign, or HV power lines). In most cases, only a light coating or wipe is required. In the presence of moisture, dielectric grease will actually accelerate voltage breakdown across insulators. Metalized grease should never be used or allowed near HV connections.
Any grease must have a low enough viscosity to push out of the way at contact points, be water or liquid resistant, and be stable enough to remain in place as a moisture and air protectant for an extended period of time. Applying a grease that does not provide the needed tasks of excluding air and moisture and lubricating the interface to prevent galling or fretting for long periods of time would be ineffective.
Low viscosity silicone dielectric grease will NOT insulate pressure connections, contrary to Internet rumors, adverts, and articles. Silicone dielectric grease will last as long as a well selected metallic powder grease and function just as well in terms of conductivity (conductive grease). Incorrectly chosen “conductive” grease, on the other hand, can actually cause connection issues.
Unless you’re certain what you’re doing is safe, follow the instructions provided by the switch or relay maker. Very high current contacts can be lubricated, and should be lubricated, in some circumstances to prolong or extend their life. There are numerous instances where lubricating contacts hastens failure.
Low-viscosity greases can usually be applied directly to low-voltage connections. Opening or closing transient voltages, such as opening arcs from inductance back-pulse, would be considered low-voltage.
Grease composition can be influenced by contact arcs. Arcs can transform silicone greases to silicone carbide, which is extremely abrasive. Silicone grease should therefore be avoided when contacts are “hot switched” and there is a risk of arcing.
Insulators are both dielectric grease and “conductive” greases (anti-seize). The main distinction between dielectric and “conductive” greases is that “conductive” greases and anti-seize greases contain finely powdered metal. Because insulating oil suspends the finely powdered metal, it does not conduct. The metal powder suspended in the grease reduces the voltage breakdown of any arc routes.
According to certain articles, anti-seize insulates sparkplug threads, generating sparkplug or ignition problem signals. This is plainly incorrect for a variety of reasons, the most important of which is the voltages and currents involved. The main issue, I believe, was anti-seize contamination of the plug insulator. Anti-seize and other metal-loaded “conductive greases” have been shown to dramatically reduce high voltage breakdown voltages of air routes or surface path resistances of insulators in these tests. Fingerprints on insulators or insulation, or even worse, slathering “conductive grease” on them, drastically damage high voltage hold off. If a single fingerprint crosses the spark plug insulator, “conductive” grease could cause an ignition misfire warning signal.
Other articles advise using conductive lubricant on connections like those between battery terminals and an automotive battery. This notion is based on wishful thinking, according to tests, and the type of grease has little effect on terminal-to-post voltage loss.
We have a blatant contradiction once more. People who claim anti-seize protects a spark plug from the cylinder head are labeled as liars by others who claim conductive grease improves a battery terminal connection, or vice versa. When two groups make claims that are diametrically opposed, at least one of them is incorrect. Both are incorrect in this scenario. Neither group seems to grasp the concepts of resistance, current, or voltage.
All of these dielectric greases, as well as almost all other brands, improve insulation while also preserving electrical connections. They achieve this by sealing connections to keep pollutants, moisture, and air out. They help keep moisture and pollutants out of insulation by sealing insulators. They’re just as good as “conductive” grease in keeping connections together, and they don’t degrade insulation.
Historic Applications of Silicone Dielectric Grease
Silicone Dielectric Grease (and lubricant) is a lubricant with a low viscosity. The usual temperature range is between -40 and +500 degrees Fahrenheit. For protecting connections, Silicone Dielectric Grease is considerably superior to petroleum jelly or Vaseline.
Silicone grease has been used for many years. It was put to use in the following situations:
The word “dielectric” in “dielectric grease” implies that the grease should only be used to insulate. This is faulty thinking. All greases operate because of their low viscosity, which allows them to entirely push out of metal-to-metal contact areas. Dielectric grease just does a better job of insulating high voltages over long distances.
Conductive Grease
A suspended base metal powder is present in conductive greases and anti-seize chemicals. Because the suspended metal powder occupies a fraction of the space filled by insulating grease, the connection is still insulated. The grease doesn’t conduct electricity.
The working assumption behind “conductive” grease is that it squeezes out of the way when pressure is applied. This produces a thin metal powder that pierces oxides and fills gaps in theory. I’ve never been able to demonstrate connection improvement from specific conductive greases using aluminum and copper blocks with diverse surface states. In my tests, the grease appeared to just carry away the majority of the suspended powder. There has never been enough powder left to reliably reduce voltage drop across clamped connections. Even with meticulous adjustments of clamping pressure, the change in voltage drop has always been indefinable. I’d appreciate it if anyone with useful information could give it to me.
The dispersed powder causes an issue that dielectric grease does not have. The hanging metal must be completely compatible with the constrained metals. As a result, conductive grease has to be used for a specific application. The connection will eventually fail if the metals clamped are incompatible with the grease’s suspended metal powder. This is what occurred with the plugs in our CATV system. Copper, aluminum, and steel were used to make the connections. The trunk center conductors cables were copper wrapped aluminum, while the cable shields were aluminum. Aluminum shields and connectors were used on drop cables, with copper clad steel centers. Corrosion failure was far more common when conductive grease was used, according to our records. When we switched to pure dielectric grease, the rate of corrosion failure dropped dramatically, virtually to nil.
I’m not sure if conductive greases aid or are necessary in bolted or clamped connections. I believe they assist, but I’m not sure if this is the case. Because Noalox is generally less expensive than silicone dielectric greases and appears to last longer, I use it on clamped aluminum slip joints in antennas. I never use conductive greases on push-fit electrical connectors or if the metal-to-grease compatibility is a concern.
Conductive greases should be tailored to the materials clamped. Low-pressure electrical connectors and connectors with many terminals should never be utilized with conductive greases. Conductive greases should only be used in well-isolated connections with different voltages, never in high voltage connections. They should never be used in RF or signal connectors unless the connections are fastened and the material compatible grease does not bridge the insulation.
What kind of spray do you use on electrical connections?
If a socket or switch isn’t working, it needs to be disassembled and inspected. Any cables that have been detached must be reinserted and secured in the appropriate terminal. The switch must be replaced if it is damaged. Spray WD-40 Specialist Fast Drying Contact Cleaner on the terminals and electrical connectors to remove various forms of dirt and moisture on electrical or electronic equipment, including delicate materials.
What kind of grease is used to keep cables lubricated?
Lubricating wire ropes, regardless of their construction or composition, is a challenging task. Ropes with fiber cores are a little easier to lubricate than those made entirely of steel. As a result, while choosing rope for a specific application, it’s critical to think about field relubrication.
1. To lessen friction when the wires pass over one another.
2. To protect the core and internal wires, as well as the outer surfaces, against corrosion and lubrication.
Penetrating and coating lubricants are the two forms of wire rope lubricants. Penetrating lubricants contain a petroleum solvent that transports the lubricant into the wire rope’s core before evaporating, leaving a thick lubricating layer to protect and lubricate each strand (Figure 2). Coating lubricants penetrate minimally, preventing moisture from entering the cable and decreasing wear and fretting corrosion caused by contact with external bodies.
Wire rope lubricants of both sorts are used. However, because most wire ropes fail from the inside, it’s critical to ensure that the inner core is adequately lubricated. A combined method is recommended, with a penetrating lubricant saturating the core and a coating sealing and protecting the outer surface. Petrolatum, asphaltic, grease, petroleum oils, and vegetable oil-based lubricants are all options for wire rope lubricants (Figure 3).
With the right additions, petrolatum compounds give excellent corrosion and water resistance. Petrolatum compounds are also translucent, allowing the technician to analyze them visually. Petrolatum lubricants can drip at high temperatures, although they keep their consistency well at low temperatures.
Asphaltic chemicals dry to a black, rigid surface that is difficult to scrutinize. They stick well for long-term storage, but in cold areas, they break and become brittle. Asphaltics are a form of coating.
Wire rope lubrication is done with a variety of greases. These are coatings that penetrate the rope core partially but do not saturate it. Soaps containing sodium, lithium, lithium complex, and aluminum complex are common grease thickeners. The greases utilized in this application are usually soft and semifluid in consistency. When used with pressure lubricators, they coat and penetrate partially.
Because optimal additive design of these penetrating types offers them exceptional wear and corrosion resistance, petroleum and vegetable oils penetrate best and are the easiest to apply. Oil type lubricants have a fluid feature that helps to wash the rope and eliminate harsh exterior impurities.
During the manufacturing process, wire ropes are lubricated. A mineral oil or petrolatum-type lubricant will be used to lubricate the rope’s fiber core center if it has one. While in use, the core will absorb the oil and serve as a reservoir for long-term lubrication.
If the rope contains a steel core, lubricant (oil or grease) is poured in a stream shortly before the die twists the wires into a strand. This ensures that all wires are completely covered.
Due to the loss of the initial lubricant caused by loading, bending, and stretching of the cable after it is put into service, relubrication is required. The heat from evaporation causes the fiber core cables to dry out over time, and they frequently collect moisture. Relubrication in the field is required to prevent corrosion, protect and preserve the rope core and wires, and so extend the wire rope’s service life.
Before relubrication, clean the cable with a wire brush and petroleum solvent, compressed air, or steam cleaner if it is unclean or has accumulated layers of hardened lubricant or other pollutants. To avoid rusting, the wire rope must be dried and greased right away. Spray, brush, dip, drip, or pressure boot can all be used to apply field lubricants. Lubricants are ideally applied at a drum or sheave where the rope strands tend to separate slightly due to bending, allowing for optimum penetration into the core. If a pressure boot is used, the lubricant is applied to the rope when it is straight and under slight tension. To eliminate safety risks, excessive lubricant use should be avoided.
Is it possible to grease an electrical plug?
Apply a thin layer of electrical lubricant to the wire or contact by spraying, dipping, or wiping it on. Allow a few seconds for the carrying solvent to dissipate if using spray.
What kind of dielectric grease can be used?
Arcing between electrical components can be prevented with dielectric grease. Some people have pondered what makes dielectric grease different from other types of grease. Is silicone grease and dielectric grease the same thing? What is the benefit of using dielectric grease? These are some of the concerns that may be bothering you.
Tune-up grease is another name for dielectric grease. It’s a non-conductive silicone-based grease that protects electrical connectors against corrosion, moisture, and grime. Permatex Dielectric Grease and CRC Dielectric Grease are two prominent dielectric greases.
Because it interrupts the flow of electric currents, it’s great for sealing and lubricating the rubber sections of electric connectors. More about dielectric fluid, its application, how dielectric grease is used, varieties of dielectric grease, and how dielectric grease differs from conventional grease will be discussed.
Is anti-seize copper conductive?
Anti-seize lubricants are speciality lubricants that reduce friction between threaded and mated metal components, as well as preventing corrosion and seizure of parts under pressure and at temperatures well beyond what regular lubricants can handle.
Essentially, they are two-part systems consisting of a base grease that lubricates parts up to the grease’s maximum temperature rating (typically around 350 F.). Second, the grease serves as a vehicle for specific fillers that provide the compound its anti-seizing and anti-corrosion capabilities at high pressures and temperatures (up to 2600F).
Anti-seize compounds are distinguished from ordinary lubricants by the peculiar fillers that give each type of anti-seize lubricant its own unique qualities. Specific uses and/or temperature ranges are recommended for each filler. The several anti-seize grades are listed and described below.
