Electrical contact grease

[Lojanica]

I love you guys!!! 50 years of wisdom in a few paragraphs. Thanks!!!

[zboss]

Originally Posted by Lojanica

I love you guys!!! 50 years of wisdom in a few paragraphs. Thanks!!!

You are giving them too much credit... they are more like 120 years and over-the-hill Get out them walkers!

[Saltyhog]

I concur with all those recommending Caig Labs Deoxit D5. I've been using it in all kinds of applications over the last 20 years. Professional audio equipment, industrial equipment, automotive, marine, motorcycles, etc. It's fixed more connection issues than I could ever recall. One can will last your a long time. Good stuff.

[leftbrainstuff]

Originally Posted by travellerw

I apply CorrosionX on all kinds of pins and contacts (I work in EE) and I have never had a problem with it "Interfering with the connection". Hhhmm its also not sticky (actually a lubricant), so I'm not sure if you might have it confused with something else.

They actually have an entire webpage dedicated to its use in electronics.
CorrosionX for use on electronics

+1

Corrosion X is specified on many military systems like Phalanx. It is foolproof to use unlike many of the specialist cleaners and dielectric greases.

Don't use WD40. It has no place in electronics or connectors. It attracts dirt and creates arc trails and conductive paths. Its a lubricant and is napthene based. Like diesel which has no place in electronics.

Note there are cleaners which degrease and are anti static and then dielectric greases which are intended to be used one after the other. Others have posted options.

Clean using a toothbrush and vacuum to avoid ingesting grit in the connector. Dont scrape or scratch. Ultrasonic cleaning works well but probably not much use on installed kit.

Do not use lubricants or tools you use for metalwork. Keep your electronic tools seperate and clean.

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[Cavalier]

Originally Posted by denverd0n

Had never heard of Stabilant, so I looked it up. Whoa! Almost $50 for a 5ml bottle. That is some precious stuff!

That's because quantum tunnels are too narrow to measure and very hard to make.. 😉

[Lojanica]

An update.

I followed the sage advice found in this thread:

Purchased a bottle of pure (91%) isopropyl alcohol from the drugstore, repurposed a used fine toothbrush, and purchased a small tube of the electrical conducting potion from an electronics store.

My electronics performed flawlessly through all conditions during my recent passage.

Worked really well.

Thanks to everyone

[Wotname]

Thanks for the feedback.
What was the name of your electrical conducting potion?

[Lojanica]

Permatex/Dielectric tune-up grease

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by Lojanica

Permatex/Dielectric tune-up grease

For others that might stumble on this thread.. Permatex Dielectric is not "electrically conductive", nor is any Dielectric grease. Dielectric actually means its an insulator and does not break down in presence of a voltage. The purpose of these greases is to encapsulate the conductors and stop corrosion. The also provide lube for the mating surfaces/gaskets of the connectors. They do nothing to improve the actual contact between the conductors.

[Paul Elliott]

Permatex and other dielectric greases are non-conductive. That's what the "dielectric" means.

But that's OK.

The actual electrical contact in a connector, or screw terminal, is made through metal-to-metal contact. Dielectric grease provides a thin layer that keeps Oxygen away from the metal surfaces and reduces the oxidation of the metal and carbonization of other contaminants that would normally occur. The microscopic irregularities in the metal surfaces push through the thin dielectric film and make the actual electrical contact.

Without the dielectric grease the metal surfaces will corrode and build up an insulating layer of oxide, which prevents the metal-to-metal contact.

I usually use silicone grease, but other products can work very well. Some products may include a cleaning agent that works with the wiping action as the connectors slide into place.

There are actual conductive greases (silver or carbon-filled), but these are for specialized applications (and expensive) and I personally wouldn't use them for normal boat connections.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Lojanica

Permatex/Dielectric tune-up grease

Yep, as other's have pointed out, this is an insulating grease but reasonably good for your purposes.

Dow Corning #4 is another dielectric grease that I like.

Don't worry, it's a common mistake for those not skilled in the dark electrical arts.

FWIW, another common mistake is when the electronics shop sells you a thermal conductive but electrically insulating compound; used for heat-sinks and so on but not for connectors .

[svlamorocha]

Originally Posted by Wotname

FWIW, another common mistake is when the electronics shop sells you a thermal conductive but electrically insulating compound; used for heat-sinks and so on but not for connectors .

Are you saying that I am not the only one who made that mistake?



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[Lodesman]

I use a lot of dielectric grease so I like a big can - CRC 3.3-Watt oz. Technician Grade Di-Electric Grease-05105 - The Home Depot

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by svlamorocha

Are you saying that I am not the only one who made that mistake?



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You probably weren't the first and you most certainly won't be the last .

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Lodesman

I use a lot of dielectric grease so I like a big can - CRC 3.3-Watt oz. Technician Grade Di-Electric Grease-05105 - The Home Depot

What the heck is a Watt-oz???