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Condutive Grease?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Geo
  • Start date Start date
G

Geo

Guest
Hi All.
Would it be advisable to use a good quality conductive grease on electrical connections . Specifically male and female terminals (spade lugs) and ground points. I'm just not sure if I should keep them dry or use the grease for corrosion protection and better conductivity? Any thoughts.:confused:

Thanks
Geo
 
Use either automotive dielectric grease or Luberex (which is a specific brand of dielectric grease that comes from the PC world). I have used both and they are both fine, although Luberex can be more difficult to find.
 
[FONT=Verdana, Arial]Dielectric grease is a non-conductive grease. Because it is non-conductive it does not enhance the flow electrical current. Electrical conductors should not be coated with dielectric grease prior to being mated. However, dielectric grease is often applied to electrical connectors, particularly ones which contain rubber gaskets, as a way to provide a non-conductive lubricant and sealer for the rubber portions of the connector.[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial]The widest use of dielectric grease is in high-voltage connections associated with spark plugs. The grease is applied to the rubber boot of the plug wire. This helps the rubber boot slide onto the ceramic insulator of the plug. The grease also acts to seal the rubber boot, while at the same time preventing the rubber from becoming stuck to the ceramic. Generally spark plugs are in located in areas of high temperature, and the grease is formulated to withstand the temperature range expected.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial]Another common use of dielectric grease is on the rubber mating surfaces or gaskets of multi-pin electrical connectors used in automotive and marine engines. The grease again acts as a lubricant and a sealant on the non-conductive mating surfaces of the connector. It is not recommended to be applied to the actual electrical conductive contacts of the connector.[/FONT]
 
Luberex is a dielectric grease that is used to protect electrical components from condensation and corrosion. It is most commonly used in Peltier cooling to product the CPU pins from corrosion by condensation. This is done by spreading the grease on the socket pins prior to installation.
http://www.crazypc.com/products/9345.html
While I appreciate the Wikipedia quote (I saw it many places on the web), I don't use it to enhance electrical contact and/or improve current flow. I use it as a waterproofer and anti-corrosion agent. My contacts are good enough and the current flow low enough that it will not detract from the conductivity required on my bike. Just smearing it on the outside would not have maximum waterproofing or anti-corrosion effects. I do use it on my plug wires as suggested, smeared on the rubber bits.
 
I understand the uses of dielectric grease,however can or should conductive grease be use on push type connectors. Since this is a conductive grease I would think that it would enhance the connections. Am I wrong?
 
Geo said:
I understand the uses of dielectric grease,however can or should conductive grease be use on push type connectors. Since this is a conductive grease I would think that it would enhance the connections. Am I wrong?
Click to expand...

yes, you are wrong.
 
Yes,you are wrong. The grease is not conductive, it is often silicone based and doesn't react with plastics
But by all means apply a little grease to your light bulbs and connectors the grease gets wiped away from the contact area by the bulb or connector while what remains keeps the water and air out , combating corrosion.
 
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Conductive grease is for use on parts that move. Sliding switches. etc. The way you speak of using it will likely cause more harm than good.
 
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Bluewool...Sorry, I was typing while your post went up, I just didn't see it before I sent my post
 
bluewool said:
Conductive grease is for use on parts that move. Sliding switches. etc. The way you speak of using it will likely cause more harm than good.
Click to expand...
Molybdenum (conductive) based grease is great for sparkplugs then watching you buddy try to start his bike.:D
 
Graham said:
Molybdenum (conductive) based grease is great for sparkplugs then watching you buddy try to start his bike.:D
Click to expand...
Exactly. On most connectors, it will flow out slightly. If it reaches a ground (your buddy's hand on a plug wire would be a good example) interesting things would happen.
 
In case you still don't understand clearly, conductive grease would be a VERY BAD idea.

The problem with GS electrical connections is not the integrity of the contact -- it's simply corrosion. Corrosion is accelerated by air, moisture, and dirt.

A decent NON-conductive (dielectric) grease helps seal out air, water, and dirt.

The contacts inside the connectors easily push the grease aside as they slide into contact -- the dielectric grease does not significantly affect the efficiency of the connection between the two pieces of metal (at least not at the low voltages and currents we're working with). The grease is simply there to keep out water, air, and dirt over time so that the connection doesn't corrode.

There are secondary benefits as well -- the plastic and rubber parts in the connectors don't stick together and it helps lubricate any seals.
 
i second bw's post above. i've been using dielectric grease on all my connectors after cleaning them and have had no problems. they also come apart more easily.
 
Yes, please stay away from any conductive grease on a bike! Never put it in switches! You will soon have power leaking to the other contacts in the switch as well.

I prefer using a waterproof grease inside switches and red rubber grease on any rubber parts where they contact metal.

Dielectric grease is non conductive and the purpose of dielectric grease is to prevent corrosion and ingress of water after you have cleaned the contacts/terminals or have fitted new ones. It does not really matter if the whole terminal is smeared with it before plugging it in. The metal to metal contact will still be good. Theoretically it does not seem a good idea, but in practice it is!

Dielectric grease does not improve or fix bad connections due to corrosion or weak contact in terminals!
 
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