Trystan Casey
When it comes to electrical contacts, there are a variety of greases available for different applications. Electrical connector greases are used to guard against oxidation, fretting corrosion, and contact wear, as well as to extend the life of connectors. Dielectric grease is commonly used for electrical connections and is available in various forms, including tubes, jars, and sprays. Carbon conductive grease is another option, providing lubrication for electrical contacts, reducing contact resistance, and inhibiting corrosion. Other factors to consider when choosing a grease include compatibility with plastics and rubbers, as some greases can cause swelling or discolouration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Guard against oxidation, fretting corrosion, contact wear, and extend connector life |
| Type | Synthetic, non-mineral-based |
| Advantages | Stay-in-place ability, precisely engineered |
| Compatibility | Potential issues with plastics and rubbers; avoid silicone-based grease |
| Examples | Tribosyn 330, 846 Carbon Conductive Grease, Dielectric Grease, Rhino Formula Grease |
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What You'll Learn
Dielectric grease for electrical connectors
When it comes to electrical connectors, dielectric grease is a popular choice. Dielectric grease is used in automotive ignition spark plug wires, electrical harness connections, and other automotive wiring scenarios. It is also used in marine applications, trucks, and cars. Dielectric grease helps to lubricate electrical connectors, protecting them from oxidation, fretting corrosion, and contact wear, thereby extending the life of the connector. It can also reduce mating force by up to 80%, which is an important factor in connector assembly.
Dielectric grease is a type of synthetic connector lubricant that is precisely engineered for specific applications. It is important to choose the right type of grease for the specific application, as some greases may be incompatible with certain plastics or rubbers, causing them to swell, crack, or discolour. Silicone-based greases, for example, are not recommended for use on electrical connectors.
Dielectric grease is often used on electrical harness connectors, especially those with a rubber O-ring or grommet. It helps to smear a small amount of dielectric grease on the connector gasket to aid in reassembly and future disassembly. It can also be used to seal electrical connectors, as it provides a barrier against moisture and corrosion.
In addition to dielectric grease, there are other types of electrical connector greases available, such as carbon conductive grease, which is economical and provides good lubrication for electrical contacts, reduces contact resistance, repels moisture, inhibits corrosion, and prevents static buildup. When choosing an electrical connector grease, it is important to consider the specific application and requirements, such as cost, ease of use, and compatibility with the materials being used.
Overall, dielectric grease is a common and effective choice for electrical connectors, offering protection against corrosion and oxidation, extending the life of connectors, and providing other benefits such as reducing mating force. It is important to choose the right type of grease for the specific application and to follow any instructions or recommendations provided by the manufacturer.
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Carbon conductive grease
Greasing electrical contacts offers several advantages, including protection against oxidation, corrosion, and contact wear. Grease is generally preferred over oil due to its ability to stay in place. When choosing a grease for electrical contacts, it is important to consider compatibility issues with plastics and rubbers, as some greases can cause swelling, cracking, or discolouration.
The 846 carbon conductive grease is suitable for various applications, including ground connections, rotating connections, rotary switches, variable capacitors, roller inductors, roller bearings, slip rings, slide connectors, and potentiometers. It is also useful for electrical connections in RV house battery terminals. The grease can be applied directly to electrical contacts to enhance performance and protect against corrosion.
One notable feature of carbon conductive grease is its ability to bridge the gap between contacting surfaces for EMI shielding applications. It serves as a conductor, facilitating electrical continuity. This characteristic distinguishes it from dielectric grease, which acts as an insulator. Carbon conductive grease is also available in different formulations, such as silver-filled versions or non-silicone variations, allowing for customization based on specific requirements.
When using carbon conductive grease, it is important to exercise caution as it can be messy and easily transferable. Care should be taken to avoid spreading it beyond the intended area. Additionally, it is crucial to clean the application area before applying the grease to ensure optimal performance.
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Silicone grease
However, it is important to note that silicone-based grease is not recommended for use on electrical connectors by some sources due to potential compatibility issues with plastics and rubbers. Some oils and greases can cause these materials to swell, crack, or discolour, so due care should be taken.
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Grease vs oil
When it comes to electrical contacts, grease is generally preferred over oil due to its ability to stay in place. Lubricating electrical connectors offers several advantages, including protection against oxidation, fretting corrosion, and contact wear, as well as extending the connector's life. A thin film of lubricant can also significantly reduce mating force, an important consideration in connector assembly.
However, it is important to select the appropriate grease for electrical contacts. Silicone-based greases are not recommended for electrical connectors as silicones can polymerise into hard, brittle material that may cause electrical problems. Instead, synthetic connector lubricants are precisely engineered to meet the varied challenges of real-world applications. These lubricants are designed for specific uses, ranging from domestic applications to extreme environments.
One popular option for electrical contacts is dielectric grease, which is commonly used to seal electrical connectors. It is important to clean the connectors before applying the grease to ensure effective protection. Additionally, fluid film is recommended by some for preventing corrosion on electrical connections.
For new electrical installations and maintenance, NO-OX-ID electrical contact grease is a popular choice. This grease is electrically conductive and effective in preventing corrosion and rust on metal surfaces. It has been used in the power industry for over 65 years and is known for its long-lasting performance even on dissimilar metals. Another option is carbon conductive grease, which provides lubrication, reduces contact resistance, repels moisture, inhibits corrosion, and prevents static buildup.
In summary, while grease is generally preferred over oil for electrical contacts due to its ability to stay in place, it is crucial to select the appropriate type of grease and to follow recommended procedures for application to ensure optimal performance and protection.
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Compatibility issues with plastics/rubbers
When selecting a grease for electrical contacts, it is important to consider compatibility issues with plastics and rubbers. Some lubricants and greases can cause plastics and rubbers to swell, crack, or discolour over time. This issue is not limited to a specific type of lubricant or manufacturer, and it can occur with both mineral and synthetic-based lubricants.
The incompatibility is often caused by the additives in the grease or oil formula, rather than the base oil itself. As such, it is important to carefully select a grease that is compatible with the specific plastic or elastomer being used. Perfluoropolyethers (PFPE) and silicones are generally compatible with most plastics and do not typically have compatibility issues with rubbers and plastics, except for other silicone-based materials. Synthetic hydrocarbons, including polyalphaolefin (PAO), can be used with plastics but not with elastomers. Tribosyn 330, a dielectric connector grease, is also compatible with most plastics and rubbers.
On the other hand, esters should be used with extreme caution with certain plastics and rubbers, such as polycarbonate, polyester, polyphenylene oxide, polystyrene, polysulfone, polyvinyl chloride, Buna S, Butyl, natural rubber, and neoprene. It is worth noting that silicone-based greases are not recommended for use on electrical connectors, despite their low cost and wide temperature range.
To ensure compatibility, rigorous testing under high stress, high temperature, and poor plastic/elastomer conditions is necessary. This is because the variety of plastic and elastomer types makes it challenging to provide a quick or universal answer to the compatibility issue. Designers must carefully consider material compatibility to avoid specifying incompatible materials in new product designs.
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Frequently asked questions
Electrical contact grease is used to lubricate electrical connectors. This can guard against oxidation, corrosion, and contact wear, as well as extending the life of the connector.
Some electrical contact greases include:
- EDSRDUS SG01A High Vacuum Grease
- NO-OX-ID A-Special Electrical Contact Grease
- YOLOtek Silicone Dielectric Grease
- Rhino Formula Grease
- Keze Dielectric Grease
Electrical grease is not 'grease' in the typical sense. Electrical greases are precisely engineered synthetic products, whereas regular grease is usually a mass-produced mineral-based substance.
You can use carbon conductive grease, such as MG Chemicals' 846, or dielectric grease.
No, you should not use any silicone-based grease on electrical connectors. Some oils and greases can also cause plastics and rubbers to swell, crack, or discolour.
