Dielectric grease helps to prevent arcing of electrical parts. Some have questioned what dielectric grease is and the difference that it should have from the other greases. Is dielectric grease the same as silicone grease?
Why should I use dielectric grease? Those are some of the questions that could be ringing in your mind.
Dielectric grease, also known as tune-up grease is a silicone-based and non-conductive kind of grease that protects electrical connectors from corrosion, moisture, and dirt.
One of the popular dielectric greases to use is Permatex Dielectric Grease and CRC dielectric grease.
It disrupts the flow of electric currents which makes it good for sealing and lubricating the rubber parts of electric connectors let’s discuss more dielectric fluid, its application, how dielectric grease is used, types of dielectric grease, and its difference with regular grease.
What is dielectric grease?
Dielectric grease is a silicone grease that traps moisture from electrical connections that can cause them to corrode and freeze up. Is dielectric grease conductive? Obviously not, as it is a non-conductive grease applied to many electrical components, such as spark plugs, battery terminals and connectors.
Applying it to electrical connections provides a coating between them and the moisture and other contaminants that would corrode and rust the electrical joint.
Primarily the purpose of dielectric grease is to inhibit the passage of electricity between any two connectors, yet still allow them to contact. So, with this grease on them you enjoy firm and reliable connections, not only; yet they act live and lengthen the life of electrical components by preventing wear due to cold, heat, moisture and dirt.
With the thick consistency, you will find dielectric grease spray tubes or jars that make for quick application. An applicator brush or your teen makes usage no problem at all.
How to use dielectric grease on electrical connections? More literally, just be careful that you don’t use too much at any one time and thus foul the connection able to perform properly.
What Is Dielectric Grease Made of?
Dielectric grease on electric connections of cars, boats, and other machinery is a lubricant to keep the electrical components in good condition.
This grease provides insulating properties to the electrical connections in your vehicles or machines where they can with stand the damage or intrusion of moisture, dirt and dust.
This insulating and non-conductive grease is and made from a silicone oil blended with thickening agents such as silica or clay. The Silicone oil acts as a lubricant and the thickening agents hold it in position.
The chemical composition of this grease for guarding against corrosion gives it a degree of resistance to water and high temperature which is all too common as a cause of corrosion in electrical connections.
But this quality ascertains that the electrical system works even in harsh environments. Dielectric grease provides an insulating property to safeguard the system from all methods of physical damage making it an essential additive for you if you want your machinery to run true for computer years.
With this grease on your maintenance crew, short circuits and parts that don’t screw would become unacceptable propositions.
Dielectric Grease Applications
Dielectric grease is applied in many other areas including high-energy ignition systems, aldehyde bulbs sockets, trailer electrical connections (for some plugs), headlamp connectors, ignition coil connectors, battery terminals, and spark plug boots. This silicone grease is used in the connectors of battery terminals to prevent fusing and combat corrosion.
In a high-energy ignition system, dielectric grease is used to prevent leakage of voltage. You can also use it with such connectors as heat shrink terminals, spades, rings, and butt connectors.
Dielectric grease is commonly used on electrical connectors in general, especially the connectors that employ gasket (often made of rubber). Here it acts as a sealer and non-conductive lubricant for the rubber parts of the connector. The dielectric grease spray makes it possible to first connect parts that your fingers cannot yet reach.
Another broad application for this grease is not only spark plugs but any high voltage connection. Applying dielectric grease on the rubber boot of the spark wire permits it to slip easily into the ceramic insulator, sealing the boot and preventing it from hanging up in the ceramic. Since most spark plugs are exposed to some high temperature service, dielectric grease is ready to stand the heat.
Another great use for dielectric grease is on gaskets of multi-pin connectors, or on rubber mating surfaces in most truck. Here it functions also as a locator sealer and lubricant of the connector’s non-conductive mating surfaces, but generally not on the actual electrical conductive parts of the connector.
How to Use Dielectric Grease?
Dielectric grease is produced by adding a thickener to silicone oil. As such, it is waterproof and fireproof. But before using dielectric grease, you may want to find out if it is an insulator.
Thermal grease, or thermal paste, is used to drain excess heat from electrical circuit parts like LEDs and transistors. Using dielectric grease, inflate the compound on the body or outer surface of the electrical part.
Be sure not to touch the path of electrical currents or where parts are mating.
The grease is an insulator, and thus it prevents the flow of the currents. This is why dielectric grease should only be used on surfaces of electrical parts where no currents are passing.
Using dielectric grease for the automotive tune-up on your diesel or gasoline engine: Start applying a little grease at the end of a spark plug wire’s rubber boot, and spread it only enough to cover the inside lip.
This helps to keep the high-voltage electricity from flowing to the boot and leaking from the engine block, and makes it less difficult to get the boot over the ceramic insulator. It makes a watertight seal around the spark plug to keep the connection dry from dirt and water.
Use dielectric grease on pin connector gaskets also, mostly used in recreational vehicles and boats.
Smear a little dab of the grease on the gasket and, if possible, on both sides of it. You will do this before you insert the gasket in the connection.
Where should you not use dielectric grease?
Yes, dielectric grease is intended for many uses. But there are exceptions where it should be avoided.
Electrical connections exposed to high temperature are a major no-no for this grease. This substance can actually burn when exposed to high temperature. And by high temperature, I mean if it exposed to 400-500 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s a high chance that the connection can be damaged and potentially develop a fire hazard.
Certain materials like silicone rubber/plastics can be damaged by this chemical grease if and when in contact with.
Here it is not problems of hazards, but that the materials may react with ingredients in the grease and that can mean the degradation/corrosion of the materials themselves.
You should be highly alert using dielectric grease on moving parts or mechanical components. This is a thick substance to create tight friction and slows down the movement, applying it in the wrong place may lead to malfunction and failure of equipment.
That block the equipment to move, you may find for a good dielectric grease substitute, and the obvious alternative that may come to mind next is silicone grease. But any dielectric grease vs silicone grease debate will pinpoint the basic difference that the former doesn’t cure and remains pliable and the latter cures and takes a solid form.
Can I Use Dielectric Grease On Battery Terminals?
You can use dielectric grease on battery terminals, which will prevent corrosion and welding together, but if you overdo it you won’t get any current flowing. Dielectric grease will also keep moisture and dirt off of the terminals.
You don’t want any grease in between the terminals because it will not make a good connection, and that will shorten the useful life of the battery. Battery terminals are a great place to use dielectric grease because it is not affected by very high temperatures.
Different Between Dielectric vs. Regular Grease
A common dielectric grease substitute is everyday grease. Dielectric grease is way different from normal grease, both from physical properties and where the grease is put to use.
Most regular greases melt down and become weak when used in high-temperature applications.
This is due to the fact that they are made from constituents with low melting points. Dielectric grease, on the other hand, has high melting points, so they can be used on surfaces experiencing extreme temperatures.
Regular grease is different from dielectric grease in another respect that is cost-related. Dielectric grease is more expensive compared to other grease types. However, the benefits that come along with the grease compensate for the high cost.
Unlike other greases, dielectric grease cannot be dissipated in water, ethanol, mineral oil, methanol and other liquids. That is why they suit outdoor and marine applications.
The lubricating effect of dielectric grease is more elsewhere. Finally, some regular greases can conduct electricity, while dielectric grease is a non-conductor.
So, on top of lubricating and preventing corrosion, the grease also prevents the terminals and electric connection from fusing and arcing.
Pros of Dielectric Grease
Dielectric grease has a lot of advantages – especially when used correctly. Its primary advantage is sealing only on metal surfaces.
When you apply the grease on metal components of the electrical system, it stops rusting and corrosion. The grease withstands high temperatures; so it will maintain that seal up to a maximum of about 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another great good about dielectric grease is to protect plastics and rubber in electrical systems or computer chips from fire and other catastrophes.
Dielectric grease minimizes wear of mating and connecting surfaces. The connecting surfaces therefore develop a layered coating reducing the resistance and preventing oxidation.
This silicon-based grease also insulates the electrical system and hinders the build of the insulative oxide layer that increases the loss in signals and resistance.
Dielectric grease is best for multi-pin connectors, thus precluding any short between the pins. It is used for lubricating engine components such as speedometer cables, distributor caps and rotors.
Cons
While dielectric grease is great to use, it can be disastrous when applied the wrong way. Because the grease is non-conductive, it can be the reason that the current does not pass through.
If you apply the dielectric grease and do not clean the contact points of the conductor, the current will not pass through.
Another downside to dielectric grease is that after using it for years, it can actually melt silicone rubber.
However, you should never use dielectric conductors covered with silicone rubber, and when applying dielectric grease, always ensure you wear gloves and safety glasses as this grease can irritate the eyes and the skin.
This grease produces formaldehyde at high temperatures and irritates the respiratory system and eyes. Always think under what temperatures you are going to apply the grease.
FAQs.
Q: Is Vaseline Dielectric Grease?
Vaseline is not dielectric grease. Their differences lie in the constitution and usage. Vaseline is a petroleum jelly primarily meant for lubrication. A major difference between the two is that Vaseline conducts electricity while dielectric grease is a non-conductor.
Unlike dielectric grease whose melting points are very high, the melting points of Vaseline are very low. Vaseline is primarily used to coat iron equipment to prevent them from corroding.
On the other hand, dielectric grease is used primarily for sealing electric components and protecting them from rust and corrosion.
Q: Is Silicone Grease The Same As Dielectric Grease?
Dielectric grease is a kind of silicon grease. Silicon grease is produced by combining silicone oil with a thickener. The moisture forms a white thick paste which is water and fireproof.
The exact properties of silicone grease depend on the relative proportions and kind of the components that have been used.
Dielectric grease is silicone-based grease that repels moisture from electrical connections preventing them from corroding. Grease is a non-conductor of electricity. You are therefore advised not to apply it on the mating surfaces of your electrical connections.
Q: Can Dielectric Grease Be Used On the Circuit Breaker?
You can use dielectric grease on circuit breakers, but be careful not to grease every component.
Generally, you should only do this if you are in corrosive atmospheres. Sometimes, you’ll find instructions in the breaker manual telling you to lubricate certain particular current-carrying components on the breaker.
These components include bus stands, primary-circuit finger clusters, main contacts, and others. Be careful deciding what current-carrying parts should be greased and which should not. It’s advisable to read the manual of the circuit breaker to be sure you are lubricating the right parts.
Q: Can I Use Dielectric Grease On O-Rings?
The best grease to use on O-rings is no other than dielectric grease. Lubrication of O-rings is vital in every assembly.
It also protects the O-rings from scuffing damage and abrasion. Dielectric grease keeps the O-rings safe since it acts as a lubricant and it is waterproof.
Q: Does dielectric grease improve connection?
Blowing out the confusion whether dielectric grease conductive or not will half answer this question. No, it is not a conductive lubricant but is used in electrical connections because it keeps out moisture and dirt, which can cause problems with the connection over time.
The grease consists of silicone oils; oils suspended in silica gel or other compounds of hydrocarbons. It works as an insulating barrier between two metals to prevent corrosion and oxidation and allows an electrical current to flow through.
Q: Can I use WD 40 instead of dielectric grease?
Dielectric grease is unique lubricant specially designed for use globally with electrical connections and wiring. It offers an insulation bar which ensures corrosion and rust do not rest on metal parts.
WD 40 is a multi-purpose lubricant generally used for several household purposes, from loosening rusty nuts to cleaning.
It certainly does not either come close to the same properties to offer any insulation from moisture and such as dielectric grease. This definitely cannot be a dielectrics grease alternative, and can possibly make things worse with your equipment.
Q: When should you not use dielectric grease?
While it is a safe place, there are always certain times it should not be used? While this low viscosity grease has its uses, it also has its limits. Dielectric grease has a higher melting point, but very just melt right at higher than its melting point.
So, when applied to high temp (more than 500 degrees Fahrenheit) metal surfaces and such, it could short circuit or corrode quicker than it would other ways.
Therefore, it is recommended to use dielectric grease and not put on too heavy, as that can impede heat’s flow away from electrical parts which could lead to overheating.
Q: Should you put dielectric grease on plug wires?
So-called dielectric grease is a silicone-based material for moisture resistance anchors and such that protect from corrosion. This also limits electrical arcing by creating a “seal” between two metal parts.
So yes, dielectric grease on battery terminals and on a spark plug will save both from arcing. And if you want the rubber boot of the plug, avoid bonding to its ceramic part, and put dielectric grease on your spark plugs.
Q: Does dielectric grease harm rubber?
People prefer dielectric grease for electrical connections to another’s’ regular greases and anxiously hope for the best. It is common that people plead that this product “could” hurt rubber such as O-rings, grommets, or other protective seals.
But when not too heavy and appropriately applied, in most applications dielectric grease does not hurt rubber. However, it could if not applied properly or with a wrong sort.
Q: What happens if you don’t use dielectric grease?
For one thing, you are going to open your electrical system up to the kind of damage that occurs from contact corrosion, dust and moisture, wear of key parts.
And this is why dielectric grease spray should be used in all of electrical applications, from automotive spark plugs to marine battery terminals.
Not only preventing corrosion and making it easier of for electricity to pass, but also makes a barrier from dirt and moisture seeping into any gap or down to an exposed, and its lubricative properties limit wear on contact points in there and brings your contact points and part life expectancy up on all components.
Conclusion
I’m sure you’re now able to say what dielectric grease is, its uses, application, pros, and cons. Dielectric grease is a great sealer and lubricant. It prevents arcing, and adds some insulation and not forgetting some longevity on electrical connectors.
Remember that this grease can only be put on surfaces that the current isn’t passing through or it’s not going to allow current flow between two electrical connections.
Dielectric grease is best for automobile applications, electrical circuits and motor industries, it has a higher melting point, so it’s the ideal grease to use in high-temperature applications.