Connector w Bolt
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,340
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re
I'm not saying put it on anything, I'm simply stating how it works. Please carefully reread my post. I did not state "when di-electric grease breaks down you have better continuity'. I stated that it increases dielectric breakdown values. Dielectric breakdown is when the resistance (in the case of a connector) between two adjacent pins is reduced to the point where an arc will occur when under power. The "dielectric" or insulating material deteriorates to the point where it's insulating ability will not insulate the voltage between the pins. That's why it's called dielectric grease. It increases the voltage at which breakdown occurs, thus lessening the chance of an arc. As I stated before the grease does not prevent metal to metal contact of the mating surfaces of the pins, thus you are not putting a non conductive material between the pins. Use it or not ...matters not to me.
You seem to have a lot of knowledge in this area. I still can't understand how you can put a non conductive grease between two conductive materials and still have the same properties. Maybe I will give my neighbor a call who has is master in electrical engineering and he can set me straight. Seem like this is a topic that has been debated quite a bit.
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
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From: Mifflin, PA
Let's illustrate it this way: most of us have used a test light on a vehicle at some time or other...if the surface you are testing for voltage is greasy or corroded, you wiggle the test point to make "better" contact. The grease does not prevent contact. Most connectors are designed with an optimum amount of spring pressure between mating pins. This pressure is needed to make the positive electrical contact through any oxide layers, contamination, or corrosion that may be present. Dielectric grease provides very little resistance to contact mating pressure. If very low voltages are involved, or high reliability is a design criteria, the contacts are sometimes silver or gold plated to prevent oxidation.
And yes, after 50 years in the electrical and electronics field, I have picked up a tidbit or two.
And yes, after 50 years in the electrical and electronics field, I have picked up a tidbit or two.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2008
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After re-reading your last statement when you have a di-electric breakdown in the case of a connector the di-electric grease is going to mask the problem for some time because it can prevent arching ? Normally when you have arching between pins either it has come loose or you have a problem at the other end usually in the form of a short.
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
Likes: 4
From: Mifflin, PA
After re-reading your last statement when you have a di-electric breakdown in the case of a connector the di-electric grease is going to mask the problem for some time because it can prevent arching ? Normally when you have arching between pins either it has come loose or you have a problem at the other end usually in the form of a short.
The grease is primarily to exclude moisture and contaminants, which reduces the dielectric strength of the insulator. If the pins become loose, then they start to arc, which causes heat, which further degrades the dielectric. A short would cause excess current to flow thru the mated pins, causing heat, which will reduce the spring qualities of the pins, thus causing the contact pressure to lessen, which causes separation, and a resulting arc. Dielectric grease does little in these cases.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2008
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The grease is primarily to exclude moisture and contaminants, which reduces the dielectric strength of the insulator. If the pins become loose, then they start to arc, which causes heat, which further degrades the dielectric. A short would cause excess current to flow thru the mated pins, causing heat, which will reduce the spring qualities of the pins, thus causing the contact pressure to lessen, which causes separation, and a resulting arc. Dielectric grease does little in these cases.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2007
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Don't feel to bad Grant, I was lost long before you. I have been using die electric grease for quite some time. I've gone thru and removed most of my sensors plugs and put some in. Just to keep the moisture out. That was my understanding of the stuff.
Alchymist, thanks for your indepth explanation as well.Great Informaiton!
I have been using die electric grease for quite some time. I've gone thru and removed most of my sensors plugs and put some in. Just to keep the moisture out. That was my understanding of the stuff. Alchymist, thanks for your indepth explanation as well.Great Informaiton!
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