Dielectric grease use on trailer and shore power connectors is one of those topics that will create all sorts of controversy and flame wars. Some believe it's great, while others say that it increases contact resistance and promotes overheating. I've done some field testing myself in the distant past, and have had casual conversations with several Dielectric grease manufacturers. I'm recontacting some of them for the latest data and possibly a video interview. Standby for some real data on the good and bad points of dielectric grease.
Mike, would you recommend using Deoxit on stripped wires prior to crimping on terminals? I've had occasional issues with terminal-crimp corrosion, and just wondering...
And never use a dielectric grease on electrical contacts! It is non-conductive and doesn't pass electricity! It is used to seal the connectors, connector boot or protect connector threads from moisture. Another point on WD-40 - Despite its claim, WD-40 is a water dispersant, not a lubricant. It may be oily at first, but in a relative short period of time after exposure to moisture it will form a brown, waxy, sticky film. That film is great if you are wanting to prevent rust or oxidation, but not great for moving parts or parts that need good contact to pass electricity! And the best way to remove the WD-40 sticky film is...to apply more WD-40 and wipe it off. I use WD-40 to protect the bed and ways on my milling and lathe machines from rust, but certainly not for lubrication.
An alternative to silicone spray to lube a 7 pin connector is silicone dielectric grease. It is a quite a bit thicker and I’d think gives more moisture protection.
What about dielectric grease? Does it work?
Dielectric grease use on trailer and shore power connectors is one of those topics that will create all sorts of controversy and flame wars. Some believe it's great, while others say that it increases contact resistance and promotes overheating. I've done some field testing myself in the distant past, and have had casual conversations with several Dielectric grease manufacturers. I'm recontacting some of them for the latest data and possibly a video interview. Standby for some real data on the good and bad points of dielectric grease.
Mike, would you recommend using Deoxit on stripped wires prior to crimping on terminals? I've had occasional issues with terminal-crimp corrosion, and just wondering...
And never use a dielectric grease on electrical contacts! It is non-conductive and doesn't pass electricity! It is used to seal the connectors, connector boot or protect connector threads from moisture. Another point on WD-40 - Despite its claim, WD-40 is a water dispersant, not a lubricant. It may be oily at first, but in a relative short period of time after exposure to moisture it will form a brown, waxy, sticky film. That film is great if you are wanting to prevent rust or oxidation, but not great for moving parts or parts that need good contact to pass electricity! And the best way to remove the WD-40 sticky film is...to apply more WD-40 and wipe it off. I use WD-40 to protect the bed and ways on my milling and lathe machines from rust, but certainly not for lubrication.
An alternative to silicone spray to lube a 7 pin connector is silicone dielectric grease. It is a quite a bit thicker and I’d think gives more moisture protection.