cheap and easy gloop to help electrical connections

[Dellquay13]

hi,
can anyone recommend a cheap and easy to obtain gloop to help maintain good electrical connections?
I know there will be Best in class textbook compounds that cost more than platinum, but is there something like a tub of vaseline that will do the job to a reasonable standard for a few quid?
TIA,
Chris

 

[Boater Sam]

You have just said the answer to your question. The proprietary stuff is Nocrode grease in a tube

 

[pvb]

I don't like putting filthy greasy stuff on electrical connections.

 

[rogerthebodger]

There is a product called liquid tape which is like a paint on cable insulation

 

[V1701]

Any silicone grease, it's probably not much more expensive than vaseline...

 

[PaulRainbow]

If electrical connections need gungeing up with Vaseline or grease they should have been made waterproof in the first place.

 

[Daydream believer]

Does Vaseline not break down to dust after a period of time?
Apart from then needing cleaning off, does it make an electrical bridge?

 

[Dellquay13]

I don't like putting filthy greasy stuff on electrical connections.

I'm not keen, especially on ac circuits which don't suffer copper oxidisation like dc around salt water, but when joints are way up a mast, a thin smear to help exclude oxygen from the surfaces seems prudent.

 

[Dellquay13]

Does Vaseline not break down to dust after a period of time?
Apart from then needing cleaning off, does it make an electrical bridge?

I've used vaseline on satellite dishes for years, but they aren't near salt water, only need ladders to get back up to, and if it does go wrong after 3-4 years, i get paid to go back and sort it.
I wanted a 2nd opinion before i put it up my mast where it's hassle to sort any problems further down the line.

 

[Dellquay13]

If electrical connections need gungeing up with Vaseline or grease they should have been made waterproof in the first place.

How do you protect the contacts for lamps? I don't know how you stop moist air getting inside lenses when there are factory fitted holes in my Aquasignal quickfit masthead tricolour. Any 12dc in a moist atmosphere will cause an unprotected copper contact to oxidise.
Is there a way to make deck plugs and sockets waterproof when they are only in use at certain times, like an anchor light?
I'm all for sealing permanent fittings, but not all of mine are sealable, so I was looking for ways to cut down on dc oxidisation.

 

[neil_s]

I use a drop of ACF 50

 

[pvb]

How do you protect the contacts for lamps? I don't know how you stop moist air getting inside lenses when there are factory fitted holes in my Aquasignal quickfit masthead tricolour. Any 12dc in a moist atmosphere will cause an unprotected copper contact to oxidise.
Is there a way to make deck plugs and sockets waterproof when they are only in use at certain times, like an anchor light?
I'm all for sealing permanent fittings, but not all of mine are sealable, so I was looking for ways to cut down on dc oxidisation.

AquaSignal say that the Quicfit lights have a cable gland, which ought to keep a lot of moisture out. They also say that you should remove the bulb, clean the contacts and replace it on an annual basis - well, we can see that happening, can't we?

 

[Dellquay13]

AquaSignal say that the Quicfit lights have a cable gland, which ought to keep a lot of moisture out. They also say that you should remove the bulb, clean the contacts and replace it on an annual basis - well, we can see that happening, can't we?

my aquasignal masthead has no gland unfortunately, and gaps around the quick release clips, I think it is a mk1. As for annual service, yeah right...

 

[pvb]

my aquasignal masthead has no gland unfortunately, i think it is a mk1. As for annual service, yeah right...

Nothing to stop you smearing silicone sealant around the cable entry.

 

[Poey50]

I'm all for sealing permanent fittings, but not all of mine are sealable, so I was looking for ways to cut down on dc oxidisation.

Have a look at Ox-gard.

 

[V1701]

I use a drop of ACF 50

It's good stuff - I use on motorbike & on boat engines, also treat standing rigging with it - stops oxidation and is about the best penetrant I've ever come across so bottle screws don't seize up...

 

[bluerm166]

A 'Contralube 770 ' 8gm sachet ,made for the job, from e.g. Boatlamps may look small but will probably do all the contacts on a 30 footer if applied neatly and appears to last if you retape the pack.

 

[sarabande]

I remember some previous discussion on the dialectric properties of petroleum jelly and its habit of degrading.


Here's a chunk of information.

Difference Between Dielectric Grease and Vaseline | Difference Between

and a product which might serve
PROUNOL 100% Silicone Grease, General-Purpose Dielectric Paste, Waterproof HT Rubber Grease - 500ml: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

 

[TernVI]

For many connectors, a silicone grease is best, as it's less aggressive to rubber seals.
Vaseline or some other quite thick grease is good where you've got 'not very good' connectors like the classic Molex square block type and you need to fill the connector with grease. Anyone who's owned a 70's italian motorbike will probably know...
My modern italian bike, the connectors are genuine Ampseal waterproof jobs, a little silicone lubicates the seals as they go together.
In some circumstances, any oil or grease eventually holds enough dirt to cause problems where any metal contact is exposed.
Oil holds dirt, dirt holds water...
Some things need a wipe and a touch of clean lube every now and then. Navlight bulb contacts often seem to be in this category,

 

[MystyBlue2]

I just use plain simple Vaseline. Worked for all my outboards so far and no issues, Also used it on my 4X4 when wading through rivers. Every single electronic sensor, Connectors, Terminals etc got a good amount of it and never had a problem.

Not too good in hot climates though as it has a tendency to melt and slop everywhere. Well recommended