petroleum jelly and vhf aerial fittings

[jamesdestin]

Hello all, just replaced my vhf aerial cable. Can I protect the PL259 sockets from corroding by giving them a thin coat of vaseline? I know you can do this to battery terminals.

Actually, can I use vaseline on all my electrical connections?

 

[philip_stevens]

Vaseline, petroleum jelly or silicone grease are the best thing for connectors - whether inside the boat or outside.

Also use it on any chocolate block connectors if you have any. Just force it into the screw or cable entry's. If you have ordinary cable, wipe it around any bare wires and into any crimp terminal.

Anything to keep moisture out.

 

[VicS]

I prefer silicone grease on the boat because I think it will be more water resistant than Vaseline. The contacts on my nav light bulbs have been coated and they always work! It is available in tubes from RS or Maplin.

 

[brianrunyard]

I use "Waxoyl" brushed on all connections.

 

[Alrob]

white grease from spray can - gets everywhere - lovely jubbly

 

[jamesdestin]

Thanks all, I'm off to get slippery

 

[Geordie]

DO NOT use petroleum jelly or vaseline on any connector which carries two potentials!!! e.g. positive and negative or signal and earth.

These products are conductive, therefore tracking may take place between pins and eventually insulation will be destroyed

Regards

Geordie

 

[jamesdestin]

Thanks Geordie. As I was smearing the contacts I realised what would happen if I just slapped it on so I was very careful and the radio worked fine!