Protecting Electrical Connections from Corrosion

[VicS]

I thought silicone grease was an insulator not a conductor. That's why I was surprised to read that Icom recommend a smear of silicone grease on the charging contacts of their handhelds. Apparently the silicon grease prevents electrolytic corrosion, and the spring loading of the contacts is sufficient to make the connection despite the grease.
Vaseline on the other hand is an excellent conductor. A spray of Boeshield T9 every 6 months helps keep them dry.

Not according to my Megger insulation tester

 

[bluerm166]

Contralube is not unduly expensive if you are serious about protecting your contacts without making connection worse.
A large sachet at about £3-50 will do many of your vulnerable ( exposed to salt water or salt laden air) contacts if you apply precisely using something like a nail /small screwdriver/match.The sachet is resealable using electrical tape and doesn't dry out.

 

[Plum]

I have been spraying WD40 (not silicon) on electrical conections, engines, shaft couplings, etc for decades and it certainly works as a corrosion protection and has not harmed anything. Spray once or twice per year.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

In addition to my posting above, I have been using this stuff with great success on more permanent connections https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TECTYL-M...2608b20a22:g:zdAAAOSwoDlb3wsM&redirect=mobile . After assembling everything I spray some of this into the cap and then paint it on with an artist's brush to completely coat all electrical connections. It will run into and fill the plastic boots on spade connections and coat wire ends and soldered joints and seal everything and set to a soft wax. The last time i used it was when I built a new engine instrument panel for the cockpit 8 years ago. Last week I pulled out the panel, which is the only way to see behind it, and everything was still perfect and looked as good as it did when I fitted it. No connection problem in 8 years. On a previous boat I did the same coating and the electrics were still good when I sold it after 15 years. It stays soft so connectors can still be easily pulled apart. Not sure how easy it is to completely clean it off though as I have never had to!

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk