White Lithium Grease On Connectors?

[conks01]

Hi,

I've fitted engine bay LED lighting today but have a plastic connector block which is fixed low down and I'd like to protect it from potential water ingress (bilge, etc).

Could I use white lithium grease to do this or will this short out the connection?

Many thanks.

 

[Boater Sam]

It OK but better to use a proper waterproof connection box,

 

[pvb]

How much water is swilling around in your engine compartment???

 

[conks01]

How much water is swilling around in your engine compartment???

Just the occasional collection at the bottom of the bilge

 

[penberth3]

Just the occasional collection at the bottom of the bilge

Why did you put a connector block in the bilge?

 

[CFG98]

Grease wouldn't short out a connection would it? It would just insulate a connection.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Hi,

I've fitted engine bay LED lighting today but have a plastic connector block which is fixed low down and I'd like to protect it from potential water ingress (bilge, etc).

Could I use white lithium grease to do this or will this short out the connection?

Many thanks.

If you mean a chocolate block, don't use them.

If you need waterproof connections, use waterproof connectors. For a simple LED power supply just use waterproof crimp connectors. For more "complex" connections a waterproof enclosure is a good option (as per post #2)

 

[RichardS]

Hi,

I've fitted engine bay LED lighting today but have a plastic connector block which is fixed low down and I'd like to protect it from potential water ingress (bilge, etc).

Could I use white lithium grease to do this or will this short out the connection?

Many thanks.

It won't short out the connection so is perfectly safe from that perspective. However, I would advise using a connector with stainless steel contacts to provide increased longevity.

Richard

 

[Moodysailor]

I'm firmly in the no camp when it comes to grease and electrical connectors. There are simply too many alternatives out there now that do a far better job and are affordable.

At the basic end of the scale is something like Quicksilver corrosion guard - great for battery terminals and the like, but only really for damp environments, not wet.

For your application, you could probably use waterproof heatshrink connectors. For belt & braces these can have a second layer of adhesive heatshrink put over the top.

At the extreme end, you can go with a Wago style connector and potting resin. Fully waterproof (as used in underground connections), but more costly than the others.

If you need removable or serviceable connectors then the "correct" thing to do is to extend the wires (see waterproof connections above) and put the terminal strip (use Wago connectors) in a waterproof junction box well above the bilge.

One thing I have learned is that eventually water finds it's way in, and waterproof works both ways so doesn't drain either! Best for long-term is to get connections as far away from the wettest areas as possible, even if it means re-routing. And add a good length of wire as a 'service loop' so that if you need to re-make the connection in future you have enough slack.

 

[Freebee]

I would use self amalgamating tape not grease. Overwrap generously and leave it.