Re: Grease Vs Silicon Grease Vs Dielectric Grease [message #368586 is a reply to message #368585] |
Wed, 26 January 2022 17:41 ![Go to previous message Go to previous message](/GMCforum/theme/default/images/up.png) |
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Matt Colie
![United States United States](/GMCforum/images/flags/us.png) Messages: 8547 Registered: March 2007 Location: S.E. Michigan
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Remarks from Paul Ferrigno Jr from GMC Motorhome Forum
Quote: I just noticed something else my brain had just been skipping over and filling in the blanks. You might want to distinguish between silicone (the polymer) and silicon (the element). The words often get used interchangeably, but I would guess only the former applies here.
I do have more questions though, Matt, if you've got the time. I know nothing about film strength properties of different greases. Is a purpose built dielectric grease based on a silicone grease? I had thought they were very closely related, and have seen silicone grease used extensively for the purpose of protecting contacts from oxidation. I've done it extensively myself with no ill effects, but perhaps I've just been lucky?
I've seen silicone grease defined as a silicone oil thickened with a lithium soap, and silicone paste defined as a silicone oil thickened by other inert fillers. Perhaps that's what I've been missing? Would a silicone oil thickened with a lithium base result in the type of silicone grease that has a film strength which would be bad for use on electrical contacts?
My go-to has always been Super Lube. It definitely does a great job protecting contacts, and I've rebuilt a lot of oxidized antique automotive switches and whatnot over the years with it. It's always worked for me, but I'd hate to think I've been adding contact resistance all this time. Perhaps I need to start paying more $$$ for those smaller tubes...
OK Paul,
We had part of the silicon/silicone discussion over on GMCnet, most of that issue seems to be the silicone has replaced silicon in the common vernacular even though this is sometimes incorrect .
About film strengths, real lubricating greases all have some, real silicon grease has virtually none. This is why it is so good in electrical connectors. It simply can't interfere with things making proper contact. If the contact points actually make contact, a silicon grease will not interfere if there is any contact pressure. This is why it is so often referred to as dielectric grease. It will not cause issues in electric contacts buy introducing low resistance.
The silicon grease that is thickened with a lithium soap will could have too much film strength to use in the area of contacts. The real silicon greases that I have used have all been clear and the dry lithium soap that we used in one application was as white as most lithium grease I have seen.
When it comes to a label like Super Lube, my knowledge about their specific products is limited at best. As I recall (iirc) they have a number of products under that label and I would have to look at each to be able to provide a better answer to this question.
From my experience in rebuilding switches (what a PITA with the little balls and springs that try escape), most have enough contact pressure (if you re-assemble it correctly - BTDT) so they will break the film strength of most simple greases. So, most available light greases have not been an issue to me (see note above) that prevented proper operation when the switch was returned to service.
As this has probably not answered all your questions, if you would like another answer, I will do my best with the knowledge that I have. I am not afraid to say when I don't know about something.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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