7 replies to this topic

[grahama]

Hi all,

Before I tape these together to protect the connection is it ok, electrically speaking, to put Vaseline inside the spade joint to keep the water out ??

https://www.dropbox.....49.17.jpg?dl=0

Thanks,

Graham

[fikasteve]

Sorry the pictures not showing for me so not certain where you mean. However Vaseline on the contacts itself will be an insulator so wouldn't work. You can connect them and add it around the outside to prevent moisture ingress.

A better product would be contralube 770. It's a conductive gel that protects contacts. I would then wrap the terminals in heat shrink or such to provide another means of keeping the joint sealed.

You can find contralube 770 here http://www.autoelect...27/category/154

14 quid for a tube but a little goes a long way. I've done all my connectors on my mini and still have loads left.

Hope this helps

[pete l]

Vaseline absorbs moisture so no don't use it

[grahama]

Thanks

[dklawson]

Vaseline does not absorb water.  It is a refined grease and excludes moisture.

https://en.wikipedia...Petroleum_jelly

"  It is insoluble in water.  "

 

Vaseline can be used on electrical connectors.  Yes, it gets into the gaps between the mating metal surfaces.  However, on spade (Lucar) and bullet type connectors it is easily pushed out of the way by the metal to metal contacting surfaces.  Vaseline is very similar to the dielectric and "bulb" grease purchased specifically to exclude moisture in static electrical contacts.  

 

Dielectric grease is a bit better for use in static connectors as it is typically silicone based and therefore very hard to wash out of the joints once applied.  However, I would not use it or Vaseline inside a switch.

 

The Contralube linked by Fikasteve would be a good choice for all around use as it would be good on both connectors and switches.

[Swift_General]

Vaseline will do you fine for what you need. Or this stuff which I use (albeit for a slightly different purpose).

https://www.amazon.c...3/dp/B000BMTGW0

[mini93]

Used to use Vaseline on the connectors connecting rally car bonnet pod lamps. Didnt want those failing by getting soggy!

[leadly]

We used to put vaseline on all the battery terminals on our trains at work, but since changing from wet type batteries to gel, we don't do this anymore.