Date:         Sun, 13 Jan 2019 15:50:41 +0000
Reply-To:     David Boan <dboan@OUTLOOK.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Boan <dboan@OUTLOOK.COM>
Subject:      Dielectric
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

(Original reply rejected due to length so trying again.  Sorry if this is a duplicate)
That issue was behind my original post as I have seen opposite statements on this, so I dug a little further.

The Permetex website says (underline added)


"Protects electrical connections and wiring from salt, dirt and corrosion. Extends the life of bulb sockets. Prevents voltage leakage around any electrical connection. Also prevents spark plugs from fusing to boots. Required for modern high energy ignition systems

Using it on bulb sockets yet it is non-conductive seems contradictory advice.

A discussion on a small boat electric website (same low voltage issues as camper electronics IMHO)

Dielectric grease is non-conductive. If you apply it to electrical conductors it creates a non-conductive layer on top of them. In low voltage circuits it does not take much insulation to stop the flow of current.

The intention of dielectric grease is to be applied to the connector, not to the conductors or conductive contacts. I keep saying this, but apparently people choose to believe that applying a non-conductive grease to a conductor will make it work better. I use dielectric grease as a lubricant and sealant, exactly as mentioned by the manufacturer in the cited passage above. I do not apply it directly to the conductors, and in fact I go out of my way to keep the grease away from the conductors.


If I want to enhance the electrical connection between conductors, I use a conductive grease like BURNDY PENETROX.




Here is a mechanical discussion site on this conflicting advice.  https://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/19774/what-do-you-do-with-dielectric-grease-on-spark-plugs
[https://cdn.sstatic.net/Sites/mechanics/img/apple-touch-icon@2.png?v=3e828b565345]<https://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/19774/what-do-you-do-with-dielectric-grease-on-spark-plugs>

What do you do with dielectric grease on spark plugs? - Stack Exchange<https://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/19774/what-do-you-do-with-dielectric-grease-on-spark-plugs>
Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for mechanics and DIY enthusiast owners of cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
mechanics.stackexchange.com


They emphasize that dielectric is to lubricate and prevent arching.

Dave B.
85 Westy
Boise, ID