Electrical Contacts

[ardvark]

It's been suggested on here when cleaning an electrical contact to put Vaseline in the contact to help stop corrosion.
Now is this a good thing or a load of sweetbreads?

[COLVERT]

Well, for a thing to corrode ( Oxydise. ) oxygen has to get to it.--If Vaseline prevents this happening then it would seem to be, at least, a temporary cure until it dries out.

[vitesse]

I found the electrical connectors inside the doors on the SD1 were often filled with a special grease, got a tub from Rimmer's years ago. I believe that this is a dielectric grease - none conductive, whereas vaseline is. So if the connector has more than one cable or terminal vaseline might not be such a good idea.

Regards

[ardvark]

Has any other members have an opinion?

[Ducati750cc]

I use this:


https://tinyurl.com/ygs5hl8d


and this:


https://tinyurl.com/yfh5y6kc


I use possibly more of the latter one, it's an inert silicone and can also be used on other than electrical items, it looks expensive but it only needs a smear, I reserve it only for jobs that need it.


There are lots of other electrical grease alternatives from other companies, some with enhanced electrical contact properties, Google switch grease, contact grease, dielectric grease and you will have a good choice and descriptions.


These greases are best for protecting contacts, Vaseline is best for protecting babies bottoms.

[FantasticMrFish]

Originally Posted by ardvark

It's been suggested on here when cleaning an electrical contact to put Vaseline in the contact to help stop corrosion.
Now is this a good thing or a load of sweetbreads?

I work with electronics and we use a product called Nygel contact grease. Does the same job but is conductive. Not 100% sure vasiline is conductive.

On another note, vasiline can be used as flux for soldering just in case anyone cares 🤣

[StewartIngram]

Way back when, Vaseline was always reccomended for use on the battery terminals, to prevent corrosion. I used it for many years; just don't bother nowadays.

Stewart

[Lee T]

Vaseline is not conductive, I have used it on vehicle electrics for years without issue. Also inside connectors it does not dry out, I used it on every under bonnet connector on my ZT 7 years ago and it's still fine.

[stevestrat]

Just don't do what my mate did years ago. He dismantled the rear light on his motorbike, cleaned the connections then sprayed them with some moisture barrier stuff (which effectively insulated all the connectors) then wondered why it didn't work when he reassembled it

[COLVERT]

Originally Posted by StewartIngram

Way back when, Vaseline was always recommended for use on the battery terminals, to prevent corrosion. I used it for many years; just don't bother nowadays.

Stewart

Not needed now for a good reason.--Battery construction is quite different to how it was done years ago.

All the separate compartment lids and caps had a tendency to weep acid.---This acid then turned the surface lead of the battery pillars to solid non-conducting lead sulphate.----Nowadays the lids are one piece and have a far superior seal around the edges. Hence no acid leak and no need for vaseline