If you have ever worked on your car, you know that dielectric grease is the holy grail of all greases. This grease works as an insulator, corrosions protection, lubricant, sealant, and so forth. This makes it a great product for other projects other than car use.
Keep reading to learn more about dielectric grease and why you need it.
What is Dielectric Grease?
Dielectric grease, or tune-up grease, is a silicone-based grease that repels moisture and protects electrical connections against corrosion. It is also used to keep dirt, water, and other elements from electrical connections. It has many uses, including automotive tune-ups, home electrical work, and recreational vehicle wiring.
Dielectric grease is waterproof and fireproof. Thermal grease, a thermal paste, is used to drain excess heat from the electrical circuit components, such as LEDs and transistors. When using dielectric grease, inflate it on the body or outer surface of the electrical part.
The grease does not dissolve in most liquids, so it is good for marine and outdoor applications. For example, you can use this grease to lubricate the rubber parts of electrical connectors, spark plug wires, and protect electrical connections on your boat or recreational vehicle from corrosion.
Since dielectric grease is a silicone grease, it should not be used on silicone-based rubbers or plastics, as it will break them down over time. In addition, the grease does not conduct electricity, so it shouldn’t be applied directly to the mating surfaces (pins and sockets) of an electrical connection.
What is dielectric grease made of?
Dielectric grease is waterproof grease made by combining silicone oil with a thickener. The silicone oil is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and the thickener is amorphous fumed silica.
More specialized silicone greases are made from fluorinated silicones or, for low-temperature applications, PDMS containing some phenyl substituents in place of methyl groups. Other thickeners may be used, including stearates and powdered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
Greases formulated from silicone oils with silica thickener are sometimes referred to as silicone paste to distinguish them from silicone grease made with silicone oil and a soap thickener.
When should you use dielectric grease?
You can use dielectric grease on battery terminals to prevent fusing and corrosion, and high-energy ignition systems prevent voltage leakage. However, it can also be used with other terminals and connectors such as butt connectors, ring, spade, and heat shrink terminals.
Dielectric grease ensures the longevity of your connection points and creates a proper seal. In addition, dielectric grease helps create extra insulation for electrical connectors, prevents arcing, and is ideal for any electrical connections with rubber gaskets. Neglecting to do so could cause costly problems down the road when you’re on the road and can’t afford mishaps.
How to Use Dielectric Grease
Dielectric grease acts as a lubricant, a sealant, an insulator, and a protectant when lightly used on these applications.
Typical Applications for Dielectric Grease include:
- Spark plug boots
- Battery terminals
- Ignition coil connectors
- Headlamp connectors
- Trailer electrical connectors
- Bulb sockets
- High energy ignition systems
- Protect Your Electrical Connections with Dielectric Grease
Note: To protect your electrical connections even further from harsh environments, combine dielectric grease with battery terminal covers, available in the alternator, marine, or straight-in boot style.
What is dielectric grease commonly used as?
Dielectric grease is used in many applications, including high-energy ignition systems, bulb sockets, trailer electrical connectors, headlamp connectors, ignition coil connectors, battery terminals, and spark plug boots. In addition, this silicone-based grease is used in battery terminals to prevent corrosion and fusing.
Dielectric grease can act as;
An insulator
You can use the grease for electrical connections. For example, in a high-energy ignition system, dielectric grease prevents voltage leakage. You can also use it with other connectors and terminals such as heat shrink terminals, spades, rings, and butt connectors.
Dielectric grease is often used on electrical connectors, especially rubber gaskets. In this case, it works as a sealer and non-conductive lubricant for the connector’s rubber parts. The dielectric grease spray lets you meet parts where your fingers cannot reach.
Another wide application of this grease is in spark plugs and other high voltage connections. Applying the dielectric grease on the rubber boot of the spark wire enables it to slide easily into the ceramic insulator.
This will prevent high voltage electricity from traveling inside the boot and “leaking” into the engine block. In addition, it seals the rubber boot and prevents it from getting stuck in the ceramic. Most spark plugs are used in high temperatures, and dielectric grease is made to withstand those high temperatures.
A sealant
The other great use of dielectric grease is on gaskets of multi-pin connectors or rubber mating surfaces in the truck and automotive engines. The grease acts as a sealant and lubricant of the connector’s non-conductive mating surfaces. However, using the grease on the connector’s actual electrical conductive contacts is not advisable.
Dielectric grease can also be applied to the metal parts of virtually any electrical connection exposed to the elements to serve as a sealant that protects the connection from contamination and corrosion. In addition, it creates a watertight seal around the spark plug, protecting the connection from dirt and water.
This should be done very carefully, as the grease will cut off the flow of electricity through the connection if some of it is left between the mating surfaces. As always, we recommend working with your local auto mechanic when doing any maintenance on your vehicle.
A lubricant
You can also apply dielectric grease to the gaskets on multi-pin connectors that are typical in the electrical systems of boats and recreational vehicles. Take a small dab of the grease and smear it around the gasket on both sides (if possible) before inserting the gasket around the connection.
Additionally, the dielectric grease will make it easier to slide the boot over the ceramic insulator on the spark plug and ensure a watertight seal around the plug that will protect the connection from water and dirt.
Notes:
- Ensure that the grease does not touch the path of electrical currents or where parts are connecting. This is because the grease is an insulator, and it disrupts the flow of currents. Instead, use dielectric grease on surfaces of electrical parts where the currents are not passing.
- When using dielectric grease for an automotive tune-up on a diesel or gasoline engine, start by applying a little grease at the end of a spark plug wire’s rubber boot and spread it only to cover the inside lip. This prevents high voltage electricity from flowing to the boot and leaking from the engine block. It also makes it less difficult to put the boot over the ceramic insulator.
What happens if you don’t use dielectric grease?
You risk the spark plug connection not being waterproof, leading to carbon tracking and plug cap failure. Or, nothing at all will happen other than the plug cap being more difficult to pull off the spark plug next time you change it. It’s more of a precaution than something necessary.
The grease serves to lubricate and seal spark plug boots. In addition, it can facilitate removing plug boots without damaging them and keep moisture out.
Pros of Dielectric Grease
- It helps prevent voltage leakage
- It helps insulate the electrical connection in frigid conditions
- Protects against water damage
- Protects against corrosion
- Protects against dirt and grime
- Protects against heat damage
- Protects against material bonding
- Protects against electrical overheating
What to use instead of dielectric grease
These are the dielectric grease substitutes that can be used in its place;
Silicon-based grease
Silicon-based grease can be used for insulation, coating, and other electrical joints. If you have more, you can apply to them too. This grease will work like a perfect lubricant that ultimately protects the connections from water and moisture.
Silicon-based grease can also do the job of dielectric grease perfectly. It protects all the electrical parts from corrosion. Mainly, it creates an extra layer on the place where you put the grease and helps it move quickly.
Conductive grease
Conductive grease is a fantastic substitute for dielectric grease. On the other hand, you can use any electric materials like the house battery. It is specially made for uneven or rough electrical places.
Note: Do not use it on electrical connections like sockets and switches.
White Lithium Grease
White Lithium Grease is an excellent substitute for dielectric grease. It offers an excellent service to metal-to-metal applications and keyboard appliances.
Moreover, you can apply the white Lithium Grease on any heavy electrical or metal areas. It will work just fine on any surface. But to get the optimum usage of this grease metal is the ideal surface where you can use it.
Vaseline
Vaseline is a good substitute for dielectric grease. There are several similarities between Vaseline and dielectric grease. Therefore, you can surely use it in some cases.
Mainly to clean any electrical device like keyboard and switches. Besides, you can apply them through a wide range of switches. Moreover, it will give protection from all the dust and stains.
Note: Do not apply it to electric connections like sockets and switches.
Synthetic Grease
Here comes the 5th substitute for dielectric grease. Synthetic grease is made with synthetic base fluids that adequately protect the plastic area or surface from external damage. Moreover, it has PTFE micro powder that ensures the utmost quality.
For its quality, synthetic grease becomes one of the best substitutes for dielectric grease. You can use it on your keyboards and other plastic electrical surfaces.
Note: Do not use it on any electric metal surface like a battery. Dielectric grease is better in those areas.
Comparison between dielectric grease and the substitutes
So how do the substitutes compare to dielectric grease?
Dielectric grease vs. Vaseline
you can use Vaseline for the keyboard and switches, but you cannot use it on anything else, especially in electric connections. On the other hand, dielectric grease can be used on electric connections such as electric sockets and plugs.
Vaseline is not a professional grease and is not the best alternative for dielectric grease. Its main advantage is that you can use it on plastic surfaces. Such as cleaning a keyboard.
Dialectric grease vs. silicone grease
Dielectric is made with translucent, whereas silicone grease is made with silicon oil and thickener. Therefore, you can also not use silicone grease on electric connections.
How to use the dielectric grease substitutes mentioned above
Below are some ways you can use the dielectric grease alternatives discussed above;
Spark plugs
Silicon-based grease is the best alternative to dielectric grease for spark plugs. It gives excellent protection from corrosion. Also, it helps to protect it from water and moisture.
Keyboard switches
White lithium grease is the best alternative to dielectric grease for keyboard switches. You can use it on any electrical keyboard and metal surface, which will give you the same results.
Electric connections
Carbon conductive grease is an excellent alternative to dielectric grease. You cannot use any other grease on electric connections.
Battery terminals
Conductive grease is the best alternative to dielectric grease for the battery terminals. It makes an extra layer that helps to protect all the irregular places from corrosion.
Stabilizers
Krytox 250G0 lubricant is the perfect alternative to dielectric grease. And you can apply it on any switch too.
Light bulbs
Silicon-based grease is the best alternative to dielectric grease. However, you will face corrosion issues; therefore, you must use silicon-based grease.
Is WD40 a dielectric grease?
Yes. WD40 is dielectric grease, and it works just like dielectric grease. Therefore, you can use the WD40 as a dielectric grease. For instance, WD40 can protect the electric connections from water and moisture. Also, it won’t create any barrier in electric flow.
Can I use regular grease instead of dielectric?
No. You cannot use regular grease instead of a dielectric. This is because the electrical conductivity of grease is based on additives added to the grease base. Dielectric grease is designed to be electrically non-conductive while regular grease is not. However, you can use other types of grease instead of dielectric grease that do not conduct electricity.