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Author Topic:   Dielectric Grease on Fuses

c level posted 12-17-2006 07:08 PM ET (US)
Is it possible to put a light coating of dielectric grease on the ends of fuses and the fuse box contacts to keep down corrosion? Or is it not recommended?
Chuck Tribolet posted 12-18-2006 01:55 AM ET (US)
I'd be asking why it's corroding. Where's the fuse box? Is
it good marine-grade stuff?
The one I installed in the console of my Montauk eight years
ago has zero corrosion, in spite of being on saltwater about
70 days a year.

Chuck
jimh posted 12-18-2006 08:36 AM ET (US)
Dielectric grease is non-conductive.
Chuck Tribolet posted 12-18-2006 08:44 AM ET (US)
While it's nonconductive, dielectric grease gets pushed out of
the way so there's metal to metal contact, and since the grease
keeps oxygen away, you probably have a better contact long
term. But it's messy stuff, and I only use it where I have
to (bow and anchor lights).

Chuck
c level posted 12-18-2006 09:41 AM ET (US)
The fuse box is under the console, my boat was made in the 70's and I'm sure its the original fuse box and the boat is in saltwater quite often. The box is the type that doesn't have a cover, so I'm planning on swapping out a nice waterproof box maybe next year.
I think what I'll do is put a very thin film of dielectric grease on the terminals and fuse ends, just wipe my fingers on it.
contender posted 12-18-2006 09:36 PM ET (US)
I think you will have more of a problem with the close box (humidity, and can't see the fuse) than an open fuse panel.
jimh posted 12-18-2006 09:49 PM ET (US)
A conductive grease like Penetrox-E or Penetrox-A is often used to promote good electrical connections in difficult environments.
jimh posted 12-18-2006 11:12 PM ET (US)
In my experience, dielectric grease is used with high-voltage spark plug rubber boots to keep the boots from becoming adhered to the spark plugs. Because of the high voltage involved, the grease is non-conductive.
My understanding of its use in spark plug boots is to keep the boot from becoming stuck to the plug, and also to keep any moisture out of the boot. But it is not there to help the electrical contact between the plug electrode tip and the boot connector. When I put dielectric grease on spark plugs and their boots, I take care to NOT get it on the electrical contact.
Chuck Tribolet posted 12-19-2006 08:50 AM ET (US)
Blue Sea Systems makes closed boxes with a clear lid and
downward facing wire entrances that allow ventilation. And
they don't corrode.

Chuck

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Author	Topic: Dielectric Grease on Fuses
c level	posted 12-17-2006 07:08 PM ET (US) Is it possible to put a light coating of dielectric grease on the ends of fuses and the fuse box contacts to keep down corrosion? Or is it not recommended?
Chuck Tribolet	posted 12-18-2006 01:55 AM ET (US) I'd be asking why it's corroding. Where's the fuse box? Is it good marine-grade stuff? The one I installed in the console of my Montauk eight years ago has zero corrosion, in spite of being on saltwater about 70 days a year. Chuck
jimh	posted 12-18-2006 08:36 AM ET (US) Dielectric grease is non-conductive.
Chuck Tribolet	posted 12-18-2006 08:44 AM ET (US) While it's nonconductive, dielectric grease gets pushed out of the way so there's metal to metal contact, and since the grease keeps oxygen away, you probably have a better contact long term. But it's messy stuff, and I only use it where I have to (bow and anchor lights). Chuck
c level	posted 12-18-2006 09:41 AM ET (US) The fuse box is under the console, my boat was made in the 70's and I'm sure its the original fuse box and the boat is in saltwater quite often. The box is the type that doesn't have a cover, so I'm planning on swapping out a nice waterproof box maybe next year. I think what I'll do is put a very thin film of dielectric grease on the terminals and fuse ends, just wipe my fingers on it.
contender	posted 12-18-2006 09:36 PM ET (US) I think you will have more of a problem with the close box (humidity, and can't see the fuse) than an open fuse panel.
jimh	posted 12-18-2006 09:49 PM ET (US) A conductive grease like Penetrox-E or Penetrox-A is often used to promote good electrical connections in difficult environments.
jimh	posted 12-18-2006 11:12 PM ET (US) In my experience, dielectric grease is used with high-voltage spark plug rubber boots to keep the boots from becoming adhered to the spark plugs. Because of the high voltage involved, the grease is non-conductive. My understanding of its use in spark plug boots is to keep the boot from becoming stuck to the plug, and also to keep any moisture out of the boot. But it is not there to help the electrical contact between the plug electrode tip and the boot connector. When I put dielectric grease on spark plugs and their boots, I take care to NOT get it on the electrical contact.
Chuck Tribolet	posted 12-19-2006 08:50 AM ET (US) Blue Sea Systems makes closed boxes with a clear lid and downward facing wire entrances that allow ventilation. And they don't corrode. Chuck