2. tech-talk
  3. 127625-78931

Dielectric grease on connection ends

I was changing a coil on one of my bikes earlier, and as always, applied a light film of dielectric grease on the coil outputs, and on the spark plug boots. A thought occurred to me that this may be a valid application in audio connections as well. A small amount applied with a cotton swab to bananas/spades/rca's etc. may help, and I'm thinking about giving it a go. Was wondering if this has been tried by any other members, and thoughts on the pro/con aspects.
128x128crazyeddy
crazyeddy's avatar
crazyeddy OP
381 posts
 

Thanks Dave and Ralph. I think, after what I've been hearing, is that I will do without, and occasional use a little contact cleaner, and go without any coating whatsoever.

Thanks for all the comments folks.

erik_squires
15,665 posts
 
By the way, unlike a lot of oxides, copper oxide is just as conductive as copper. :)

Of course, I still use crimp bands and nice speaker connectors anyway.

Best,

Erik
mb1audio02
188 posts
 
" Any suggestions. I have tried ordering other products from the US before (liquids) and always have been denied, due to cross-border restrictions on shipping liquids"

Freeze it before shipment. 
crazyeddy's avatar
crazyeddy OP
381 posts
 

Thanks for checking GH, but after Dave's hell story with the Silclear, and Ralphs comments on the creeping aspect, I am going to stay clear of any coatings.

rodman99999
5,984 posts
 
@erik_squires - Copper Oxide(Cu2O) is a semiconductor(Energy Band Gap of 2.147): http://www.skb.se/publikation/2303589/TR-11-08.pdf and has a dielectric constant of 18.1, which makes it even worse for audio signal connections: http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=8423 and http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=8423 Perhaps you’re thinking about oxides of silver?
More to discover