Lube - Conductive or Non-Conductive?

[martonic]

I've seen a lot of different lubes recommended - bicycle wax, a non-conductive lube from Radio Shack, and a conductive lube called Nyogel.

I put the Radio Shack lube in some lights on the O-rings and threads and in one case, it seemed to mess the light up - it does not work anymore unless the bezel is unscrewed a certain amount. I may have interrupted conductivity somewhere - but not sure how to clean that out. Suggestions?

Should we be putting one kind of lube on O-rings, and another kind in threads?

I would have thought conductive lube is dangerous, it risks shorting things - is that short-sighted?

What works? What doesn't work?

 

[havand]

Did you try 1) wiping off the lubricant then 2) using alcohol on a Q-tip to clean it off well?

I'd do that, reassemble then see how the light works. If it works fine, switch to a different, conductive lubricant I just picked up some of the radioshack stuff myself and everything i've put it on has worked great.

 

[javafool]

I've seen a lot of different lubes recommended - bicycle wax, a non-conductive lube from Radio Shack, and a conductive lube called Nyogel.

The Nyogel 760 and 779 sold by Lighthound are both non-conductive. You can actually fill a connector with this compound, install the mating connector, and it will not short out pin to pin nor will it block the electrical flow through the pins.

I would have thought conductive lube is dangerous, it risks shorting things - is that short-sighted?

Not short-sighted at all. It is much easier to get conductive lube where you really don't want it than it is to ever get it off later.

Terry

 

[LightScene]

I've been using dielectric connector grease (100% silicone). It says it can be used on all electrical connections. You can get it at an auto parts store and it's very cheap for a life time supply. I'm not sure why the latest trend is towards more exotic lubes, but I'm willing to listen.

 

[LightScene]

For cleaning electrical contacts, you can get a product called Iso-HEET at Walmart. It is pure isopropyl alocohol. It is a "premium fuel-line antifreeze and water remover". You can use it with a Q-Tip. It comes in a 12 oz. red and yellow plastic body with a long thin neck.

 

[orbital]

Anything dielectric is best, Inova says to use silicone grease in their manuals,
I talked to Inova directly and they are actually using lithium grease in production for their line. I use silicone.
So either silicone grease or lithium grease will do the trick, pick your flavor...

Hope this helps.

 

[jled]

Inova also recommends petroleum jelly to lube threads and o rings on their lights.

 

[Handlobraesing]

Inova also recommends petroleum jelly to lube threads and o rings on their lights.

That caused the O-ring on my radiant to break shortly after.

 

[TORCH_BOY]

Petroleum jelly Vaseline is non conductive

 

[Ty_Bower]

I put the Radio Shack lube in some lights on the O-rings and threads and in one case, it seemed to mess the light up...

Me too. It made the o-rings swell up and get soft like bad spaghetti. I'll still use the stuff, but only on thread. I won't let it touch o-rings.

I haven't had a problem with RS Lube Gel that I would attribute to conductivity, or lack thereof.