Dielectric

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Hutch

Hutch

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Has anybody used dielectric on your pins? My friend just had his stick on his 3, so i was thinking as a preventative it might be a good idea.
 
I presume you are referring to Dielectric Grease.

No, I’ve not had reason to try it.

It is my understanding that Dielectric Grease should be applied to the outside of a connection, not to the actual mating surfaces. Therefore, I think keeping your ‘plug’ and ‘socket’ dry and clean is the best medicine.


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dielectric is an insulator, so you should not apply it to the pins. Use a good contact cleaner periodically if you are concerned. WD-40 is a great option for keeping connectors clean and free of corrosion.
 
GetOffYourGas said:
dielectric is an insulator, so you should not apply it to the pins. Use a good contact cleaner periodically if you are concerned. WD-40 is a great option for keeping connectors clean and free of corrosion.
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WD-40 is oil based and non-conductive and really not meant for that (even though it may work ok). If it's protecting the metal from corrosion that means it's leaving non-conductive residue and is basically the same as thin dielectric grease on the contacts.

I'd use a dedicated electrical contact cleaner since it's readily available at any auto parts or hardware store (in the electrical aisle)
 
To facilitate the nozzle's easier sliding into the charging port, I occasionally hit them both with a light fog of silicone spray lubricant. It keeps things nice and slick but has no perceived effect on charging, in my 25,000 miles of combined EV-charging experience.

Screenshot_20210926-083254_Amazon Shopping.webp
 
Carsten Haase said:
WD-40 is oil based and non-conductive and really not meant for that (even though it may work ok). If it's protecting the metal from corrosion that means it's leaving non-conductive residue and is basically the same as thin dielectric grease on the contacts.

I'd use a dedicated electrical contact cleaner since it's readily available at any auto parts or hardware store (in the electrical aisle)
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I have used WD-40 with great success on the connections on my Torqeedo outboard. This was recommended to me directly from the manufacturer. It did work very well, and I'm sure would work in this case too.

I actually started with an electrical contact cleaner, but it just didn't penetrate the small connectors. In this case, the pins are much larger (even the pilot pin) so yes, that's probably the better option which is why I recommended it before mentioning WD-40 as an alternative.
 
I could have been more clear. WD-40 is an option that works as a contact cleaner. But I would start with an actual contact cleaner as my first preference.
 
Dielectric grease is great for protecting electrical contacts from corrosion and anti-seize. Its used widely in the auto and electrical wiring industry. You pack it into the mating connectors and housings. It really doesn't do much good on the outside of the housing, only attracting dust. Its effective at keeping contacts dry in outdoor or wet areas. It can make it easier to slip off things like spark plug boots after they have been connected for a long time. It reduces the chance for sparks and contains them, nice around combustible materials.

But it is probably not the best option for routine connect/disconnect application where there is exposure to dust which will stick to it and make a mess. You want something light enough to not attract dust, non-conductive, non-flammable, not damaging to paint or plastics. Silicon type sprays seems to be a go to for these types of applications.

As far as cleaning, use a contact or tuner type cleaner.
 
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