I've got 200 outside bulbs to replace with LED bulbs today and if I can just use Vaseline it would be a lot cheaper and more easily found.
Long term outside bulbs need something around the base to keep them from corroding. It's no good having a 13 year LED bulb if it only lasts one year before the corrosion stops it from working.
Vaseline can work as a substitute for dielectric grease, the big differences are that it can degrade rubber and plastics over time, and it's combustible - but I've used it in the past on car bulbs, wiring and battery terminals and it hasn't been a problem yet.
(Edit: And I've put those Vaseline'd connections to the test in an offroad vehicle).
Also in my experience, Vaseline is at least as thick as dielectric grease.
I'm no expert, but vaseline is petroleum jelly, so a byproduct of oil and gasoline. Might not want flammable stuff in this situation. The magic of dielectric grease is that in seals, and conducts electricity.
wheelsmithy said:I'm no expert, but vaseline is petroleum jelly, so a byproduct of oil and gasoline. Might not want flammable stuff in this situation. The magic of dielectric grease is that in seals, and conducts electricity.
It's technically not flammable, but combustible. At 400F it will give off flammable vapors.
Also it's a common misconception that dielectric grease is conductive - it's actually insulating.
So far I've not been able to find a large quantity of di-electric grease. CRC has a pressurized can, but everyone is out of it.
Vaseline on the other hand is available everywhere.
I knew di-electric was insulating and as I read the only can I've been able to find it says it's a blend of silicone gels.
Should be able to find dielectric grease on the Permatex aisle at auto parts store, with greases, glues and adhesives?
You should be able to find larger tubes of it at any auto parts store. The big box home improvement stores carry it too.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/CRC-3-3-oz-Technician-Grade-Dielectric-Grease-05113/206843029
-Rob
I remember reading somewhere that Vaseline is used to weatherproof important connections because it blocks moisture in ways that greases can't. "Grease" is oil and soap, Vaseline is something more like a wax.
Most dielectric greases I have seen were silicone grease.
If these are screw shell bulbs, noalox works well for keeping them from corroding.
I have no idea where you buy it or if they even still package it that way, but I've seen tubes of Dow Corning #4 (the really nice electrical grease) that fit in a caulk gun.
Vaseline is probably going to be better than dry though.
The issue is that everyone who is open today is out. All anyone has left are the little individual use packets at an exorbitant price.
I have a partial container of CRC dielectric which I am using. I think I'll run out about dark so I guess that instead of doing the rest in the dark, I'll wait till tomorrow
What the heck is Noalox? I've never heard of that.
GameboyRMH said:wheelsmithy said:I'm no expert, but vaseline is petroleum jelly, so a byproduct of oil and gasoline. Might not want flammable stuff in this situation. The magic of dielectric grease is that in seals, and conducts electricity.
It's technically not flammable, but combustible. At 400F it will give off flammable vapors.
Also it's a common misconception that dielectric grease is conductive - it's actually insulating.
carguy123 said:What the heck is Noalox? I've never heard of that.
It's what is used on aluminum wiring to keep it from corroding so it really is perfect for this application. You should be able to buy it at any local electrical supplier or Home Depot
Adam
You'll need to log in to post.
