ARRL

Register Account

Login Help

Forum Home - Rules - Help - Login - Forgot Password
Members can access, post and reply to the forums below. Before you do, please first read the RULES.

Dielectric Grease in Feed Line Connectors

Jan 31st 2013, 19:08

KC2SVQ

Joined: Feb 11th 2008, 13:45
Total Topics: 0
Total Posts: 0
When making outdoor connections in HF feed lines, specifically PL/SO-259 connectors:

Q1: Should one use dielectric grease?
Q2: If so, how should it be used?
Q3: Should the entire connector be filled with grease and then squished together?
Q4: Should it only be used on the threads of the 259 connector?
Q5: Any recommendations/de-recommendations of specific grease products?

Thanks for your help.
Feb 2nd 2013, 04:55

W0BTU

Joined: Apr 4th 1998, 00:00
Total Topics: 0
Total Posts: 0
Absolutely. Silicone dielectric compound should be used inside any outdoor connector, especially on the center contacts.

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com
May 27th 2013, 01:20

VE3WCQ

Joined: Jun 29th 2010, 23:15
Total Topics: 0
Total Posts: 0
Just a quick not about Dielectric grease. This is the stuff you put into the spark plug boot to stop and spark from arcing out or grounding out. I think you want to rethink before putting it on the center contact.
Maybe a bit late.

73
Mike
VE3WCQ
Jun 24th 2013, 01:31

kg7cbj

Joined: Jun 24th 2013, 01:18
Total Topics: 0
Total Posts: 0
dielectric grease is used on spark plug boots to prevent them from sticking to the spark plug from heat. It is also used under . distributor caps to prevent arcing and cross firing from mosture.
I always use it on electric conections i want to protect from mosture.
Jul 17th 2013, 19:39

kf7jck

Joined: Apr 19th 2010, 23:46
Total Topics: 0
Total Posts: 0
I never apply any grease inside a coax connector. I do, however, spend a king's ransom on that waterproof silicon tape (overwrapped by Scotch 66).

I also try to shield all my doubly-taped connections with a hard cover (plastic pop bottle, etc) as well.

I've never had a connector show any signs of water intrusion, so it seems to work pretty well.


David
KF7JCK

Back to Top

EXPLORE ARRL

Instragram     Facebook     Twitter     YouTube     LinkedIn