dielectric grease (was-Re: horn ring lube)

[Ssgacc@aol.com]

In a message dated 99-04-05 22:17:11 EDT, you write:

<< Robert Myers wrote:
 > 
 > Yeah.  Seems to be something of a misnomer.  The term dielectric refers to
 > what would normally be called an insulator.  The grease should be
 > conductive for this purpose.  IME, a "dielectric" grease is used for
 > purposes requiring a conductive grease and is, in fact, conductive.
 > Amazing, huh?  :-)
 
 By definition, a di-electric is an insulator.  Any capacitor is made of
 two electrode plates (sometimes round, sometimes rolled like toilet
 paper) and seperated by a dielectric.  If the dielectric conducted
 electricity, you wouldn't have a capacitor.  
 
 Chris Locke 86 4kcstq
  >>
I'm not an electrical engineer, or even an electrican, for that matter.  Here 
is what I know.  Webster's New Twentieth Century Unabridged does indeed 
define dielectric as an insulator or nonconductor.  But, the FIRST definition 
is: from dia -, through, across, and electric : so called because it permits 
the passage of the lines of force of an electrostatic field, but does not 
conduct the current.  Also what I KNOW is that almost every connnection I 
have measured with a DVOM showed LESS resistance after being treated with 
this dielectric grease.  I believe this product, while not being a conductor, 
allows for the improved "passage" of electrostatic fields, while also 
insulating the connection from corrosive elements present in the air and 
water vapor.  This last statement is only my opinion and I don't work for any 
of these companies so I have no finanical stake in whether anyone chooses to 
use this product or not.  I have been very satisfied with this product and 
have used probably 15-20 tubes in the past 10 years.

Jim Accordino