Both the dielectric grease and the silicone grease are lubricants which can be used to improve the flow of metal parts against each other. However, there is a difference in the type of motion for these two types of lubricants as it relates to use as an insulator between metal objects such as clamps and fittings. It is best to use the dielectric grease when there is a need for an insulator which can resist electricity while the silicone grease is best for lubrication purposes.
Overview of Dielectric Grease
The dielectric grease comes in an adhesive form and it has special additives like carbon to make it resistant to electrical currents. It might be necessary for people who work with certain types of electric equipment to use the dielectric grease to prevent any short circuits. Beyond that, it can be helpful when using electrical components for a certain amount of time and in a moist environment.
Dielectric Grease Characteristics
The dielectric grease might have some additives which make it conductive if it is intended to be used by people who work with electricity. The grease can get thick when it cools down, so it might need some heating before use.
Why Use Dielectric Grease?
There are many reasons why people might want to insulate metal objects from each other using adhesive-style dielectric grease instead of silicone grease. The dielectric grease can protect against electrical currents up to 1,500 volts while the silicone grease only protects up to 300 volts. The dielectric grease is also more resistant to corrosion than the silicone grease.
Dielectric Grease vs. Silicone Grease for Lubrication Purposes
The main difference between the dielectric grease and the silicone grease is that they are designed to be used on different kinds of metal objects which might come into contact with each other. Both types of lubricants are made from similar compounds, but it is possible for one or both of these compounds to become conductive if they are exposed to an electrical current. As a result, people who work with electricity should use the dielectric grease whereas people who want to create a lubricant effect can use the silicone grease.
The dielectric grease might not be as good at lubricating metal parts as the silicone grease because it has higher viscosity. The silicone grease is also less likely to become contaminated with dirt, dust or other debris which makes it ideal for use on tools and equipment around the home. However, both of these types of lubricants are better than using oil because they stay wet longer and will not clog up moving parts.
Dielectric Grease Advantages
The biggest advantage of using the dielectric grease is that it can protect against electrical currents due to its resistance to electricity. There are also some advantages when using the dielectric grease for lubrication purposes, but it is less effective than silicone grease.
Dielectric Grease Disadvantages
The biggest disadvantage of using the dielectric grease for lubrication purposes is that it has a higher viscosity than silicone grease and will not stay wet as long. The other disadvantage is that there are some cases where it might conduct electricity even if the product label says otherwise. People who work with electricity should not use this kind of product to insulate metal objects or connections from each other.
It is possible to find both dielectric grease and silicone grease at most hardware stores which have a variety of tools and equipment on sale. Both types of products are also available online through certain retailers.
Summary
Both dielectric grease and silicone grease are made from similar compounds but they perform different functions. Dielectric grease is more resistant to electricity than silicone grease and can even resist electrical currents up to 1,500 volts. This type of product is designed for people who work with electrical equipment or electric components in a moist environment where there is a danger of short-circuiting. Silicone grease might not be as effective at resisting electricity like the dielectric grease, but it is ideal for lubrication purposes and it stays wet longer than other types of lubricants which makes it less likely to become contaminated by dirt or dust.
