Noalox vs. Silicone

[mobiledynamics]

Regular Wirenuts and applying Noalox to a pair of copper conductors inside a bell box outdoors. Just as ~good~ as a silicone nut or not ?

 

[ForceFed70]

Both would be best. The average install contains neither. I'd use whatever's closest/easiest.

 

[Marctrees]

Can't answer your question, but ...

Very important - In any location where there could be condensation, water, etc - As you pack away the wires, make SURE the wire nuts are close to vertical, like a hat.

So water should not get in, and if it should, will drain out. Marc

 

[kd3pc]

noalox, only......unless the silicone is a special conductive formula, most is not. You can make up the splice, twist on the wirenut, then "cap" with silicone, if you feel the need.

 

[rlitman]

noalox, only......unless the silicone is a special conductive formula, most is not. You can make up the splice, twist on the wirenut, then "cap" with silicone, if you feel the need.

This is misinformation. Any grease on electrical connections MUST be non-conductive for safety reasons.

 

[kd3pc]

This is misinformation. Any grease on electrical connections MUST be non-conductive for safety reasons.

noalox is not grease, silicone is not grease. Two different compounds and I am saying two different uses, specific to the splice and to the sealing of the wirenut, if desired.

They do make multiple formulations of silicone caulk/seal/etc and some are conductive...most are not.

 

[PCustoms]

They do make multiple formulations of silicone caulk/seal/etc and some are conductive...most are not.

Do you mean corrosive? Most silicone is NOT designed for use on wiring

 

[rlitman]

Do you mean corrosive? Most silicone is NOT designed for use on wiring

Silicone caulk comes in both a corrosive and non-corrosive version. I would agree that the stuff that smells like vinegar as it cures would be a horrible idea for sealing wires.

Silicone grease (aka dielectric grease) is not corrosive, and would be appropriate for use in wire nuts. However, I suggest you just buy the pre-filled ones instead. They come with a finger cover that helps keep the grease in there.

 

[tonyprovo723]

The filled wire nuts are meant to be installed upside down to keep the compound from falling out with heat.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[kd3pc]

Do you mean corrosive? Most silicone is NOT designed for use on wiring

No, some silicone is conductive as opposed to non-conductive. And you are correct most silicone is NOT designed to be used directly on wiring of this nature, or in this use case.

Check the formulation,

 

[ErvinBurns]

I don't use noalox. But I have used dielectric grease - to waterproof stationary connections on ATVs. Contacts that open and close are not the best application for dielectric grease. Any grease applied to a non sealed contact point will attract dirt.

 

[Smoker]

Why would you use noalox on copper?
I just buy those grease filled wire nuts for joints and a dab of dielectric grease on exposed terminals. I wouldn't over think it.

 

[ForceFed70]

Why would you use noalox on copper?
I just buy those grease filled wire nuts for joints and a dab of dielectric grease on exposed terminals. I wouldn't over think it.

For the same reason you'd use it on aluminum - to help prevent corrosion/oxidization.

Dielectric grease is non-conductive. Not really want you want in this application. Noalox contains graphite that both acts as a dry lubricant and helps to promote electrical conductivity.

Honestly, either would work to help prevent corrosion, but a product like noalox has additional benefits in this application.

Dielectic grease is a better option for high voltage applications, or on terminal blocks where you don't want to encourage conductivity between the terminals.

If you want to promote conductivity use a product like noalox. Otherwise, use dielectric.