What’s this electrical insulation goo?

[lilscorpion]

This is essentially an ignition box for a gas pilot that I need to replace. Have the new one but need to figure out what this silicone-ish stuff is. I suspect that the post under it is not something that should be touched and or maybe can arc given its high voltage and where it installs. Regardless, need to find the goop so I can do the same on the replacement unit. I’ve done some searching but haven’t yet found something like it. Anyone know what it is or something like it that will work? Thanks.

Matt

 

[cvairwerks]

Looks like the high temp, high voltage RTV we use at work. Takes 24 hours to cure to touchable.

 

[lilscorpion]

Looks like the high temp, high voltage RTV we use at work. Takes 24 hours to cure to touchable.

thanks, found something made by Rutland that matches the need perfectly. Thank you for your help.

 

[fitter30]

Never have used anything on high voltage spade connections in 40+ years of service work.

 

[rlitman]

The wire should have silicone insulation and a matching boot to cover the space. I don't see the need for anything else? You don't glue down spark plugs.

 

[fsae0607]

I think it's placed over some kind of adjustment screw so that you don't mess with it. Almost like thread locker. Anti-tamper.

 

[Climatecreator]

Never needed to do anything like that. Someone must have had spark leakage and that was their work around. Just get the right spark wire like in the picture and electrical connector or adapter circled in blue if needed, and you'll be good.

Control pictured is here https://amzn.to/2qmEGvj
For reference.

CC

 

[lilscorpion]

The wire should have silicone insulation and a matching boot to cover the space. I don't see the need for anything else? You don't glue down spark plugs.

I would have thought the same thing. After swapping the units I hooked everything up external to the enclosure and fired the unit. Worked great. Then, I moved the unit slightly, but apparently 1/2” closer to the furnace was too close, and it arched from the connector sending the unit into a failure mode with a fault code.

Yes, the new and more advanced replacement unit has an LED light and fault codes.

So I suspect that all of you are right. This design is from the mid-90’s and is probably skimping on how it should be designed for insulation around the “hi voltage” plug. Because it’s close in proximity to the metal housing if the furnace, and the poor design, they needed to put an insulation/shield over the plug so they used silicone.

I’m certain it’s necessary. ️

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Never have used anything on high voltage spade connections in 40+ years of service work.

The wire should have silicone insulation and a matching boot to cover the space. I don't see the need for anything else? You don't glue down spark plugs.

Never needed to do anything like that. Someone must have had spark leakage and that was their work around. Just get the right spark wire like in the picture and electrical connector or adapter circled in blue if needed, and you'll be good.

Control pictured is here https://amzn.to/2qmEGvj
For reference.

CC

X2 on everything except the connector circled in blue. The ignition high voltage terminal should always have some sort of an insulated female connector like the one on the ignition wire in the picture.

The reason lilscorpion is having arcing issues is because that Fenwal ignition is cheap junk. It shouldn't have that 90° bend on the high voltage male terminal and the terminal should be recessed into the plastic cover to create an arc dam.


Tommy

 

[lilscorpion]

The reason lilscorpion is having arcing issues is because that Fenwal ignition is cheap junk. It shouldn't have that 90° bend on the high voltage male terminal and the terminal should be recessed into the plastic cover to create an arc dam.


Tommy

Had I known I woulda posted up asking advice on a replacement. Bummer.