What to use to prevent oxidation on fuse box terminals?

[Lou C]

I’ve had this happen a few times with the old fuse box under the dash of my ‘88 Four Winns; something will quit working & I remove the old glass style fuse clean off the terminals & it works again. Should I use dielectric grease, conductive grease or NoAlox to prevent the oxidation?
Eventually I will replace the fuse box..

 

[dingbat]

I can’t share in a public forum what my Service Manager and Senior field service Engineer think about “greasing” electrical contacts, but I can tell you nothing good comes from it.

Do yourself a favor and just replace it with a ATC panel with nickel contacts.

If you don’t want to replace the holder, clean everything to shiny and spray everything down with a coat of clear electrical lacquer sealer

 

[Lou C]

Thanks yes I think it’s time to replace that old panel.

 

[mike_i]

Is there a moisture issue in the fuse box area?

 

[Lou C]

the box is under the dashboard & doesn't get wet, but the boat sits on a mooring in salt water for 5-6 months every year.

 

[flashback]

This may be totally off the wall but I wonder if a bit of deccicant would help?

 

[ejnichol]

What does an ATC panel with nickel contacts look like. I googled but not a lot to narrow it down. Electricals on my boat make me anxious. LOL

 

[stresspoint]

hey Lou , get some terminal cleaning spray ( isopropyl alcohol) and give everything a through clean , remove any old grease etc.
grab a can of cheap epoxy spray enamel ( I prefer to use matt black because it looks neater) and lightly spray all the connectors , each time you remove a fuse and replace it just give the connection a new coat.

 

[Lou C]

Sounds good
this is a funny problem because you have a fuse not blown, has continuity, but not enough amps flow to make things work.
one year it was the ignition circuit
this year is was the accessory 12V plug
it is 35 years old though!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Clean them up, then hose off the fuse panel with marine electrical varnish

 

[airshot]

Hmmmm...no grease ??? Been using Dow111 silicone lube for years to waterproof electrical connections with never an issue...so what am I doing wrong ??

 

[dingbat]

What does an ATC panel with nickel contacts look like.

These are tin plated but close enough

 

[dingbat]

Been using Dow111 silicone lube for years

Funny you should say that…the need to apply silicon to terminals is one of my competitor’s aches heel.

Literally have a slide in my PP presentation to shine light on the issue.

In this case, you’re better off replacing the unit than band aide. Hope it doesn’t come back to bit you in the end.

 

[StevesShadow]

I deliver plow trucks up here in Northern NYS, Vermont and CT.
The place that builds them uses dielectric grease on the trailer plugs.
We never have a problem getting electrical connection between the truck and our car we tow.
I can see a shop not wanting silicone based grease in their shop if they also paint. Silicone in a shop that paints is like making matches in a dynamite factory.

 

[airshot]

Funny you should say that…the need to apply silicon to terminals is one of my competitor’s aches heel.

Literally have a slide in my PP presentation to shine light on the issue.

In this case, you’re better off replacing the unit than band aide. Hope it doesn’t come back to bit you in the end.

Well I hope it doesn't either. I dont use it after the fact, I use it before to prevent corrosion. Use it in connectors, fuse blocks to stop corrosion. After 30 years it is still working well..