Dielectric Grease
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Great State of Texas
I'm not going to pretend that I know much about electronics - because I dont - but the way that it was explained to me was for low power connections (LEDs) you want to use less or no grease because the grease itself has a small level of electrical resistance and because LEDs are drawing less power than normal bulbs, sometimes the resistance can screw with the LEDs. Supposedly it isnt an issue with higher draw electronics because it overpowers whatever resistance there is. But then I was also told you can use it on the outside of the connection to keep moisture out...just try to keep it out of the connection itself.
Although, that theory kind of goes out the window when the BAL is LED also and they're saying to use the grease.
Although, that theory kind of goes out the window when the BAL is LED also and they're saying to use the grease.
HOLY SMOKES THAT CAME OUT HUGE!
Custom Dynamic LED replacements
Last edited by Cbyway; Feb 14, 2018 at 11:13 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 3,085
From: Westchester, NY
I could understand the theory of not using the grease on the internal connections to the LED itself. The LED parts are inside the signal housing with two wires coming out connected to a plug that is identical to the 1187 light-bulb plug. I am no electrician either but it would make sense to me the higher current draw is inside the hard wired LED light assembly not at the plug.
HOLY SMOKES THAT CAME OUT HUGE!
HOLY SMOKES THAT CAME OUT HUGE!
BTW - Thats what she said
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,008
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From: Great State of Texas
The purpose for the grease is protection against corrosion? The same type plug is just now exposed to the corrosion? Why would one company say not use without the grease, another company instructs no grease?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 367
From: Northern MN
The main reason they say not to use it is that dielectric grease is an insulator. If too much is used it will interrupt the flow to the circuit and LEDs are very low power so a small interruption can be significant. Most people have a tendency to use the More is Better approach and that defeats any advantage the grease may have had.
The insulating properties BTW are similar to a capacitor. The more current, the more resistance.
The insulating properties BTW are similar to a capacitor. The more current, the more resistance.
Last edited by Noisy Cricket; Feb 14, 2018 at 01:08 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 966
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From: West TN
Ah, that is a good point... the bike should still be sending the same amount of electricity to the connection....which I would think would power right thru the grease. Eh, what do I know. Hopefully somebody who actually knows the answer will chime in.
BTW - Thats what she said
BTW - Thats what she said
Voltage and power draw or current are not the same thing. Voltage is potential, current is flow. You can have a hose with 50 psi of water in it, and if it is only allowed a small orifice out of which to flow it will not flow. Open that up and you will flow lots of water....
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 788
From: Great State of Texas
The main reason they say not to use it is that dielectric grease is an insulator. If too much is used it will interrupt the flow to the circuit and LEDs are very low power so a small interruption can be significant. Most people have a tendency to use the More is Better approach and that defeats any advantage the grease may have had.
My main question is why would one company include the grease while the other sais using the grease could cause the lights not to work properly.
Every Youtube video I've watched detailing installation of these LED lights includes using the grease with the kit or specifies to make sure and apply your own. Meanwhile, CD specifically sais its not needed.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 367
From: Northern MN
So is it possible Custom Dynamics saying not to use the grease is saying they are not worried about corrosion? If it takes over a year to destroy the plug the consumer has to purchase a new set. What everyone is saying makes perfectly good sense. I am not trying to make this difficult.
My main question is why would one company include the grease while the other sais using the grease could cause the lights not to work properly.
Every Youtube video I've watched detailing installation of these LED lights includes using the grease with the kit or specifies to make sure and apply your own. Meanwhile, CD specifically sais its not needed.
My main question is why would one company include the grease while the other sais using the grease could cause the lights not to work properly.
Every Youtube video I've watched detailing installation of these LED lights includes using the grease with the kit or specifies to make sure and apply your own. Meanwhile, CD specifically sais its not needed.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 788
From: Great State of Texas
My guess, and only a guess, is one company supplies such a small amount that it assumes you can't over grease, while the other assumes you are better off without the grease rather than take the chance. I imaging the troubleshooting by phone if it was a grease problem would be a nightmare!