Electrical contact enhancer?

hmm.. that wasn’t sarcastic or anything...
I apologize, I didn’t realize a rebuttal was required, or necessary. It wasnt a bombshell really... it was my opinoin.
A conductive material doesn’t require a catalyst to do what it inherently does. If this stuff had any true merit, it would be incorporated into every electric/electronic circuit in existence.

 

I agree with these products not enhancing the electrical flow, but isn't there some truth in the elimination and prevention of oxidation/corrosion at contact surface which can alter conductivity?

 

Only very light sarcasm. Your the first person I have heard condemning these products so I was very interested to hear why. And with your background, I figured you might know something that the average person (such as myself)...might not...

 

Ohhh...I just learned something. I have been smearing dielectric grease on connections for years, to "improve" conductivity....hmmm, my bad. I have to say, though, I have seen lots of folks do this...

 

I think I understand...In layman's terms... A conductive material is going to conduct the same amount everytime. It cant be enhanced. The only thing these products can do, is basically clean the surface so that it operates as was intended...but not better....

Am I on the right track?

 

Yes, well said... and electronic contact cleaners and anti-corrosive chemicals are widely available (Radio Shack) and only cost a couple bucks... not 50-some dollars for a few drops. A can of good-ol-fashioned TV tuner cleaner from Radio Shack will actually provide both qualities.
Those folks that make those ''contact enhancers'' are WAAAY too proud of that stuff!

Oh, and i'm not condemning anything... if you or anyone else is convinced in your mind that this stuff actually works, and its worth what it costs... knock yourself out!

 

Dielectric grease and silicone are wonderful things... they're worth their weight in gold for protecting conductive surfaces from corrosion and oxidation... but you dont want to the put it BETWEEN any conductive materials that are required to make contact... just like ND said.

Battery terminals are an excellent example...
You would never spray grease on the positive battery terminal, and then attach the battery lead, you spray it on the completed connection.
The coating of grease provides a layer of protection from moisture that may seek to find its way between the battery post and clamp!
That moisture is conductive, and when it is electrically charged by the battery, it turns into electrolyte, just like the chemical INSIDE the battery... then it dries up and turns into that white crusty crud all over your battery terminals.

 

My brother (who knows a thing or two about electronics) tells me that from what he has read about Stabilant, he considers the claims of miracle results to be (in his words): "...typical phony hi-tech jargon and unconvincing anecdotes."

He thinks it is more likely that improved performance after using Stabilant is due to the removal of "tin whiskers" in the circuitry while using the product, and that similar results could be achieved by using alcohol as the "cleaning agent".

Perhaps some of you who are familiar with the concept of "tin whiskers" would care to comment.

Edit: Sorry, having trouble with the link to Wikipedia's article on the subject.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Just my opinion............ but if this stuff has any real "conductive" properties..... then one should be very careful in its application.... if not, one could start "shorting out" connector conductors if this stuff carries 'any significant current'. The main reason I use any of these 'elixers' is strictly to keep corrosion at bay and let the connectors do their job....

 

Tin whiskers happens over time and really fast in a vacuum (spacecraft), if the 'tin' is not properly coated....

 

Yep, i'm familiar. My only comment is.. for $100K+, Ferrari better NOT have used tin as the material of choice for their wiring harness connectors, they better damn-well be mild steel!

 

What about across solder joints on printed circuit boards?

 

Yes, the boards should have some sort of 'Parylene Conformal Coating' to prevent whiskers and oxidation

 

I have been using Eastwood Company "Kopr Shield" for many years to protect electrical connections and ensure conductivity. Having read the posts on this subject, I now wonder if this was the right idea. The c;aim is that it enhances conductivity while sealing our moisture. I've even had it on battery terminals.......... ao I woulkd think it does what they say. Used it on boats, motorcycles, and even my Fcar to improve ground connections.