Multimeter or Oscilloscope HV safe lubricants - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2016, 01:20:57 am
content: Anyone have recommendations on a general cleaning and lubricating of multimeter and BNC sockets? I've got a few to do, not after home remedies and obviously it needs to be high voltage safe.What do Fluke, HP/Agilent/Keysight, Tektronix use in those situations?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 13, 2016, 01:26:40 am
content: I'm not sure if you want lubricant in the connectors as lubricant will collect dirt and dust which is flying around.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2016, 03:40:03 am
content: Everywhere I've worked,they have used CRC Contact Cleaner,or IPA to clean such connectors.No form of lubrication was used.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2016, 03:47:19 am
content: Quote from: Shock on January 13, 2016, 01:20:57 amI was using a tube I bought from GE many years ago (green and white tube). I have also tried MSD's PN 8804 and Permatex 81150. Dow has their 4 & 5 that you could look at as well.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2016, 05:07:04 am
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on January 13, 2016, 03:47:19 amCan you find what GE product it was, was it in this list?http://www.dcproducts.com.au/Silicone_Greases_and_Compounds/Greases_and_Compound.pdf

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2016, 05:22:37 am
content: I just use IPA for cleaning the multimeter sockets. The highest voltage that I measure is 400V DC (PFC on power supply).

author: ModemHead
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2016, 08:46:10 pm
content: +1 on the IPA. Applied with a swab stick twirled around until it comes out clean. I would also be concerned about lubricant trapping dust and dirt. I recall robrenz having a neat method of cleaning BNC jacks, I'll try to find it...BNC cleaning by robrenz (picture-heavy thread):https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/tek-7603-scope-w-7a18-amp-7b53a-timebase-restoration/msg172523/#msg172523

author: uncle_bob
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 03, 2016, 02:11:40 am
content: HiThe best way to prevent problems with high voltage is to keep things clean. If you are in a sealed enclosure, lube may be ok. On something that is in an airflow .... not a real good idea. You will attract dust and dirt. Eventually it will get humid and arc.Bob

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2016, 08:20:33 am
content: @ShockFind one of the AVO meter service PDFs online, they had a detailed list of products required for service/repair/adjustment that finished with a 7kV flashover test so any product they were happy with should be good enough for anybody.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2016, 11:59:14 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on January 13, 2016, 05:07:04 amI looked for that tube and had no luck finding it. Looking at the PDF, my guess is it was the TSK550.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2016, 09:03:34 am
content: TheGEhigh voltage grease is the best but hard to get in small quantities.You can also look forNovagard G687it also works extremely well under high voltage conditionLet me see, if I find my container and I will post a pictureEdit:Mistake, not GE but Dow Corning,See below...

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2016, 09:57:35 am
content: Thanks joeqsmith/highvoltage, I can't be sure but I have a feeling the ex military Fluke 27 FM's I have have been lubricated or cleaned at some point. They just feel smooth for their age and are in very good condition.I'll check out the service manuals as Tautech suggested as well and see if I can find mention of anything. I wonder if there is an IPC standard for this type of work or something like a Fluke service centre procedure.Just to clarify for others, I'm not intending to apply a lubricant like greasing a bearing, more just a residual surface coat similar to what a metal polish would leave after you wipe it clean.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2016, 10:47:07 am
content: Here is a picture of the two different high voltage grease types I am using, the G5008 and the NovaGardThe G5008 is made by Dow Corning and is an amazing high voltage greaseDatasheet enclosedDielectric Strength, 6 weeks at 204°C (400°F), 42 kV peak or 30 kV rmsI have been using this on any kind of high voltage connections and insulators.You only need a little tiny amount to just cover the surface.

author: ConKbot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2016, 07:30:15 am
content: Definitely don't bother with lubricant on bnc sockets, good ones are teflon, mid grade ones will be acetal/delrin, cheap ones will be polyethylene. None of which will need lubricant(all 3 are quite slippery), just cleaning.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2016, 06:17:32 pm
content: The AVO manual recommends this grease:http://www.intek-uk.com/dow_corning_dc4-xg250-ms4_grease.htmlBut I can't see where it's used on the multimeter:http://frank.pocnet.net/instruments/AVO/HR/AvoMeters/Avometer8MkV.pdfJust to confirm Highvoltage, you're using that G5008 dielectric grease on the metal to metal contacts?

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 09, 2016, 01:28:08 am
content: I think the techniques robrenz used was to shape a hard felt buff with a drill and lathe and use simchrome polish and a small hand drill. This was to clean the inside of the bnc socket.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2016, 06:48:33 pm
content: Hunting around for some parts and found my tube of GE high voltage dielectric grease. This tube appears to be a lifetime supply at the rate I use it.