[SeniorSitizen]

Will dielectric grease solve light bulb removal difficulties years later if the grease is applied to the threads at installation time?

 

[joecaption]

It's not going to hurt trying it.
I use it on outside light all the time to reduce corrosion.

 

[TimPa]

I would think no-ox would be a better choice.

 

[Know A Little]

I would think no-ox would be a better choice.

Ideal the manufacture of No-Lox says No-Lox is not a lubricant.
They make a grease specifically for light bulbs, seems that would be the lubricant of choice?

https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...gleBaseChild&gclid=CNmPxZnb-soCFVNbhgodGe4F1Q

 

[Oso954]

While No Ox is conductive or non-dielectric, I am not sure that you could measure the difference between using it and the dielectric grease (insulating) in this application. Either one is going to get spread out to an extremely thin layer, if not wiped away to a metal to metal contact.

It's the excess grease gathering at the top of the socket threads that will form the air and/or water seal, eliminating corrosion formation between the threads.

 

[joed]

NO-OX is electrically conductive. I wouldn't put it on light bulbs. You could create a short between the two contact points in the socket.
You want something non conductive.

 

[Know A Little]

NO-OX is electrically conductive. I wouldn't put it on light bulbs. You could create a short between the two contact points in the socket.
You want something non conductive.

NO-OX and NO-LOX are two different products

 

[al_smelter]

Actual No-Ox (ID) is a heavy duty rust inhibitor:

http://www.sanchem.com/electrical-contact-lubricant.html

Noalox (Ideal) and Penetrox (Burndy) are both oxide inhibitors:

http://www.idealind.com/prodDetail.do?prodId=noalox
http://ecat.burndy.com/Comergent/burndy/cat/602945

All of the above are considered conductive (though it's debatable just how conductive most of them really are).

Noalox is specifically made to reduce galling in aluminum to aluminum connections, specifically aluminum conduit. It is considered conductive, though by all accounts the little bit of suspended zinc that cuts the oxide would hardly cause a short circuit. As most common light bulbs and most common lamp sockets are made of formed aluminum, a thin film of Noalox would do just fine as an anti galling agent for your application. However, if your application is not aluminum to aluminum, the active ingredient (zinc) may not be compatible with some other metals and could cause trouble down the road (mainly corrosion).

Also be aware that there are many different configurations of Penetrox. Some are for AL and some are for AL to copper. If you go for Penetrox, look for "Penetrox A".

And don't confuse No-Ox (Noalox) with De-Ox. De-Ox is a conductive contact cleaner for electronics (and a marvelous product if that's what you need).

After all this crap, if all you want is a light bulb lubricant, I would suggest a simple silicone grease. It is dielectric and has no weird additives. You can pick up a little tube at any auto parts store. It is usually on the front counter for use with connectors under the hood.

 

[Know A Little]

Actual No-Ox (ID) is a heavy duty rust inhibitor:

http://www.sanchem.com/electrical-contact-lubricant.html

Noalox (Ideal) and Penetrox (Burndy) are both oxide inhibitors:

http://www.idealind.com/prodDetail.do?prodId=noalox
http://ecat.burndy.com/Comergent/burndy/cat/602945

All of the above are considered conductive (though it's debatable just how conductive most of them really are).

.

I have both in my shop If I think about it later I'll Megger them at 5000 VDC