Noalox question

[Berner]

Not sure you'd want to use a non-conductive dielectric material on a mod's battery contacts, or for that matter on the threads of a telescopic mod. If I understand my mod theory correctly, the ground current travels through the mod external casing, and if you've got a nice thick coating of dielectric on your telescopic threads, the electrons won't be able to travel from one section to another. Similarly, non-conductive grease on the battery contacts will prevent electron flow through the battery circuit. I don't see anywhere on the Noalox website any statement that Noalox is a dielectric material, but I did find that the major component (according to the MSDS) is polybutene, which has very low electrical conductivity, but I suppose that the other 2 major components (which are zinc dust and silicon dioxide) may alter the conductivity of the final mixture.

 

[suspectK]

The threads will make contact through the grease, but you still don't need a semi-conductive or conductive grease. All you need it for is lubricant on the threads. Petroleum jelly will be good enough for that.

 

[Baditude]

What department did you find it in?

I found mine in the electrical department at Home Depot.

Provape recommends using this on the battery cap threads on a routine maintanance basis for the Provari, and sells it on their website, although for considerably more than you can find it elsewhere.

As it is an anti-oxidant, it prevents oxidation of any metalic threading. (think rust - bare metal changes in composition when exposed to oxygen) Failure to use this can cause "locking up" of corroded threads, and dirty threading can also impair electrical conduction of the battery. An unexplained blinking fire button and some LED error displays can be solved sometimes simply by cleaning the battery cap threads with Noaloxx and the inner battery contact with isopropal alcohol.

 

[State O' Flux]

The threads will make contact through the grease, but you still don't need a semi-conductive or conductive grease. All you need it for is lubricant on the threads. Petroleum jelly will be good enough for that.

He's right ya' know folks. The outer casing of a metal mech, unless it's something weird, constitutes a substantial cross-section of metal... which is why you can get away with titanium mechs... not the greatest electrical conductor.

Think of a mech (even a threaded, but not exactly tight, tele mech), as a heavy gauge cable... you really think it can't carry a few dozen amps?

I use clear, dielectric grease on my threads as an anti-corrosive layer. Just a thin film, buffed into the metal, then the excess removed. Protects the metal, acts as a thread lube.
I use my silver grease, which is highly conductive... From an old Brylcreem commercial - "A Little Dab'll Do Ya!" - on electrical contacts themselves.

I got nothing against Noalox, I've used it... but the idea that a mech will not ground adequately to the 510 thread without it is wrong thinkin'. Grab your best mech, the one that fires like it was a religion 'cause it's got a good button and contacts. Now, loosen up all the tubes and caps just a touch.... not so much that your button contact won't reach the battery.
Hit it... still works, don't it.

If I'm wrong... someone explain it to me like I was a 12 year old, 'cause I'm just that stupid. Thanks!

 

[EddardinWinter]

I use Noalox on my threads for my ProVari, because that is what the manufacturer recommends.

That's really all I need to know. They aren't gonna give you bad advice on it, because unlike most other mods, they have tested it for longevity and found this to be a beneficial maintenance item.

My maintenance "must haves"

 

[jesseseetai]

The threads will make contact through the grease, but you still don't need a semi-conductive or conductive grease. All you need it for is lubricant on the threads. Petroleum jelly will be good enough for that.

good to know!

 

[BigBen2k]

... If I understand my mod theory correctly, the ground current travels through the mod external casing, and if you've got a nice thick coating of dielectric on your telescopic threads, the electrons won't be able to travel from one section to another. ....

If your mod requires that electricity flows through a liquid conductor, I would be very concerned.

Metal to metal contact will happen, regardless of what grease you use. It's only there to keep those contact points from damaging each other.

The metal contact area required to allow 10 amps to flow safely and effectively, is less than 3 mm^2.

 

[Rickb119]

[QUOTE What dept at the hardware store do I look for noalox in?[/QUOTE]

Electrical