lubrication for automotive connectors
Electrical connectors are components that allow two or more electrical parts to be electrically connected mechanically. Of the numerous types available on the market, automotive electrical connectors are certainly amongst those most subject to wear. Correct lubrication for these devices must take into account two distinct phases.
Automotive connectors have the function of distributing energy and relative transmission signals, with the aim of reducing:
- Contact resistance
- Transmission noise
- The risk of signal interruption
For this reason, connection pins and counter contact bodies are often coated with noble metals such as gold alloys, silver or other metals with low specific electrical intensity.
Often being subjected to atmospheric agents, automotive electrical connectors must necessarily be well sealed so as to prevent external elements such as dust and humidity for example, from affecting their functions but must also have good resistance to heat and extensive temperature ranges.
This is why it is important to lubricate right way, counteracting any possible wear right from the get-go.
How wear is generated in automotive electrical connectors
Automotive electrical connectors almost always operate in the presence of strong high-frequency vibrations. This means that even very light contact that is prolonged over time produces a gradual removal of the noble surface layer.
This is the layer that covers the parts that guarantee the signal transmission of the electrical connectors and which, if damaged, produces a considerable loss of signal and thus the incorrect operation of the component.
If we add to this the continuous and considerable thermal excursions of 50–60° C to which the automotive electrical connectors are subjected, we understand that the potential for damage is very high.
But what are the main threats?
There are mainly two, or rather, two particular phases:
- During insertion of the male terminal into the housing, due to the tight manufacturing tolerance required to hold the connection in place
- During operation, where the vibrations generated by the vehicle are propagated in the chassis of the vehicle, generating micro-sliding between the connecting plates and over time, causing surface wear of the electrical connectors, loss of material and the risk of complete detachment.
Automotive electrical connectors: correct lubrication
-
- Not carbonising in the presence of an electric arc
- Being compatible with noble coatings such as Au, Cu, Ag and with amorphous containment plastics
- Proper lubrication of automotive electrical connectors is necessary to keep the contact resistance constant over time and thus increase the average life, both during usage and in wiring operations.
Fluorogrease 917 A fluorinated lubricating grease, for example, creates an electro-compatible film for separating the sheeting, interposing in the non-contact areas and depressions, ensuring continuous protection of automotive connectors from wear and contact corrosion.
This is the perfect lubricant for electrical connectors due to:
