When is it Recommended To Use Dielectric Grease When Wiring

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Question:

I just purchased replacement lights for my boat trailer from you and getting my wiring supplies ready. I am going to run fresh wires throughout including a ground wire. I watched your video where the dielectric grease was put in the plug connector but none was used in the butt splice. I am planning to use the 3M inline scotchlok splice connectors. Is using grease on these connectors and butt splices recommended? What about heat shrink tubing? Excited to get my new LED lights all hooked up but want them to last.

asked by: Wayne N

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Expert Reply:

We want to thank you for your recent purchase!

You wouldn't need to use dielectric grease with a butt connector such as part # DW05714 (view video at the 1:16 mark) as electrical tape will work great.

Heat shrinkable tubing such as part # DW05451 will help protect against the elements. It works with 14-18 gauge wire. Most trailer light wiring is 16-gauge. Once you have your wire inside the tubing you can use a heat gun, blow dryer and/or lighter utilize the heat shrinkable tubing. We also offer heat shrink butt connectors part # DW05744-10. (view 3-wire pigtail video at the :35 mark) Dielectric grease isn't necessary.

Using dielectric grease with a quick splice wire connector such as part # SWC501915-1 is just fine. A little dab prior to inserting wires in the quick connect gives a corrosion-resistant barrier. You will still use electrical tape around the quick splice for added protection.

I have included FAQ and videos for you as well.

expert reply by: Chris B

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Answer 1

When wiring a 7-Way on your trailer with 5 wires, your green wire will be right turn/brake, the yellow wire will be left turn/brake, the brown wire will be the taillights, and the white wire will be the ground. You will want to find out if the blue…

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Answer 2

Yes, dielectric grease like the Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors #11755 can and should absolutely be used on electrical connectors like your 4-pin trailer connector. Dielectric grease does a great job of protecting your equipment from…

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Answer 3

On a 7-Way connector the suggested minimum wire gauge for the White (ground) wire, the Red or Black (power) wire, and the Blue (brake power) wire is 12 gauge. The minimum wire gauge for the remaining Green (right turn/brake) wire, the Yellow (left…

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Answer 4

Not all aluminum trailer frames are strong enough for use with a steel weight distribution (WD) system. It is possible that the stronger steel WD components could put too much stress on the frame. If your trailer has an aluminum frame you'll…

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Answer 5

The intermittent trailer disconnected message that is appearing on your 2012 Ram 1500 is generally caused by corrosion in the trailer connectors but since you have already checked that we can eliminate that possible cause. I will say that although it…

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Answer 6

I think you hit it right on the head when you mentioned the grounds. That is very often the cause of all sorts of odd lighting issues - and lights suddenly getting brighter is definitely one of them - so I recommend ensuring those grounds are good as…

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Answer 7

Because it is only for a 2022 Hyundai Palisade that has the factory tow package, you do not need to route any wires whatsoever to add the Curt 7-way that fits, which is the following part number: - Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory…

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Answer 8

When pulling the hubs off of a trailer and repacking the bearings you will inevitably unseat your brake shoes. Using the Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes part #W80630 will allow you to make a slight adjustment to the brakes to tighten them up a…

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Answer 9

Yes, electric brake assemblies will work in reverse. The brake controller in your tow vehicle would still activate in reverse as long as the brakes are applied. The actuating arm of the Dexter assemblies part #23-27 will apply the brakes when pushed…

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Answer 10

Dialectic grease does NOT conduct electricity. It is used on connections to help insulate the metal to metal connection and prevent corrosion by preventing moisture from getting to the connection.

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Answer 11

When installing brake assemblies like the Electric Brake Assembly, #23-27, that you have referenced, there is no specific torque rating when tightening the nuts on the backing plate. Basically you will want them to be as tight as you can get them…

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Answer 12

Since the trailer is working just fine with your buddy's pickup, we know that the problem is isolated to your 2007 Dodge Ram 2500. What it sounds like to me is that you have a bad ground or some corrosion in the 7-Way connector on your pickup.…

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When is it Recommended To Use Dielectric Grease When Wiring

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