Grease for electric switch mechanisms and switch contacts must meet similar demands as other mechanical sliding surfaces: film strength, appropriate low and high temperature fluid range, and stay-in-place capability.
In particular, a switch grease’s ability to prevent wear is critical. Wear debris creates two problems. It can inhibit current flow when the contact is closed, increasing millivolt (mV) drop. When the contact is open, conductive wear debris can cause open circuit resistance (OCR) problems. In either case, switch performance is compromised. When selecting a switch grease, also note that the viscosity of the base oil should complement the contact force of the switch.
Low current/low contact force applications require lighter base oils. High current/high contact force applications benefit from more viscous base oils. Take a look at the below articles to learn more about electrical switch grease selection.
Please take a look at the various switch grease related articles below, including test related information, theory and product selection help.
This is our damping grease trial pack. It’s a great kit for engineering professionals and hobbyists alike, to test or evaluate a damping grease in their design. We originally thought this trial pack would be aimed at engineers in a prototyping stage of a new product development, but it’s just…
ATVs endure harsh conditions, which put the machine and individual components to the test. The electrical components on an ATV are chosen for their durability and often are protected by Ingress Protection (IP) rated enclosures. Given enough time, it’s likely that with enough water, salt, dust, dirt, thermo cycling and…
Selecting the proper synthetic switch grease for a specific switch application can be a challenge. Very subtle differences in synthetic grease formulations can make a big difference and these formulation decisions are sometimes counter-intuitive. Also when selecting a switch grease, note that the viscosity of the base oil should complement…
The ability of a switch grease used in a switch design to prevent contact surface wear is normally the primary goal. Wear debris can create two problems; it can inhibit current flow when the contact is closed, potentially increasing millivolt drop. When the contact is open, conductive debris has the…
Small applications of synthetic grease are very important throughout a modern vehicle and the interior is no different. In this case study we will focus on an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) switch lubrication application; sometimes EPB devices are referred to as E-Brake. Throughout the interior of a vehicle, lubricants reduce…
We have a number of base oils to select from when formulating a grease. Quite often the first way to start the product selection process is ruling out grease that doesn’t have the temperature capability that is required in your application. The chart featured on this page gives the reader…
The purpose of the Pour Point test is to help define the lowest operating temperature for an oil. During this relatively simple test, the temperature is slowly reduced and it is noted at what point the fluid becomes too viscous to flow. Some times Pour Point is referred to as…
Polyglycol or Polyalkylene Glycols (PAG) are a family of products formed from the polymerisation of one of more alkylene oxides. PAGs are made from ethylene oxides, propylene oxides, which in the presence of an alcohol initiator and a catalyst form a long chain polymer. Other names you may come across…
The grease range we offer uses a wide variety of thickener systems. The various characteristics of the thickener (also known as gellant – US terminology) gives the ability of our grease formulators to meet the challenges faced by our customers. Formulating a grease generally involves balancing the pros and cons…
Alkylated Naphthalenes (AN) are a reaction of olefins with a naphthalene nucleus resulting in a base oil with excellent thermal and oxidative stability. In addition AN has first-rate hydrolytic stability and is miscible with other synthetic hydrocarbons, most notably Polyalphaolefins (PAO). Alkylated Naphthalenes summary: Keep in mind that if a Alkylated…
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