Roy,
As far as I know, they are all the same thing. Most silicone compounds are practically identical. They are described as grease-like materials usually based on the dispersion of a silica-thickening agent in a dimethyl-silicone fluid. Thank goodness, it is just called silicone grease. They are used as a moisture barrier, surface protectant, dielectric insulator and for specialized release and lubrication. These compounds are not to be used for metal-to-metal load bearing lubrication.
Technically the term “dielectric” describes a property of something, not a type. It is the ability of a substance to resist the transmission of an electrostatic force from one charged body to another. In electronics the term “dielectric constant” is the measure of a materials ability to do this, the lower the value the greater the resistance. The label describes it use, rather than the type of material in the tube. So when you see a tube of “Dielectric Grease” you can be sure it is a tube of silicone compound.
Being water repellent, hydrolytically stable, non-corrosive, chemically inert, odorless, excellent dielectric properties, excellent coating ability (adheres when fluids would drip or spin off), and colorless are features that make them attractive.
You can see why their use in automotive connectors is so common, they stick when somethings will not, they do not corrode things, they repel water, they do not boil, or catch fire until greater than about 600 degrees Fahrenheit and are good insulators. Hope that helps.
Regards,
C5Phil
.. It works great too :gap
