Using Electrical Insulation Supply & Dielectric Gels for Protection
Electronic assemblies and delicate components typically need soft encapsulating materials to ensure proper protection. A unique series of transparent Silicone Gels were recently developed to seal and protect electronics from vibration, thermomechanical stress, and shock. They may even be used to isolate circuits from moisture and contaminants besides offering electrical insulation.
The potting and encapsulating silicone gels comprise four different products. Users can choose the cure speed and firmness of the gel that is best suited to their application. Due to their great electrical properties, dielectric strength, and resistivity, the gels are used to encapsulate electronic components, junction boxes, and power modules. The formulation of the gels doesn’t involve use of solvents or other toxic materials.
Insulating Gels A General Overview
There are various types of gels out there, however, one that is perhaps not known to a lot of people is dielectric gel. This special electrical insulation supply is alternatively referred to as tune-up grease and is a silicone-based gel that repels moisture and protects electrical components against corrosion.
It also contributes to keeping dirt, water, and other elements out of electrical connections. It is very often used on PCBs, and high voltage devices, but also has a wide range of uses from protecting underwater wiring to sealing electrical connections in marine environments.
While there are countless multi-purpose gels on the market, dielectric gel is especially made for the purpose of protecting and insulating electric systems. It has many practical applications such as home electrical work, outdoor lighting, electrical connections in submerged environments, to name a few.
Because dielectric grel does not dissolve in most liquids, it’s best suited for marine and outdoor applications. It may even be used to lubricate the rubber parts of electrical connectors, spark plug wires; or protect electrical connections on your boat.
Using Dielectric Gel Require Caution
Dielectric electrical insulation supply may be applied to the metal parts of practically any electrical connection that will be exposed to the elements, to work as a sealant for protecting the connection from contamination and corrosion. Application of dielectric gels needs to be done very cautiously, because the gel will cut off the flow of electricity through the connection, if a little of it is left between the mating surfaces.
If you are a novice and are about to use dielectric gel for the first time, consider talking to your local expert and follow their instructions.
Summing Up
The new industry trends indicate the need for smaller and smaller components with higher and higher powers. Today the industry requires the presence of higher-performance materials that can protect assemblies and their properties. Dielectric gels are most suited and convenient for PCBs and power modules. Moreover, the gels are designed to protect interconnections from environmental conditions and to provide dielectric isolation. Summing it up gels are extremely soft materials that are also apt for thin-layer applications; that find its optimization when you are looking to minimize stress from thermal cycling, shock, and vibration on very delicate components.
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