Removing dielectric grease from connections in the field

[viper]

I am reworking some underground low voltage stuff with several direct bury splices with grease tubes.  I'm looking for an aerosol type product that can make fast work of removing remaining residue after towel wiping.  I was thinking of brake cleaner but I also don't want to degrade the insulation of wires if I can help it.  Most wiring is PE jacket but some will be PVC as well.  Possibly contact cleaner?  I use 'MAF sensor cleaner' on some stuff in a pinch but it's stupid expensive for what it is. 

Connections in this work is commonly done with wire nuts as standard.  Just mentioning, there will be no field soldering to worry about.  I just want to strike the best possible contact. 

[TimNJ]

This would probably be a good choice: https://www.crcindustries.com/qd-electronic-cleaner/

[jpanhalt]

I would consider CRC non-flammable brake cleaner.  About $6 per 16 oz aerosol can at Lowes.  It's perchloroethylene (PERC).   Of course, when you use it, you may annihilate all life on Earth, according to some.  It's really much better than the non-chlorinated versions for grease and oils and has no added lubricant.

[thm_w]

Electronics contact cleaner as mentioned.
WD40 uses heptane which should be ok for PVC: https://ipexna.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/chemical-guide-caen-ipex-pvc.pdf

But, its not clear what you are doing, re-terminating the existing wire nuts? If that is the case when you strip new wire at the end that wire would be clean under the insulation.

[coppercone2]

if you are doing under ground work you should get the proper stuff because if you damage it there will be a epic comedy told about the guy that fucked up and resulted in untold hours of digging

Don't they pay top dollar for the under ground work? This sounds like you should clear it with a engineer or inspector or other figure that will be around for a long time (not to get involved in a pump and dump scam). Make sure you don't get advice from the guy that will retire in 6 months right before it breaks lol


I don't see why it needs to be clean. Wipe it off, strip some more, add more grease. Crimping and terminating under grease is fine, they sell pre-filled wire nuts with grease, and pre-filled splices with grease, and crimp with grease applied to the crimps.

I never saw evidence of any termination, besides soldering, that specifically said grease is bad. They want small amounts for most metal forming operations.

Thats right, IDC 'cold weld' contact bodies... are filled with grease, and they make a weld just fine to a fork.

https://kingsoutdoorlighting.com/products/wn12-grease-filled-wire-nut-for-landscape-lighting-installation
https://www.access-irrigation.co.uk/shop/irrigation-control-systems/solenoid-valves/grease-filled-connectors/
https://surplustronics.co.nz/products/10142-tele-splice-grease-filled-3-port-connectors
https://www.te.com/en/about-te/capabilities/engineering-innovation/influence-of-terminal-lubrication-on-crimp-reliability.html
grease for all current levels


You only need to clean it if the grease is contaminated with dirt, if the wire under the insulation is not corroded, it will be fine right after stripping. If you see corrosion going down the wire, then chances are something bad happened and you should not use that wire.

[viper]

if you are doing under ground work you should get the proper stuff because if you damage it there will be a epic comedy told about the guy that fucked up and resulted in untold hours of digging

Don't they pay top dollar for the under ground work? This sounds like you should clear it with a engineer or inspector or other figure that will be around for a long time (not to get involved in a pump and dump scam). Make sure you don't get advice from the guy that will retire in 6 months right before it breaks lol


I don't see why it needs to be clean. Wipe it off, strip some more, add more grease. Crimping and terminating under grease is fine, they sell pre-filled wire nuts with grease, and pre-filled splices with grease, and crimp with grease applied to the crimps.

I never saw evidence of any termination, besides soldering, that specifically said grease is bad. They want small amounts for most metal forming operations.

Thats right, IDC 'cold weld' contact bodies... are filled with grease, and they make a weld just fine to a fork.

https://kingsoutdoorlighting.com/products/wn12-grease-filled-wire-nut-for-landscape-lighting-installation
https://www.access-irrigation.co.uk/shop/irrigation-control-systems/solenoid-valves/grease-filled-connectors/
https://surplustronics.co.nz/products/10142-tele-splice-grease-filled-3-port-connectors
https://www.te.com/en/about-te/capabilities/engineering-innovation/influence-of-terminal-lubrication-on-crimp-reliability.html
grease for all current levels


You only need to clean it if the grease is contaminated with dirt, if the wire under the insulation is not corroded, it will be fine right after stripping. If you see corrosion going down the wire, then chances are something bad happened and you should not use that wire.

This is repair to a 2-wire irrigation system.  Look that up to realize this IS the standard OEM approved method.  I only have 30yrs experience but been yrs since I had to deal with one, and I know well the slobbery mess that grease leaves while I am trying to hold onto wires to make new connections. 

I'm actually the 4th guy to get this system fixed.  Always the cheap guys first so now I get to sort through all their BS on top of the actual problem.  I know the check will clear and they already know they should have called me first.  This thing is a Fing MESS!