Originally Posted By: kschachn
Originally Posted By: Brad_C
The only issue with dielectric grease on contacts is where the contacts are subject to frequent cycles and have a propensity to arc. In the heat of the arc the silicone can convert to silicon carbide which is not conductive and extremely abrasive resulting in destruction of any contact plating.
But neither is the silicone dielectric compound. Either way, none of that applies to your typical automotive application.
Caravan power, trailer connectors, power window switches, relays, electric motors. None of them in cars right? The difference between silicone grease and silicon carbide is it won't be mechanically wiped away like the grease, instead it scrapes the plating off your contacts allowing rapid corrosion and erosion.
I don't disagree with you, it's just something to be careful of because it destroys contacts quite quickly. Silicone also tends to migrate around, so keep it away from things that do arc (motors, alternators, relays... and so on).
A bit of extra trivia for you to consider when next throwing the grease around. Don't get me wrong, I use heaps of the stuff, but knowing when *not* to use it is neat too.