Re: Posi-lock connectors
Yeah, kinda. Mil-spec requires all copper conductors housed in silicon insulators to be coated with silver. Silicon insulators are highly desirable for their increased flexibility, abrasion resistance, shape retention (no memory), they withstand higher heat, and ability to handle environmental factors that lead to aging (hardening/cracking) of the insulator. The silver coating that is bound to the copper conductor acts as a barrier to prevent the corrosion you speak of.<br /><br />Somewhere around here I have the details of that vinegar smell that is in most silicon products. It is chemistry used in the manufacture of silicon and is left in the product to keep silicon in a jelly state so it can be applied. That chemistry evaporates out. After set, supposedly the vinegar chemical is gone and silicon is inert. Fwiw, silicon used in medical applications is not manufactured using the same chemistry because that chemical is a hyper-allergenic for some people.<br /><br />I wouldnt worry about a dab of silicon penetrating the polymers of the typical insulator on marine wire but you definitely dont want it on the copper conduct. On the other hand, I dont know how long it takes for silicon to fully set (off gas). I dont think my suggestion is good idea after all because the Posi-Lock encloses the exposed conductor to any residual off-gassing inside the connector. Im not sure about the effects of the gas on the tin coating...there must be a reason mil-spec requires the use of the more expensive silver coating.
