Cumulus Support

Anybody ran across this stuff?

http://www.xmultiple.com/xwebsite-sealant-GELtube.htm

I am extending my fine offset anemometer and need to seal the cable connector.

I have an outside telephone connection installed by the telephone company and the plug on it is coated with a very clear, soft gel that kind of pulls apart like pizza cheese and I wonder if this isn't the product they use.

Randy

Looks like it's pretty new. Certainly looks like just what we want for protecting connectors. But I think the clear protection your telephone company used is a silicone sealant - the new stuff seems more like a grease.

Gina wrote: . . . I think the clear protection your telephone company used is a silicone sealant - the new stuff seems more like a grease.

Gina, I would have thought the silicone sealant would have interfered with the connection. Do you fill the connector then plug it in?

I will call the X-sealant company and ask about the product.

Randy

wd40 wrote:Gina, I would have thought the silicone sealant would have interfered with the connection. Do you fill the connector then plug it in?

Yes, I think it would. You'd need to make the connection first then apply it over the outside.

I will call the X-sealant company and ask about the product.

Good plan It's certainly a far better solution than silicone sealant. It lubricates as well as keeping the wet out - rather like silicone grease but better.

What is the recommended best practices for applying the Gel?

Answer: The 3oz tube was designed to make the application of the gel easy for the user. The gel is applied directly from the tube into the female connector. A small drop inserted on the contact pins inside the female is all that is required. The male plug is then inserted into the connector.

It seems to be for internal rather than external use, but it is resistant to salt air / water etc. So I suppose that as long as your unit / joint is reasonable weather protected should be fine.

... but it's shelf life is 2 years (about the dieing time of a Watson ) when it will need another application.

http://www.xmultiple.com/Sealant/X-Seal ... 7-2008.pdf

I called today and spoke with one of their sales persons. He said there biggest customers are the military, cable and satellite tv installers and alternative energy companies like windmills. He thought it should last two years but should be considered a preventive maintenance practice. They do sell it online using paypal. With shipping here in the US, it is $18.

here in the US, there is an automotive product that you use on spark plug boots. I wonder if this is the same thing. I will investigate. I have some of this in my tool box.

I have not looked at the MSD sheets so I don't know of any restrictive uses.

Gina I am still guessing this is stuff the telephone company used because it is in the connection not on the connection.

Randy

I just use good old Vaseline. A bit messy but does the trick and easily removed.
For waterproofing connectors of course

I use silicone grease.

After much searching, what I am looking for is a ANTI-CORROSION GEL which is different from dielectric grease.

Super Lube Anti-Corrosion And Connector gel is one such product. It is often found at a place that sells trailer hitches and stuff.