Silicone spray to waterproof "El-Cheapo" switch?

   / Silicone spray to waterproof "El-Cheapo" switch? #1  

Wal

Silver Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2001
Messages
161
Location
East/Central Missouri
Tractor
Kubota B7500HST (Kobi)
Silicone spray to waterproof \"El-Cheapo\" switch?

Like many others, I have installed a rear work light on my tractor. Since the worklight I bought at "Dickey Bub" did not come with a switch, I had to find one elsewhere. I found a nice "El-Cheapo" Radio Shack rocker switch with a mounting bracket for TWO DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I have the switch mounted under one of the rear tailights, somewhat protected from the elements. I am using the fused worklight circuit that Kubota helpfully provided under the seat. ANYWAY, do you think by spraying this "El-Cheapo" switch with a little silicone spray will help protect it from the weather? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
   / Silicone spray to waterproof "El-Cheapo" switch? #2  
Re: Silicone spray to waterproof \"El-Cheapo\" switch?

until it rains....... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
 
   / Silicone spray to waterproof "El-Cheapo" switch?
  • Thread Starter
#3  
Re: Silicone spray to waterproof \"El-Cheapo\" switch?

Junkman,

Yes, yes, you may be right. Time will tell. However, if it DOES work, then woo hoo, woo hoo, woo hoo /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
   / Silicone spray to waterproof "El-Cheapo" switch? #4  
Re: Silicone spray to waterproof \"El-Cheapo\" switch?

The best way to protect a cheap switch from moisture is to pack the inside of it with grease..... It will continue to conduct electricity and will repel moisture.... until the summer when it gets hot enough for the grease to melt and run out.. I put grease on all the terminal ends of all the bulb that are in anything automotive and the outside screw in bulb in the lamp post..... well until I moved and left the lamp post behind.... I call it cheap waterproofing
 
   / Silicone spray to waterproof "El-Cheapo" switch? #5  
Re: Silicone spray to waterproof \"El-Cheapo\" switch?

Even better than the spray is "silicone dielectric grease" available at most automotive parts stores. Just find a tiny opening in the switch and squirt it in untill it flows out on the opposite end/side.
 
   / Silicone spray to waterproof "El-Cheapo" switch? #6  
Re: Silicone spray to waterproof \"El-Cheapo\" switch?

TSC sells a toggle switch with a rubber boot to keep out the elements for just over 5 bucks. I bought one and it is nicely constructed.
 
   / Silicone spray to waterproof "El-Cheapo" switch? #7  
Re: Silicone spray to waterproof \"El-Cheapo\" switch?

Like the others mentioned.. a sealed marine style switch with a rubber boot is about the best bet.

I did what you did on my 8n and NAA... the 8n stays in the garage and has had no problems.. The NAA stays in the barn, out of the rain, and I had to replace one switch, and re-spray the other to get it working again this year... after only one year of use.. etc.

Soundguy
 
   / Silicone spray to waterproof "El-Cheapo" switch? #8  
Re: Silicone spray to waterproof \"El-Cheapo\" switch?

Ever think about dropping by NAPA and just buying the rubber boot to cover the switch?
 

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