Clean and Apply Dielectric Grease to an Edge Connector (XT)

If either of these conditions exist for an edge connector on a circuit board with XT, do not install the circuit board:
  • Debris or particulate matter is present on the greased surfaces of a circuit board edge connector.
  • Any of the “gold finger” surfaces on the edge connector are not completely coated with a thin layer of grease.
If the dielectric grease on a circuit board edge connector contains debris or the gold finger surfaces are not completely coated with grease, you must thoroughly clean and reapply PolySi PST-576 non-silicone, dielectric grease to the affected connector.
IMPORTANT: Only PolySi PST-576 dielectric grease is approved for use on edge connectors of circuit boards with XT.
The dielectric grease applicator kit, catalog number SK-RM-GRAPP1, is available to reapply grease to edge connectors on circuit boards and fiber transceivers. See Dielectric grease applicator kit.
TIP: Complete coverage of the edge connector with grease is more important than the thickness of the grease layer. A thicker application of grease does not improve corrosion resistance.
Follow these steps to use the grease applicator kit to apply dielectric grease to an edge connector on a circuit board.
  1. By using a lint-free alcohol wipe with 90% or higher alcohol content, remove the contamination and grease from the connector.
  2. Before you apply grease, allow the edge connector to dry thoroughly.
  3. Open the grease tube and by using the pin on the side of the large applicator, puncture the seal on the end of the tube.
  4. Install the large grease applicator on the threaded tip of the tube.
  5. Close the applicator cover.
  6. Press the tube until the applicator-tip chamber is completely filled with grease. The chamber is full when grease escapes through the small holes on the applicator cover.
  7. Open the applicator cover and verify that the chamber is full of grease.
  8. If the chamber is not full of grease, repeat steps 5…7.
  9. To apply dielectric grease to both sides, insert the edge connector (A) into the center of the applicator tip. Be sure that the grease (B) is applied beyond the edge of the gold finger surfaces (C) on the edge connector (ideally in contact with the conformal coating on the board).
    An example of how to use the dielectric grease applicator to apply dielectric grease to the edge connectors on the main control circuit board with XT.
  10. Repeat steps 5…9 for each affected edge connector.
  11. After use, remove the grease applicator from the grease tube.
  12. Replace the cap on the grease tube.
  13. By using a clean cloth, wipe the remaining grease out of the applicator tip and close the cover.
Provide Feedback
Have questions or feedback about this documentation? Please submit your feedback here.
Normal