In article ,
wrote:

Anyone out three know whether dielectric grease is really something
special or just re-branded petroleum jelly?

While I cannot speak to the specifics of what you have in hand, the
original dielectric grease was a silicon grease made by GE and Dow,
intended for insulators on high voltage transmission lines. I still
have the 8 ounce tube of GE 635 (?) I got as a sample when it came out
in the 1970s.

It worked very well for water and dew proofing automobile ignition
systems, for retarding battery terminal corrosion, and for preventing
lamp socket and base corrosion.

I don't think GE or Dow still make the stuff, but there are still
makers.

Hmm. One can test the grease. One cannot set silicon grease on fire,
or at least not very well. If one forces the issue with a torch, the
residue will be sand.

Joe Gwinn