Goo for outdoor connections?

[ZippyDan]

When I see telephone plugs and jacks in outdoor boxes, there is always some kind of goop in the jack that I have always assumed is to prevent corrosion/keep out moisture/improve conductivity ... Well it turns out I'm going to be setting up some patch panels in a semi-outdoor location. What is that goo and where can I find it?

(Ps I've had the suspicion that this is the same stuff electricians sometimes use on service connections coming into a breaker box, but I'm not sure)

 

[nsafreak]

I'm pretty sure it's just silicone caulk.

 

[ZippyDan]

it seems to me that caulk tends to dry much stiffer, whereas the stuff they use for telephone boxes seems like it stays gooey and stretchy and sticky (without leaving any residue) for a longer time... like you can unplug and plug in a jack years after it was installed and the goo still moves with the jack. Normal silicone seems like it would either be too hard or peel off. Maybe it is a special kind of silicone?

 

[user1193526]

There maybe other things out there. this is all i know..

dielectric grease < usually used for weather proofing terminals
electronics grade silicone < usually used for potting electronic components

both can probably be found at most parts/hardware stores.

 

[imagoon]

Its called Icky-pick. Normally you would buy something like Tyco PowerGel or the like.

 

[ZippyDan]

Found this thread with other people wondering the same thing and trying to narrow it down:

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r24693708-Gel-used-in-outside-phone-box-

Looks like so far "silicone dielectric grease" is the best lead on a name for it...

Looks like this might be it: http://www.super-lube.com/files/pdfs/silicone_dielectric_grease_technical_bulletin.pdf

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KH0YDY/