How is Stabilant 22 used in the model and hobby field?

In this age of electronics, many models are dependent upon complex electronic controls for their proper function. These controls usually operate at very low signal levels, and, to conserve battery power, at very low power levels as well. This makes them very prone to malfunctions due to failures in the connector systems or in the switches used. It takes only a minuscule amount of contaminant to cause problems with such a circuit. Stabilant 22 was developed as a contact enhancer, specifically to improve the reliability of electro-mechanical contacts. It is being used in many fields from bio-medical electronics in hospitals to computer & peripheral equipment. It has a long-term reliability factor unequaled by any simple contact cleaner. That's because Stabilant 22 is a resident treatment. This means that you leave it in place within the contact, where it will last for many years, usually more than the design life of the equipment. Increases in connector reliability of from 70 to 700 times are not unusual.

What are the differences between Stabilant 22 and Stabilant 22A?

The Stabilants come in two forms. The basic material or concentrate is called Stabilant 22, while the isopropanol diluted form is designated Stabilant 22a. This is a isopropanol-dilution (by volume) and is much easier to apply. When used at normal room temperatures or higher, the isopropanol will evaporate after the application, leaving a thin film of the concentrate in place. In some applications such as socketed IC's it is not even necessary to unplug the IC to treat the connection.

The dilute form should be used to treat existing crimp type joints between multiple stranded wire and the contact as well as for card-edge and other connectors. As Stabilant 22 is also an excellent contact lubricant, it can be used on all rotating joints which have to pass electrical currents, such as model-railroad-car bearings. For this reason, the dilute form, Stabilant 22A is preferably used on model-train-layout rails, where it should be wiped on the rail to insure a very thin residual film!

Will Stabilant 22 short out multiple pins?

No, for the reason that Stabilant 22 is semiconductive in its action, becoming conductive at a desired field strength within a contact-pair, but not conducting between adjacent contacts. Thus, the material can be applied to a multiple-pin connector without worrying about getting it on the insulation or causing leakage!

Is there any place I shouldn't use it?

Stabilant products are not recommended for use on switches for inductive loads (which spark upon breaking contact) or generally for very high voltages. The momentary high temperatures of the spark would decompose the Stabilant film, negating its benefits and causing a moderate carbon buildup. Thus, don't use it on motor commutators which do tend to spark!