Apparatus and method for protection of electrical contacts

A method for protecting an electrical contact, comprising the steps:

• (a) providing an insulating gel characterized by:
• (1) a cone penetration value from approximately 150 to 350 (10.sup.-1 mm);
• (2) an ultimate elongation of at least approximately 200%;
• (3) a maximum tensile strength of approximately 20 psi;
• (4) a cohesive strength greater than its adhesive strength;
• and
• (b) providing first means of containing said gel;
• (c) providing second means for retaining said gel within said first means;
• and
• (d) applying a force means for acting on said first means so that said gel is maintained in compressive contact with said electrical contact and substantially encapsulates a conductive portion of said electrical contact.

A protection apparatus for a termination block of the type that includes a substrate that supports a plurality of environmentally unprotected terminal binding posts, comprising:

• (a) an isolating gel characterized by:
• (1) a cone penetration value from approximately 150 to 350 (10.sup.-1 mm);
• (2) an ultimate elongation of approximately 200%;
• (3) a maximum tensile strength of approximately 20 psi;
• (4) a cohesive strength greater than its adhesive strength;
• (b) first means to contain said gel;
• (c) second means to retain said gel within said first means;
• and
• (d) force means which acts on said first means so that said gel is maintained in compressive contact with said binding posts and substantially encapsulates an electrically conductive portion of said binding posts.

A protection apparatus for an electrical contact, comprising:

• (a) an aliphatic polyurethane composition extended with an admixture of mineral oil and vegetable oil from approximately 70 to 80%, the ratio of mineral oil to vegetable oil being approximately 0.7 to 2.4;
• (b) first means to contain a composition;
• (c) second means to retain said composition within said first means;
• (d) force means which acts on said first means so that said composition is maintained in compresive contact with said electrical contact and substantially encapsulates a conductive portion of said electrical contact.