[TowerTalk] Oil for Dummy Load

[Jim Lux]

On 11/29/15 12:01 PM, Jim Lux wrote:
> On 11/29/15 11:19 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>>
>> Check the properties of peanut oil before you use it.  I can't quickly
>> find the breakdown voltage for peanut oil ... dielectric constant is
>> slightly higher (3 vs. 2.2) and dissipation factory almost 10 times that
>> of mineral oil but it may not be an issue in this application.
>>
>
>
> In these things, the electrical properties are almost immaterial. It's
> not like a transmission line or capacitor where the permittivity or
> dissipation factor are important.
>
>
>
>
>> Some of the literature seems to suggest Canola oil but Soy oil seems to
>> be the base of choice as "eco friendly" replacements for mineral oils
>> (e.g. Envirotemp FR4).
>
> Cheap single weight motor oil might be a good alternative.  Tesla
> coilers have used it for insulation (not in capacitors, but for oil
> insulation of HV gear).
>
> Straight USP mineral oil is also a good alternative.  Available at feed
> stores as an animal laxative in gallon containers.
>
>


You can also get the real thing (Univolt or Diala, for example), but 
generally it's available only in 5 gallon pails, or more commonly, 55 
gallon drums.  It runs about $5-10/gallon depending on the price of 
crude, how long the jobber has had it sitting there, etc.