Infographic: Diagram of conductive lubricants in a bearing

The infographic shows the effect of insulating (upper right) and electrically conductive (lower right) lubricants. In the former, the insulating lubricant (yellow coating) can cause electrical discharges (as illustrated with the red lightning bolts). When this occurs, the bearing’s raceways can be damaged. However, if the lubricant is conductive (green coating), no electrical discharges occur.