This photo gallery illustrates the correct installation of a dielectric fitting and its purpose to eliminate the electrical conductivity between steel and copper or brass.  We generally find the need for dielectrics unnecessary where corrosion activity is very low, as should exist for most closed piping systems.  Decades ago, open condenser water systems rarely had any insulation between dissimilar metals yet experienced no measurable corrosion increase.  This we have always attributed to the superior quality and inherent corrosion resistance of older pipe in combination with more effective corrosion control chemicals.  Even where brass met galvanized steel, problems were rare.

Today, conditions are quite the opposite.  Direct galvanized steel to copper or brass connections are an almost certain guarantee of a galvanic induced failure.  Likewise, any open condenser water system lacking dielectrics is almost guaranteed to see their first thread failures at those areas.

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