Understanding EP Grease: What Does 'Extreme Pressure' Mean for Your Equipment?

July 11, 2025

"EP" stands for Extreme Pressure. Unlike a standard grease that provides basic lubrication, an EP grease is made with special additives that create a protective layer on metal surfaces. This layer prevents metal-to-metal contact when your equipment is operating under intense conditions, such as:

Heavy Loads: When a machine is bearing a lot of weight.

High Speeds: When parts are moving incredibly fast.

Shock Loads: Sudden, heavy impacts or jolts to the machinery.

Without these EP additives, the intense pressure could break down the lubricant film, leading to friction, heat build-up, and eventually, catastrophic equipment failure.

Choosing the Right Consistency: Understanding the NLGI Grades

Just as motor oil comes in different viscosities, grease is categorised by its consistency, or "thickness." This is measured by the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) scale. The numbers you see on our products—like EP2, EP000, and EP0 are based on this.

Thicker Greases (e.g., EP2): Think of these as a thick paste. They are ideal for wheel bearings, universal joints, and general chassis lubrication where the grease needs to stay in place. EP2 is the most popular common general-purpose grease.

Softer Greases (e.g., EP0, EP00): These are softer and flow more easily. They are often used in centralised lubrication systems or enclosed gearboxes where a thinner grease is required to flow through lines and channels.

Semi-Fluid Greases (e.g., EP000): These are the thinnest greases and are almost like a thick oil. They are specifically designed for applications like enclosed gearboxes that are not oil-tight.

More Than Just EP: The Importance of Thickener Type

The type of thickener used also determines the grease’s properties. At UK Lubricants we supply a range of advanced options to meet your specific needs:

Standard Lithium Grease (Brown): This is a popular, cost-effective, and versatile option for many general-purpose applications. It provides reliable performance and is a staple in many workshops and industrial settings.

Lithium Complex Grease (Blue and Red): We proudly supply a range of lithium complex greases. This advanced formula offers superior performance, especially in high-temperature applications. The complex thickener provides better mechanical stability and can handle higher loads and speeds, making it an excellent choice for demanding conditions. The different colours, such as blue and red, are often used by manufacturers to distinguish between specific product lines or grades within the lithium complex family.

Why Choose Our Products?

Whether you need a high-performance Red Lithium Complex EP2 for heavy-duty bearings or a semi-fluid EP000 for your industrial gearbox, we have you covered. We supply a wide range of EP greases, ensuring you can find the perfect grade and thickener type to protect your machinery and extend its lifespan.

Don't let friction and wear slow you down. Browse our full range of greases and lubricants today to find the right solution for your application.