Our Blog

Why Electronic Damages Occur More in Monsoons and How to Prevent Them?

Hello Reader!

Welcome to the blog page of Rup Air Condition, one of the best AC repair center in Kolkata. 

Monsoon brings much-needed relief from the scorching heat, but it also poses a serious threat to electronic appliances. The increased moisture levels in the air during this season can lead to electronic damage, affecting the performance and lifespan of your devices. Whether it’s your air conditioner, refrigerator, or any other home appliance, electronic malfunctioning becomes a common issue during monsoons. As the best AC repair center in Kolkata, Rup Air Condition understands the challenges and offers expert solutions to keep your electronics in top condition.

Why Do Electronic Damages Increase During Monsoon?

1. High Humidity Levels
   One of the biggest reasons for electronic malfunctioning in monsoon is the excessive humidity in the air. Moisture can seep into the internal components of electrical appliances, leading to short circuits and corrosion of delicate parts.
2. Water Seepage and Leakage
   Heavy rains often result in water seepage through walls and ceilings, which can come in contact with electronic devices. This can lead to severe electronic damage, especially in appliances like air conditioners and washing machines that are often placed near windows or balconies.
3. Frequent Power Fluctuations
   Monsoon storms and lightning strikes can cause unexpected power surges and outages. These sudden voltage changes can damage circuits and lead to permanent electronic malfunctioning in sensitive appliances like ACs and refrigerators.
4. Fungal Growth and Corrosion
   The damp environment during monsoon promotes fungal growth on circuit boards, reducing their efficiency. Additionally, prolonged exposure to moisture leads to rusting and corrosion, which can degrade the lifespan of electronic items.
5. Overheating Due to Poor Ventilation
   In an attempt to prevent water damage, people tend to keep their homes tightly shut during monsoons, leading to poor ventilation. This can cause overheating in devices like air conditioners, refrigerators, and computers, resulting in performance issues or complete failure.

How to Prevent Electronic Damages in Monsoon?

1. Use Surge Protectors
   To safeguard against power surges, always use surge protectors or voltage stabilizers for sensitive electronic devices. This is crucial for air conditioners, refrigerators, and televisions to prevent electronic malfunctioning due to voltage fluctuations.
2. Ensure Proper Ventilation
   Maintain adequate ventilation around your appliances to prevent overheating. Keep air conditioners and other heat-generating devices in well-aerated spaces to allow smooth airflow.
3. Regular Maintenance and Servicing
   Routine servicing is essential to prevent electronic damage during monsoon. The best AC repair center in Kolkata, Rup Air Condition, provides professional maintenance services to keep your AC functioning optimally despite humid conditions.
4. Keep Electronics Elevated and Dry
   Avoid placing electronic appliances on the floor, especially in areas prone to water accumulation. If possible, use moisture-absorbing materials like silica gel near sensitive electronics to keep them dry.
5. Use Dehumidifiers and Moisture Absorbers
   Investing in a dehumidifier can help control indoor humidity levels, reducing the risk of electronic malfunctioning. You can also use moisture-absorbing products like camphor, silica gel, or activated charcoal to keep your home dry.
6. Unplug Devices During Heavy Rainfall
   When there’s a thunderstorm or heavy rainfall, it’s wise to unplug non-essential electronic devices to avoid sudden power surges that can lead to electronic damage.
7. Check for Water Leakages
   Regularly inspect your home for potential leakages, especially near power sockets and electrical appliances. Fixing any leaks immediately can prevent long-term electronic damage.

Are there any specific types of surge protectors that are best for the monsoon season?

While the search results don’t specify particular brands or models, they do highlight features and types of surge protectors that are beneficial during the monsoon season:

• Types of Surge Suppressors: There are three main types: line-to-line, line-to-ground, and ground-to-neutral. Each has advantages depending on the appliance being protected and how often it needs protection.
• Whole-House Surge Protection: For comprehensive protection, consider installing surge protectors in your main electrical panel.
• Plug-in Surge Protectors: Use plug-in surge protectors for specific, high-value devices.
• DIY Surge Arrestors: Installing DIY type 3 adapter from surge arrestor devices can eliminate the probability of damage to expensive TV sets and electronic gadgets during surges created during lightning/thunderstorms.
• Surge Protection Devices (SPD): SPDs inhibit transient voltages and divert surges into the ground, thereby protecting expensive electronics and appliances. These are suitable for areas with thunderstorms and cyclone activity.

What are the best ways to protect my electronics from moisture during the monsoon?

During the monsoon, protecting electronics from moisture is essential. Here are some effective strategies:

• Waterproof Gear: Use waterproof bags and backpacks to carry electronics. Consider investing in devices with high water-resistance ratings. Brands like OtterBox and LifeProof offer robust cases.
• Silica Gel Packs: Place silica gel packets in gadget bags or cases to absorb moisture, especially for sensitive electronics like cameras and lenses. Larger desiccant packs can also provide long-term protection.
• Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes: Allow devices to gradually acclimate to temperature changes to prevent condensation. Keep them turned off and in a protective case until adjusted.
• Minimize Dust and Moisture Build-up: Clean electronics thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth, paying attention to vents and openings. Invest in covers to protect from excess moisture and dust when not in use.
• Ventilation: Ensure sufficient space around electronics for adequate airflow to prevent overheating, which can be exacerbated by humidity.
• Surge Protectors: Use surge protectors and voltage stabilizers to safeguard against power fluctuations, which are common during monsoons.
• Unplug During Thunderstorms: Disconnect devices from power sources and cable connections during thunderstorms to protect against electrical surges caused by lightning.
• Effective Grounding: Ensure proper grounding to protect electronics against high-power static currents.
• Protective Covers: Use water-resistant or waterproof covers for smartphones and tablets, ensuring they have proper seals for ports and buttons.
• Keep Gadgets Dry: Avoid exposing devices to rain or excessive moisture. Wipe devices with a dry cloth regularly to remove any accumulated moisture.
• Regular Data Backup: Back up important files to a secure cloud storage service or an external hard drive to prevent data loss if a gadget is damaged.
• Avoid Water-Exposed Areas: Keep electronics away from windows and other areas where rain or vapor can enter.
• Dehumidifiers: Use dehumidifiers to maintain optimum moisture levels. Install a humidity sensor to monitor humidity levels.
• Elevate Furniture: Use coasters or wooden blocks to elevate furniture legs off wet floors to lessen the chance of leak-related harm.

What are the best practices for cleaning electronic devices to prevent moisture damage?

To prevent moisture damage while cleaning electronic devices, follow these best practices:

• Power Down and Unplug: Always turn off the device and disconnect it from any power source before cleaning. Remove batteries if possible.
• Use a Damp Cloth, Not Wet: Moisten a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth with water or a gentle screen-cleaning solution. Ensure the cloth is damp but not dripping wet to prevent excess moisture. A mixture of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water can also be used.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Refrain from using harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach, as they can damage delicate surfaces.
• Don’t Spray Liquids Directly: Never spray liquid directly onto the device. Instead, apply the cleaning solution to the cloth first.
• Keep Liquids Away from Openings: Be cautious around ports, ventilation openings, and keyboards to prevent liquid from entering. For keyboards, apply a small amount of cleaner to a cloth and gently wipe the keys.
• Use Compressed Air: For ventilation openings, use a can of compressed air to blow away dust from a safe distance.
• Avoid Abrasive Materials: Steer clear of abrasive materials like paper towels or rough cloths, which can scratch screens and surfaces.
• Check Manufacturer Guidelines: Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your specific device.
• Dry Completely: Ensure surfaces are completely air-dried before turning the device back on. No moisture should be visible.
• Regular Maintenance: Incorporate regular cleaning into your routine to prevent excessive dirt and grime buildup.
• Proper Storage: Store devices in a cool, dry place, avoiding areas with high humidity. Use airtight containers or bags when possible.
• Handle Screens with Care: Use a delicate touch when cleaning touch screens to prevent damage or affecting responsiveness.
• Ground Yourself: For internal cleaning of devices like desktop computers, unplug the device and discharge static electricity by touching a metal surface before opening the case

Also Read: Benefits of Air Conditioner Servicing as per the best AC repair center in Kolkata

How does temperature fluctuation during the monsoon affect electronic components?

Temperature fluctuations during the monsoon can significantly affect electronic components. Here’s how:

• Thermal Expansion and Contraction: Temperature changes cause the materials within electronic devices to expand when heated and contract when cooled. This constant expansion and contraction can weaken the structural integrity of components, leading to cracks, breaks, and eventual failure.
• Material Degradation: Temperature fluctuations accelerate material breakdown processes. High temperatures can affect insulation, dielectric characteristics, and electrical conductivity due to the diffusion of impurities, chemical reactions, and physical changes in materials. This can lead to reduced performance, higher power consumption, and early failure.
• Condensation: Fluctuations between hot and cold temperatures in high-humidity environments can lead to condensation, potentially short-circuiting a device’s circuit board.
• Localized Hotspots: Improper heat management can lead to localized hotspots and greater temperature differentials, negatively affecting components like integrated circuits (ICs) and power electronics.

What are the best ways to protect electronic devices from thermal expansion and contraction during the monsoon?

The monsoon season’s temperature fluctuations can cause thermal expansion and contraction in electronic devices, potentially leading to damage. Here’s how to mitigate these effects:

• Maintain Consistent Temperature: Keep critical and expensive equipment in an air-conditioned environment to lower humidity and create a dust-free setting. Aim to maintain consistent temperatures, as sudden cooling or warming can cause condensation and further damage.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating, which can be exacerbated by high humidity levels during the monsoon. Ensure sufficient space around electronics to allow adequate airflow, helping distribute and dissipate heat efficiently.
• Minimize Temperature Swings: Keep electronic devices in a controlled environment and avoid exposing them to sudden temperature changes.
• Use Protective Measures: Use a DIY type 3 adapter from surge arrestor devices to eliminate the probability of damage to expensive TV sets and electronic gadgets during surges created during lightning/thunderstorms.
• Seal Wooden Furniture: Wooden furniture should be sealed by applying a layer of furniture polish or wax, which will provide a moisture-resistant barrier. To keep the seal intact, repeat this process every few months.
• Managing Vent Placements: Optimizing airflow patterns, minimizing obstructions, and managing vent placements help dissipate heat efficiently and maintain lower operating temperatures.
• Using Bends and Expansion Loops: The expansion and contraction can usually be accommodated in two ways: Using bends and expansion loops.

How can I safely dry an electronic device that has gotten wet?

If an electronic device gets wet, quick action can improve the chances of saving it. Here’s how to safely dry it:

1. 1. Turn it off and remove power: Immediately turn off the device to prevent short circuits. If possible, remove the battery, SIM card, memory card, and any other removable parts.
   2. Remove excess water: Gently shake the device to remove as much water as possible. Wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth, paying attention to the charging port, SIM, MicroSD slots, and headphone jack. Use cotton swabs to absorb moisture around buttons and in small crevices.

• Desiccants:

1. • Silica gel: Place the device in a container filled with silica gel beads for at least 72 hours. These beads, often found in “Do not eat” packets, are effective at absorbing moisture.
   • Thirsty Bag: For small devices, use a “Thirsty Bag,” a sealed container with molecular sieve desiccant. Heating the bag with a warming pad (not an oven) can help.
   • Other options: If silica gel isn’t available, couscous or instant rice can also work.
2. Air drying: If you don’t have desiccants, simply leaving the device open in a dry, well-ventilated area can be more effective than using rice. A small fan can speed up the drying process.
3. Avoid heat: Never use a hair dryer, oven, or other heat source, as excessive heat can damage the device’s components, especially the LCD screen.
4. Compressed air: Use a can of compressed air to blow moisture out of the device.
5. Rinsing (if necessary): If the device was submerged in liquid other than clean water (like soda or pool water), rinse it briefly with tap water, then dry it. For stubborn residue, a last resort is to rinse the device with distilled water to remove any salts or contaminants. Ensure the device is fully dried afterward.
6. Patience: Allow the device to air dry for at least a day or two before attempting to turn it on. For thorough drying, especially after liquid damage, it may take up to a week.

FAQ

• Why do electronic damages increase during monsoons?

High humidity, power fluctuations, and water seepage contribute to electronic malfunctioning during the rainy season.

• How can moisture affect electronic devices?

Moisture can lead to short circuits, corrosion, and fungal growth on circuit boards, reducing device efficiency.

• What is the best way to prevent power surges during monsoons?

Using surge protectors, voltage stabilizers, and unplugging devices during heavy storms can help prevent power surges.

• Can dehumidifiers help in preventing electronic damage?

Yes, dehumidifiers reduce indoor humidity levels, preventing moisture-related electronic malfunctioning.

• Where can I get my AC repaired in Kolkata during monsoons?

Rup Air Condition is the best AC repair center in Kolkata, offering professional services to protect your AC from monsoon-related issues.

Conclusion

Monsoons can be harsh on electronic appliances, but with the right preventive measures, you can protect your devices from damage. High humidity, power fluctuations, and water seepage are the main culprits behind electronic malfunctioning during this season. By following the tips above and opting for regular servicing, you can extend the lifespan of your appliances. If you’re facing issues with your air conditioner, trust Rup Air Condition, the best AC repair center in Kolkata, to provide top-notch repair and maintenance services. Stay prepared and keep your electronics safe this monsoon!

For professional AC servicing and repairs, contact Rup Air Condition today!