Why Electronics Can't Handle Water

Despite so many technological advancements, our electronics still can't handle water.
Loukia Papadopoulos

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Anyone who has ever dropped their cell phone in water knows just how destructive the substance can be for the device. And this is true for all electronics devices.

Why indeed is it that despite so many technical advances our electronics still can't handle water? It's because of these little things called ions. Water tends to be loaded with minerals like Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Copper, and more while moisture in the air carries other contaminants from air pollution.

When they come into contact with water, these minerals and contaminants form tiny charged particles called ions that are highly conductive of electricity. Ions, therefore, turn water into an electrolyte causing electricity to travel down a dangerous path.

This leads to a “short” that often causes irreversible damage by overheating sensitive
components. These components are then permanently damaged.

However, not all parts of electrical circuits are moisture sensitive. Some parts of PCBs and ICs can even be cleaned with non-ionized water and some solder is also water-soluble.

So how can you tell which parts need to be protected most? What can you do if your electronics do get wet? And what are some of the other negative effects of water on electronics? Watch our video to find out all that and more.

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