Do's & Dont's

ELECTRONICS

The Dos and Don'ts of wet circuitry

THE FIRST 24 HOURS of exposure to the effects of catastrophic damage often determine if electronic equipment can be saved. Below is a rough guideline for determining if professional restoration services are required, though actual testing helps determine the extent of damage from water, sewage, heat or chemicals.

Examples of electronic equipment that may have a limited life if not treated within 24 hours:

• Computers
• Telephone Switching
• Test Equipment
• Fax Machines
• Controls
• Medical Equipment
• Copiers
• Processing Equipment
• Sound Equipment

DE-ENERGIZE ( turn off) AFFECTED ELECTRONICS

The first priority in catastrophes is to immediately de-energize and disconnect all equipment including any battery backups. Not only is there otherwise a danger to personnel working in the area and a danger of fire from electrical shorts, but electrochemical reaction can plate contaminants onto printed circuit boards, associated connectors and backplates.

CONTROL THE HUMIDITY

The first objective of the restoration process is to remove the contaminants. If all of the equipment cannot be cleaned simultaneously, it is important that immediate steps be taken to at least arrest the corrosion process. The most important step is to control the humidity. Corrosion occurs very slowly when relative humidity is below 50%. Testing will help determine which dehumidification process is best suited: refrigerant or desiccant. Each offers advantages depending on conditions.

• Maintain the damaged electronics in an area where the relative humidity is below 50%. Move them to another area if necessary to maintain optimal humidity / temperature balance.
• If you cannot move the electronics, seal each piece from the outside elements. Be careful not to trap moisture inside the chassis. Desiccants may be required.
• If water or liquids from the fire suppression systems are visible, perform the steps outlined under the heading "Water Damage" before sealing.

TEST TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE

Two basic tests should be conducted to assess the corrosion potential in an incident involving electrical / electronic equipment. The first test uses a surface concentration of halogenides to determine the chloride corrosion potential. The second test is for pH, a measure of acidity of the contaminant, critical for establishing a baseline and a cleaning protocol. Both tests should be carried out on hard horizontal surfaces not disturbed by cleaning efforts.

CONTROL CORROSION

In cases of severe contaminant concentration, a special non-petroleum preservative may be sprayed on the equipment to completely exclude moisture and air. This very thin film is designed to be easily removable in the ongoing restoration process.

ESTABLISH A CLEANING AND QUALITY PROTOCOL

Once the corrosion process is stabilized, the appropriate cleaning and quality protocols will be applied by AmeriServ Water Damage Restoration certified technicians. A written Scope of Work will detail specific procedures to ensure quality compliance with industry and Mil Spec. Standards.

For expert service contact AmeriServ Water Damage Restoration at (888) 278-1470