Protect Your Electronics During Long-Term Storage
Posted on: 24 November 2015
If you're running out of room in your home because of a move, or you need to put things away for a long trip, your computers and other electronics need some extra care while you're gone. Unless you're going to leave your electronics in the care of someone who will actually maintain the systems, dust, humidity and other corrupting problems could be waiting for you when you get back. Before putting everything away in storage, take the time to understand what could go wrong and how you can protect your electronics during long-term storage.
What Could Go Wrong With Just Packing Up?
Many electronics may seem sturdy enough when they're turned off. Computers, for example, are made out of aluminum--or sometimes steel--and are relatively sealed. As long as you don't drop the device or bash anything against it, it's not likely to break.
The risk with storage isn't blunt force damage, but the things that could settle inside electronics over time. Dust, dirt, insects and other forms of debris can get inside electronics through vents, ports and other openings. Using the computer example, there are required vents and connection ports, such as the expansion card slot, which can be covered up with a metal plate. Not all opening have convenient covers that can be added.
Humidity can lead to corrosion on some of the metal components and contacts inside the system. It may take a while for major damage to be caused by humidity, but turning the system on while unseen moisture is inside the device can lead to burned circuits. Debris leads to a similar situation, as dust burns against electronics or at least provides a temperature-raising level of insulation.
Protecting Electronics By Sealing And Covering
The first idea to keep debris out is to seal the device, but be careful with that idea. Sealing a computer, stereo, television or other piece of electronics may keep the dust out, but humidity can still collect inside a container that isn't airtight.
Airtight containers may be a bit expensive, but it may be worth the long-term protection if the system is important enough. Along with your desired sealing technique, consider browsing through self storage facilities to see who offers humidity control, or simply choose an area that doesn't have regular humidity problems. The second idea isn't a guarantee, as weather changes can happen, but it could be a low-risk and low-cost option.
Avoid using adhesives to wrap and seal anything. The adhesive could stick to the device, which could lead to cooling issues if the vents are covered in adhesive material. Add any adhesive products to painted, solid surfaces if you must use adhesives such as tape.
Contact a self storage facility, like AA All American Airborne Self-Storage, to discuss climate, dust conditions and other situations to keep your electronics safe over long-term storage.
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