How to Secure an Electronic Device Around Water

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Electronic devices around water in any capacity must be kept in waterproof enclosures whenever possible. In addition to helping to ensure that these devices will work as they are supposed to, keeping them dry will also help prevent the need to replace these costly items every time they are exposed to rain or other sources of water.

In order to keep your valuable electronics free from water and in good working order, consider the following tips.

Purchase a Pre-Made Waterproof Enclosure

Depending on what type of electronics you need to keep waterproof, you might be able to purchase a waterproof enclosure. For example, YONGU offers a series of enclosures in more than 30 standard sizes and styles that are designed to keep pricey devices safe from the elements. These enclosures are ideal for larger pieces of equipment that you might find in commercial buildings, utility infrastructures, offshore equipment, and other situations. These IP68 enclosures are designed to protect electronic equipment against water spray and dust. The IP68 rating means it will also protect electronic equipment from immersion in water for up to half an hour.

Build Your Own Waterproof Box

If you wish to keep your smartphone or tablet safe and dry, and you don’t need something large and commercially made, you can certainly create your own waterproof enclosure. As Rapid Direct notes, start by learning all you can about which materials you will need to buy, which waterproof closure seal design is most effective and how to create a waterproof seal. For example, it is virtually impossible to create a waterproof enclosure without the help of o-rings and gaskets. O-rings are made from a variety of different polymers, some of which are especially ideal for keeping water out of an enclosure. Viton fluorocarbon o-rings are an outstanding choice for this type of project. With their resistance to high temperatures and chemicals and proven ability as a vacuum seal, these seals are known as the “universal” o-ring.

Create a Prototype

The first waterproof enclosure you create should be a basic prototype that can be made from inexpensive basic materials for the housing. For instance, rather than spending a great deal of money on expensive metals for your practice enclosure, use more budget-friendly plastic for your first attempts. You can still fit the o-rings and gaskets into the plastic material and get a good idea of how the enclosure will function and look. Once you have the enclosure to your liking, you can create the final product with the more expensive parts.

Keep It as Simple as You Can

If the idea of creating your own waterproof enclosure has you feeling understandably nervous, here’s some good news: when it comes to creating an effective waterproof seal, simple is best. For instance, o-rings are circular for a good reason; this basic shape is ideal for openings in a waterproof container. Also, if you can, avoid the temptation to design an enclosure that requires seals between multiple parts. The more complex your design and the more seals it contains, the harder it is to ensure everything is working uniformly. Keep in mind that o-rings and gaskets, while amazing in their own right, will not last forever; after you create an effective waterproof enclosure, test it from time to time on items that can withstand getting wet. If you spot drops of H2O in the enclosure, it’s time to replace the seals.

Buying or DIY-ing, Either Option Is Solid

By investing in commercial-grade waterproof enclosures or creating your own that are customized to your specific needs, you can rest assured that your expensive items will not become figurative paperweights if they end up in the water.

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