Water layers can reduce resistance, slow circuit speeds, distort waveforms, and cause delays in electronic circuits. Conductive layers of water can cause corrosion and even failure of electronics. To protect electronic circuits from moisture, various materials are available. Rubberized spray creates a waterproof barrier that prevents water from seeping into devices, keeping them safe from damage. Ingress ratings are a formalized system that describes how well an enclosure or design can protect electronic equipment from environmental factors.
One common method is clear nail varnish, which is the easiest and most common method hobbyists use to prevent moisture and dust from getting on a circuit board. Clear coat spray paint from the hardware store can be used to add water resistance to a PCB, but it’s important to thoroughly clean the board. Dielectric grease, hydrophobic in nature, improves insulation and prevents electrical connection by providing a barrier to moisture intrusion.
Most affordable methods for adding water resistance to a PCB include sticking the board into molten parfine or covering it with silicone. Potting solid-state electronics in bitumen, epoxy, or silicone works moderately well, or sealing them in a water-tight container. Rubberized spray forms a protective barrier around electronics, making them completely waterproof. This circuit board waterproofing spray puts minimum stress on components during thermal cycling, making it ideal for applications involving a wide range of temperatures.
A cheaper solution is running a waterproof cable from the submerged device to a dryer where user controls can be mounted.
📹 How to Waterproof Electronics || Nail Polish, Silicone, Potting Compound
In this video we will find out how well nail polish, silicone and potting compound can waterproof electronics and how well they can …
Can I use silicone sealant on electronics?
Silicone is safe for electronics, but it should be avoided with adhesive sealants using Acetoxy crosslinkers. Neatral cure silicones are safe due to their non-corrosive by-products. Silicone encapsulants and coatings offer protection for electronic components from harsh environments. CHT manufactures silicones that are safe for use on electronics, but it is important to avoid silicone adhesive sealants using Acetoxy crosslinkers. For more information on silicones for electronics, click here.
How to protect a circuit board from moisture?
Conformal coatings are materials that offer significant protection against humidity and water uptake, preventing the growth of conductive salts or filaments between exposed metals on surface layers. They also shield components from moisture uptake, providing additional protection against noxious or corrosive substances that could damage them. Conformal coatings can also absorb electromagnetic radiation at radio frequencies, acting as an EMI shielding barrier.
If desired, these coatings can be applied through a mask. To prevent moisture from entering the device, it is essential to design an IP-rated enclosure and use IP-rated connectors. Ingress protection (IP) ratings categorize electronic products in terms of their resistance to solid or liquid ingress. High-IP-rated enclosures and connectors with waterproofing ratings are available for use. Mating connectors for M12 cables are available in IP-6X rated versions, which can be directly mounted to a PCB.
Does spray on waterproofing work?
Waterproof sprays are effective in protecting shoes from moisture, but their performance depends on various factors. Some materials, like suede, leather, and synthetic fabrics, work better with waterproof sprays than others. Spray-on and roll-on waterproofing is the perfect solution for adding weatherproof protection to hiking boots or other footwear. These products are easy to apply and provide genuine waterproofness without altering the color or durability of the shoe’s uppers.
They cover a wide range, including supple leather and suede, canvas, mixed textiles, and dry-clean-only fabrics like silk and wool. Most of these treatments can also be used on apparel, luggage, and furniture. They work by adding a hydroponic layer to the shoe’s upper, forcing water to bead and roll off rather than sink in. The best waterproof sprays are easy to apply, work on light-colored suede without changing appearance, and provide stain protection.
How do you waterproof an electronic circuit?
Waterproof circuitry is a crucial aspect of electronic devices, as they are vulnerable to moisture and water damage, which can cause corrosion, short circuits, and complete electronic failure. Two main approaches to creating waterproof circuitry are conformal coating, which involves spraying or brushing the board with a thin protective layer of sealant, and potting, which fills the entire electronic assembly with a waterproof resin or polymer compound by submersion or injection molding. These boards are designed to prevent water or moisture from interfering with the function of electronic components and connections, ensuring their durability and longevity.
How do you waterproof electrics?
This video tutorial demonstrates three methods for waterproofing electrical connections: liquid electrical tape, self-fusing silicone tape, and adhesive-lined heat shrink tube. To apply these products, power must be disconnected, the area is free of moisture, and the residue is clean. These products are available at hardware stores, automotive suppliers, and electrical or electronic suppliers. They can be used on various applications such as boats, marine vehicles, off-road vehicles, dirt bikes, tractors, farm equipment, and more.
To waterproof electrical connections, mix liquid electrical tape with self-fusing silicone tape, apply it to the exposed joint, wait 10 minutes between coats, and allow 4 hours to dry. This product can be applied to soldered joints, butt connectors, male and female spade connectors, stationary connections, and screwed-on connections. It is important to ensure the area is clean and free of moisture to ensure the adhesion of these products.
How to protect electronics from water?
Epoxy is a widely utilized potting material for electronic components, serving to enclose the entire printed circuit board (PCB) for the purposes of waterproofing and enhancing the mechanical strength of the assembly. Silicone, while exhibiting inferior mechanical strength compared to epoxy, displays enhanced flexibility and is employed in potting or conformal coatings. Urethane is a waterproofing material that exhibits a balance of mechanical strength and flexibility.
What is the best sealant for electronics?
RTV silicone is a good barrier to moisture and lasts longer than silicone, making it a useful supplement sealer for repairing gaskets in electronics assemblies. The IP rating (Ingress Potential) is an international standard that rates the degree of protection or sealing effectiveness in electrical enclosures. It identifies the appropriate environment for a given electrical component, covering susceptibility to solid objects and the level of moisture protection the enclosure can provide.
Gaskets, RTV, and silicone make the enclosures waterproof in the true sense. Techspray, an industry leader since 1968, has been assisting electronics manufacturers by prioritizing effectiveness and safety. Their extended line of conformal coatings protects PCBAs from dirt, moisture, vibration, and thermal shocks, providing excellent dielectric strength.
How to protect electronic devices from humidity?
To protect your electronics during the monsoon season, follow these tips:
Minimize dust and moisture build-up by cleaning your electronics thoroughly with a soft cloth, preferably microfiber, and investing in covers to protect them from excess moisture and dust. Ensure the vicinity around your electronics is clean and dry by using dehumidifiers or silica gel packets to reduce humidity levels and prevent issues like corrosion or short circuits.
Keep your devices well ventilated to prevent overheating, which is common during monsoons due to higher humidity levels. Ensure sufficient space around your electronics to allow for efficient heat distribution and avoid potential damage.
Use surge protectors and voltage stabilizers to protect your electronics from power fluctuations. These devices absorb excess voltage and stabilize currents during surges, providing protection against electrical damage to your appliances. By following these tips, you can help ensure the safety and longevity of your electronics during the monsoon season.
How to make electronic water resistant?
This instructable discusses various methods for protecting circuit boards from environmental damage, focusing on printed circuit boards. The methods include clear nail varnish, special PCB varnish, UV curable soldermask, and clear silicone adhesive. These methods are practical and affordable, using chemicals that can be easily purchased at home. The video provides an overview of each method, its advantages and disadvantages, and provides links to the necessary supplies.
The instructional video is recommended for a comprehensive understanding of these methods and their applications. The tips and tricks can be applied to other applications as well, making these methods more accessible and affordable. The video also provides a link to purchase the necessary supplies.
How can you protect electrical from water?
Water and electricity are not compatible, and it is crucial to protect your electrics from potential water leaks. To prevent electrical fires, turn off the electrical supply to your home immediately and position sockets higher up the wall. Install a water leak detection system and have a professional leak detection survey completed.
In case of a pipe burst, turn off the electrical supply to your home via the main fuse box to protect yourself and your appliances from electrocution. If you have experienced many water leaks or live in a flood plain, consider positioning your plug sockets higher up the wall for a more permanent solution. Prevention is always better than a cure, and professional leak detection services can help ensure your home is safe and secure.
How do you protect electrical connections from water?
Nye Lubricants recommends using Tribosyn 330, a specialist dielectric connector grease, to prevent moisture ingress in connectors. This grease, which is cheaper and has the same chemistry and performance as Nyogel 760G, is used by automotive suppliers and manufacturers. It resists water and salt water, prevents fretting corrosion, and contact wear, improving reliability and extending the connector’s functional life. The grease is fully synthetic and won’t dry up or evaporate away.
It’s recommended to use it only when un-mating and re-mating a connector. Nye Lubricants and its partners do not recommend silicone-based contact sprays for electrical applications due to several reasons.
📹 How to Waterproof Electronics (the clean way)
HEY btw I’m making these soft mounts for quads if you wanna check them out: …
Hey! Great article!! I use that stuff too, although I will probably use it more often now, after perusal your article. Also, this particular brand of conformal coating can be seen with an ultra-violet light after it is applied. I use the UV light from a UV “5 second” glue kit to see were the coating is and to see if I have missed any spots, works well! Thanks for sharing your stuff! M
I use plasti dip on my circuit boards. Its rubber feel like material but its in liquid form when applied so it makes like one thick rubber mat over the board. Its also easy to peel of since mine is black (u can get other colors too, to mach your build) Its cost effective, my jar cost like 35 euros and its half liter and it is going to last me forever. It is also much better in my opinion to have some solid color than transparent since in that way you can be sure that every component on your circuit board is covered with it. It also doesn’t ruin your welder tips since you can peel it off if needed and be sure there is none of it left on the solder joint section.
I didn’t realize they were so fast and responsive. It’s like a remote viewing experience. I need one! I’d want more than just a conformal coating though. A triple layer protection protocol, like conformal coating on the bare components, layer of flex seal, then something similar to a cell phone case.
lol, doing the Snow Bunny hop at the end! just shared ur article with fb RDU FPV, recommending a local flyer to use his wing to record people with speed and exotic cars while they drive. and, i mentioned the chemical and ordered a bottle of MG Chemicals 422B-55ML Silicone Conformal Coating, 55 ml – thank you!
I can see this working very well for wet conditions but wonder about water proof, as in dumping it in a pond or other body of water. Have you tried that? I’ve already ordered a bottle regardless, looks so much better than CorrosionX or epoxy. Good stuff as usual Sam. I’m jealous of your quickly learned flying skills, those dives through the mountain road trees were awesome.
Thank Samm, nice flying, glad to see a crash, I was just asking how does he not hit those wires, I would hit them every time like a magnet, and then you did. LoL, nice to see others crash some times too! I use that stuff because I was burning out esc boards all the time. using the brush had 50/50 results. worked a few times but then the boards torched. the brush was way too messy for me and I guess I missed spaots some how, so I now us a small compressor and hobby air brush to apply it very nice finish and it works great. A little extra work but looks neat and works great. anyway thank agian and keep em flying!
West Washington is a way better place to fly than boring Illinois. Bringing my quad out there this year when visiting family. I’ll probably hit every tree though. lol. Awesome article and thank you for all your research, trials and time putting all this together for all of us. I’m ordering this coating today and applying it this weekend.
this stuff is awesome! I have been using it for quite a while and have had no issues at all. awesome flying from the moving car. if you have a black light that coating will glow if you shine it on the part so you can see if you missed anywhere or after working on it to be sure you didn’t scrape any off
i like the idea but this product 422B contains xylene, toluene and acetone. The thinner looks to be straight acetone. Though it’s suppose to be meant for electronics, circuit boards etc, my concern is it eating away at some component they got cheap and installed on the boards. You never know… Also for best results it’s calling for baked/heat curing. Off the top of my head I believe the temp they recommended for heat curing was 65C. Not positive about that number so check first. I’m looking at a couple others that don’t contain the harsh solvents. Though i may still go with MG Chemicals 422B. Thanks for sharing your findings and build for waterproofing. Cool vid.. no pun intended. 😀
Nice 😀 I tried the CorrosionX (HD) method and it works, but it attracts all sort of dirt and dust. Did you do something with your camera lenses to prevent them from getting wet? That was my biggest problem flying in dense fog – the lense was sprinkled with water droplets within seconds and I was glad that I knew the area very well^^
don’t forget about your camera, I used liquid tape for mine all the way around everything up to the edges of the lens. also, don’t put conformal over switches or push buttons in the Vtx. I filled my Vtx with corrosion X inside the heat shrink, then liquid taped the ends and connector… my quad should be fully submersible now. too nervous to test still.
I think one issue, even if the silicone actually resist high temp on its own, is the electronic cannot cool as well. Might not be an issue for the FC, but the ESC will get hotter faster, and might fail (or stop working) sooner, depending on their safety threshold on temperature. Likely not much an issue when flying in the winter time.
Nice article but It screwed me up when I heard your 3D printer “Singing” in the background because I had my 3D printer going while I was perusal and I was like “WTF is going on with my printer?” then I realized I was hearing two at the same time, haha. Also what did the guy say in the red car who was driving by?
Great article and follow up. I have seen this a bunch of times. What about Dielectric grease on the plugs & connectors. Seems like that would be a great solution for extreme waterproofing. I live by the shore so not too much snow, just a whole bunch of salt water 😧😲😱. I will try it (of course by accident), and I know to rinse it with distilled water. Great article
Yesterday I flew on a large field where the grass had just been cut. The time before that I flew on a field with a baseball field with some type of slimey algae growing in the infield. Of course I crashed in both and they were a mess to get out of all the nooks and crannies in the boards. If I had waterproofed the quads, couldn’t I just take them home and run them under the water to clean all the gunk out of everywhere? That would have saved me a whole lot of time and effort! It was tedious! To me, that’s one of the biggest benefits of waterproofing, if you guys think I could flush the gunk out with a faucet dunk…
For all the people confused and asking about acrylic vs silicone. DO NOT USE acrylic. Not only does it lack resistance to heat… it also does not flex. when it dries it dries HARD, so any time you crash or cause any kind of vibration or jolt you get cracks in the acrylic and it WILL FAIL! Silicone not only handles the heat better, it also flexes with jolts and crashes. It also adheres better to itself than acrylic… So when you solder and re-apply you get a nice thick SINGLE layer… instead of multiple layers that have hardened on top of each other, again causing cracks. It is important to get the silicone conformal coating… or you are wasting your time and money. Hence why Le Drib did not like the stuff. he used acrylic and of course it failed. Do it right, and never worry again!!
OMG,! that’s the stuff ! it’s really expensive. but holy smokes it’s gonna be worth it. That was one of the coolest things that I’ve ever seen man! Thanks for taking all that time to make this article. it turned out great ! I subbed and I’m gonna share this with my friends that I fly with. Maybe i can split the cost with them . 👍😆
hey whats up, im enjoying your Content, pretty decent! but im from Germany and i cant get this lubricant here in Germany this little bottle costs about 90$ and thats a way toooo much! You said that ist just like Nailpolish, can i use clear nailpolish to do that work? Another option for me is WD-40 Specialist Silikon Spray, a saw a vid and it worked… now my question what do you say or do you have a solution for me? -Jonny ;P
May I keep that bottle SMCC #422B in the fridge or freezing it?? I am afraid my room temp. will be higher than normal, because my room has very high heat in winter! I read infor. on the label, but it did not say anything like “Do not freezing it”. Would you like to give me the best idea? Thanks a lot!
so any issues with this product? i here autobotix brand but not sure what to use? i have fpv race quad but just in case i get caught in rain or something stupid happens. I do have question about my fpv cam would i take apart to make sure it coated hs 1177 rotor riot cam. I may try this if you reccomend over the aibotix stuff
The stuff is’t easy to come by in Europe, specially in Germany. But I found some sources: Original Reseller from Poland: e-praud.de/Schutzuberzuge-fur-Elektronik-und-Elektrotechnik/Schutzkonform-berzuge-fur-Druckplatten/MG-CHEMICALS-422B-Silikonhaltiger-Konformschutzuberzug racequadgear.de from Germany: racequadgear.de/Silicone-Conformal-Coating-by-MG-Chemicals-30ML
Do plugs cut through the coating if you get it on a connector? I noticed that you seemed to be getting some of the coating drawn into connectors by capillary action. I’d be especially paranoid about getting too close to the DIP switches, but you seem to have a lot of experience with this stuff, so I guess it isn’t a problem. I’ve used epoxy and silicone. Use only two part silicone. Do not use the air-hardening single part silicone used for caulking (if it smells like strong vinegar then do not use it). I put silicone around connectors and switches. Then I coat with epoxy. The silicone prevents the epoxy from clogging connectors and switches. This type of coating is likely too heavy for your use, but it will survive heavy vibration under 3 feet of salt water. It even survives going through the laundry and dryer (accidental test). I have a spray can of conformal coating that I’ve never even used. I didn’t realize it was so durable. You seem to have good success with it in obviously harsh conditions. Should you ever get a failure in your coating here is the procedure I use to get rid of water from devices. If the device is totally waterlogged then I first rinse in distilled water. If only a little wet then I skip the distilled water step — unless the device was wet with salt water, then I always rinse with distilled water; next submerge device in 99% isopropyl alcohol and agitate for 5 minutes; remove and drain; set device in oven at 120 to 140 degrees F. You can add a tray of desiccant in the oven.
Hi,i have an electric long-board, i need to waterproof the 2 wires that lead to the 2 motors which are located in the wheels, the charge port, the on and off button and the male and female battery connections, would appreciate the help, researched wd40 apparently can damage electronics for reasons such as it conducts electricity. can i not use this product for my needs ? also, enjoy my subscription for your skill with a drone, and any recommendations for drones for freerunning/parkour articles?
This shit doesn’t work for me at all! I covered my drone electronics 3 layers and after fall in the the river I just burnt 3 of 4 stm on esc. Previous time I fell in snow and burnt stm on flight controller and 1 stm on esc. Thanks God I have a friend who knows electronics and explained me how to make diagnostics and repair this boards buying 10$ stm for a fc and 6$ stm for esc, but not buying 100$ stack again and again