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ENVIRONMENT · PROTECTION

How Do You Prevent Condensation on Electronics?

Condensation forms when a surface is colder than the dew point of the air around it, so moisture in the air turns to water on it. To prevent it on electronics, keep their surfaces above the dew point, for example with a steady heat load or heaters, seal the enclosure, control humidity with desiccants or breather vents, and protect boards with conformal coating.

01

The Short Answer

Risk is highest where cold and warm air meet: the doors of a cold store, an outdoor cabinet at dawn, or equipment brought in from a cold vehicle. A computer that runs continuously can help itself, because its own heat keeps the chassis slightly warmer than its surroundings, above the point where moisture condenses.

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    Keep it running A steady heat load keeps the chassis above dew point.
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    Seal and vent Sealed enclosures with pressure-equalising breathers.
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    Acclimatise Let cold equipment warm up before powering it in humid air.
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    Coat the boards Conformal coating protects against moisture that does form.
02

Why It Matters

Our conformal coating FAQ and conduction cooling FAQ go deeper. The cold-chain case study shows a computer at the warm-to-cold interface of a refrigerated warehouse.