Here’s how to ensure your electronics remain safe this monsoon

As the monsoon season arrives, it brings with it its own set of challenges.

One of many of these challenges, and often, a difficult one to deal with, is protecting and maintaining one’s electronics, whether something as small as a smartphone or portable speaker, or large appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and TVs.

Increased humidity and moisture levels pose a severe threat to their proper functioning as well as their general lifespan.

ALSO READ: How to monsoon-proof your phones, laptops and home appliances

So, we thought we’d put together this little list of tips to safeguard them from the adverse effects of the monsoon, and ensure that they remain in top condition, come rain or sunshine.

5 tips to protect your electronics this monsoon

1. Minimise dust and moisture build-up

Dust and moisture are more often than not, the main reasons for damage to all electronic equipment, big or small. Therefore, in order to protect them, start by cleaning them thoroughly using a soft cloth, preferably microfiber, paying attention to both, the primary surface, as well as vents and openings. Furthermore, consider investing in covers to protect them from excess moisture and dust when not in use. Also ensure that the vicinity around your electronics is also always clean and dry. To do the same, consider using dehumidifiers or even silica gel packets around them. These help in reducing humidity levels, preventing issues such as corrosion or short circuits.

2. Keep your devices well ventilated

Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating. Now, one may assume that overheating is a phenomenon one sees in electronics only during the summer. However, the chances of the same during monsoons are also as high, if not more, owing to higher humidity levels. Therefore, one must ensure that there is a sufficient amount of space left around where one’s electronics are placed, so as to allow for adequate airflow, which helps distribute and dissipate heat efficiently and as a result, avoid any potential damage due to overheating.

3. Use surge protectors

Power fluctuations are not uncommon during the monsoon. If left unchecked, they can wreak havoc on your electronics. Therefore, to safeguard them against the same, consider investing in surge protectors and voltage stabilisers. These devices absorb the excess voltage and stabilise currents during a surge, and provide protection against electrical damage to one’s appliances.

ALSO READ: 7 tips to rain proof your laptops this monsoon

5. Unplug devices during thunderstorms

During thunderstorms, lightning strikes can render your electronics unusable in seconds. To protect them from any electrical surges caused due to lightning, it is generally a good idea to unplug them from their power sources and disconnect any other cable connections.

6. Ensure effective grounding

Proper grounding can provide your electronics with effective protection against high-power static currents. A solid grounding helps the safety and performance of sensitive electronic equipment, while also ensuring one is better protected against electrocution from the same.