5 Simple Steps for Protecting Your Electrical Equipment from Corrosion

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage and Corrosion Can Slow Down Business and Be Extremely Costly

Today's businesses rely heavily on electronic equipment. From lighting to computers and machinery. For this reason, it is vital that remediation after flooding is done correctly in your commercial building.

Corrosion Damage

Corrosion is silent in most cases however a huge danger to your appliances. If not dealt with correctly, this can very costly to your business, both financially and with intangibles, such as vital information on your computers.

How Does Corrosion Happen and How Do I Avoid It?

Corrosion is caused by moisture within the area. This moisture creates iron oxide, commonly known as rust. This rust stops the flow of electric currents and can make your equipment useless. To avoid corrosion it's important to prevent or remove the moisture. 

Examples of areas in your commercial business where corrosion can impact your workflow include:

• Power outlets
• Circuit interruptors
• Light switches
• Timers
• Computers
• Machinery

How to Remove Corrosion In Your Electrical Equipment

During the water damage or flooding clean up process it is very important to consider all steps. Be careful! If not dealt correctly, the damage can be unnecessarily substantial. With handling vital components of your business (i.e. computers and other vital equipment) we would recommend using a professional. A professional knows exactly how to tackle the issues in the fastest and safest way possible. Remember: time is money in business.

If using a professional is not an option, here are some steps to be aware of:

1. Disconnect ALL electrical devices: this is important for your safety and the safety of the equipment. If exposed to water the devices may blow or the electric current passing through the water may pose a danger to you.
2. Look for White or Green Build Up: these appear where the "connectors" are exposed. For example: charging ports on devices, exposed wires etc. This white or green build up is a sign of corrosion.
3. Use Cotton Swabs or Cloth: combine these with a gentle cleaning solution will allow you to clean and remove the corrosion. 
4. A Gentle Cleaning Solution: suggestions include: 1. baking soda and water 2. white vinegar or 3. methylated spirits or full grain alcohol.
5. Let Them Dry Completely: This is vital. If the areas are not fully dried out, the risk of corrosion is high. So you will have done all that work for nothing.

The Benefits of not DIY'ing This

• DIY may void your insurance. Professional care doesn't
• DIY may void your equipment warranties.
• A professional will be faster (time is money in business)
• More thorough job, and then they are responsible for the quality of the job, not your staff who are likely to be inexperienced in this type emergency.
• Minimal to no risk to yourself or your staff.

It's for these reasons we always recommend using a professional for removing corrosion in your electrical equipment. If you are not sure of who to use, contact SERVPRO of Wood, Richie & Pleasants Counties and we will happily help suggest someone.

We hope that this was helpful. Please be sure to share this on your Facebook, LinkedIn or anywhere else, so that others can know what to do in this situation because this is one area that most business owners do not think about. 

- The Team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties