Electronic devices and tech gadgets can make your life and your job significantly easier. However, they can come with a high price tag. As a consumer, you expect them to serve you for as long as possible. Electronic devices have a reasonable lifespan generally, and manufacturers are consistently working on hardware and software improvements. However, the lifespan of a device also depends on the user.
Read on to discover how to protect your electronics and gadgets from damage.
Beware of Electrical Surges
Electrical surges are invisible fluctuations in the energy supplied to your electronics and represent a significant danger to your devices. Power surges are more frequent during thunderstorms, so you should always unplug every device in your home if a storm is approaching. Although some electronic devices are designed to withstand power surges, you cannot reliably know which of your devices has good surge protection.
Another important thing to consider is that old electrical panels can have a challenging time meeting the energy needs of a modern household. Thus, they are more prone to surges. If you live in an older home, inspect your electrical panel regularly. Take the right steps to make sure your electrical panel works optimally. Something as simple as installing high-quality zinsco breakers to corresponding electrical systems can eliminate safety hazards.
As an extra protection measure, always unplug your electronic devices after using them. Alternatively, you can purchase a reliable surge protector.
Avoid Excessive Heat
Electronics and gadgets are made from various metal and plastic components. In general, the electrical or electronic parts are not sensitive to heat. However, they are surrounded by or connected to plastic components that are prone to melt at high temperatures.
Leaving your laptop or tablet on a car dashboard in the sun exposes the plastic components to excessive heat. Your device could die on the spot if you try to turn it on. Unfortunately, if one of the parts of your device or gadget has melted, there’s little you can do. To prevent losing your valuable electronics, never leave them in the sun or take them to the beach. Remember that electronic devices can also overheat if they’re used to their maximum capacity for long periods. Computers, smartphones, or tablets are at higher risk due to using higher processing power.
Heat can ruin your electronic devices and gadgets, and you may not be able to repair them in case of long exposure to high temperatures. Prevention is key.
Keep Liquids Away
There isn’t an image more symbolic for the contemporary age than that of a person typing on a laptop while sipping on a cup of warm coffee. This is how every day begins for millions of people. However, coffee and electronics are not a good mix. Spilling coffee on the keyboard can destroy a laptop. Thus, a second of inattention is enough to cause an office disaster.
Liquids are a massive danger to electronic devices. Unfortunately, liquid spills are common. When there is an electronic device or gadget nearby, you cannot tell what will happen. The level of damage will depend on the type of liquid and whether the device was powered on or not. If the liquid is a good conductor of electricity, the incident will cause a short circuit with immediate effects. In other cases, the device may continue to work, but there might be long-term consequences. For example, water can cause the corrosion of metal components.
Liquids, especially water, can kill electronic devices. Whether we’re talking about submersion or spills, you can expect some level of damage. The only liquid that will not cause harm is pure water, which is rare to have around the house. Most drinking water contains some impurities or minerals.
Handle Your Electronics and Gadgets with Care
Many electronic devices and gadgets are too fragile to survive more than three or four falls. An effective way to protect them from damage is to take precautionary measures. For example, you can use cases for your smartphone, laptop, and tablet, which can minimize the impact of a fall by absorbing the shock. Similarly, you can use various mounts and holders to keep your electronics and gadgets firmly in place.
You can never tell what will happen if you drop a device. Some electronics are sturdy and can survive multiple falls with only minor scratches. Others are extra sensitive. Do not give up on a device just because an exterior component is broken. It may continue to work perfectly well even with a shattered case or screen.
Clean Your Devices and Gadgets Regularly
Make it a habit to clean the surfaces of your electronic devices and gadgets. Grime, dirt, bacteria, and dust can accumulate over overtime, blocking vents, fans, or buttons. No matter how tiny they are, these foreign particles can slow down your devices and cause various amounts of damage. The danger of excessive dust is very familiar to everyone who has a computer or laptop. Dust contributes to faster deterioration and can drastically reduce the lifespan of a computer. To eliminate this risk, dust off your electronics regularly. Use a small vacuum cleaner or a microfiber cloth.
Final Words
To prolong the lifespan of your electronic devices and gadgets, use them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In addition, protect them from things that can cause damage, such as high humidity, excessive heat, liquid spills, power surges, falls, or dust.
Pay extra attention to your portable devices such as laptops, smartphones, or speakers. What devices do you have on you all the time and carry outdoors? What devices do you add to your luggage when going on a vacation? These face more risks than those that are exclusively for home use. You may be able to work just fine from your laptop in the sun in your local park, but not from a tropical beach.
Use the information above to keep your electronics and gadgets safe. This will help you avoid unnecessary expenses. You will also avoid losing valuable personal data stored on the devices.
