April showers bring water intrusion and water intrusion results in damaged and malfunctioning equipment.
It never rains in Southern California, or so we thought until “El Nino” came to town. This year is proving to be one of the wettest in recent history and not just for California. Rainfall rates all over the country have been higher than the normal average according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) web site. Above-average precipitation was observed along the West Coast, Midwest, Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi River Valley. Seven states were much wetter than average.
Record-breaking rain events at both the beginning and end of March caused significant flooding across parts of the Lower Mississippi River Valley. Memphis, Tennessee, and Little Rock, Arkansas each had their wettest March on record with 16.20 inches and 12.33 inches of rain, respectively. This weather is anticipated to continue throughout the Spring. If your equipment is not protected from water intrusion, you may be in for some trouble.
So what exactly happens when water gets into electronic and mechanical equipment? The answer is fairly simple. In electronic equipment water molecules are conductive meaning they can carry the electricity between components like a bare wire. If you have ever gotten your cell phone wet, then you know what I am talking about. The moisture causes the components to short circuit or become overloaded with electricity consequently damaging or destroying the phone. In mechanical equipment the damage is not as readily evident. Water intrusion can cause a slower corrosive effect that will, over time, cause the equipment to malfunction. This is normally seen as rust. Given sufficient time, oxygen and water on any iron or steel mass, will cause rust to eventually form. Rusting of components will consequently lead to failure and costly replacement.
In both cases there is a fairly easy and cost effective solution. A quick and easy fix for the phone is to put a waterproof cover on it. It may not be 100% effective, but it will greatly reduce the possibility of damage due to moisture if used and installed properly. This same concept can be used on larger equipment and components. Waterproof, anti-corrosion covers are relatively inexpensive and can add years of life to equipment by protecting it from the environment and water intrusion. The military has been a longtime proponent of using these types of covers on their vehicles, weapon systems, and equipment.
So this April, save yourself some heartache and consider using a waterproof equipment cover to protect you from El Nino.
Transhield offers cutting-edge protective covers and anti-corrosion technology. Patented and proven, we can reduce costs and provide durability and endurance. Whether it’s Industrial, Transportation, or Wind Energy, Transhield has the solution for your protective cover needs. Contact us today to get in touch.