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Re: Saltwater Air Humidification: Effects on Electronics & Minimizing Negative Impact

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Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
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  • #1 17244641
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
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    #2 17244653
    Vinnic
    Level 16  
    Posts: 158
    Help: 18
    Rate: 20
    Of course. Moisture + salt - masonry corrosion, also for electronics. I was undergoing something similar but not salt but iodine. 2-3 drops per 2.5l of water.
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    #3 17244665
    Radiokiller
    Level 30  
    Posts: 1299
    Help: 156
    Rate: 235
    That's nice.
    Brine is a GUIDE! and its presence in electronic devices may (if this has not already happened) lead to their damage.
    It is not written what devices they are. There is a possibility of washing them, but you need an ultrasonic bath and you won't do it at home.
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  • #4 17244666
    andseg
    Level 20  
    Posts: 303
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    Hello. Moist, salty fog can definitely damage electronics.
    I advise you from the room where the humidifier works, remove the TV, etc.
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  • #5 17244675
    Radiokiller
    Level 30  
    Posts: 1299
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    Walls, sockets and switches are also probably covered with salt and can pose a threat. This problem is a priority.
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    #6 17244684
    jack63
    Level 43  
    Posts: 11701
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    This effect can be caused by poor ventilation.
    Most often tight windows, sealing ventilation grills, etc.
    I advise you to check it.
    I don't think that was a good idea?
  • #7 17244691
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #8 17244703
    Radiokiller
    Level 30  
    Posts: 1299
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    Rate: 235
    Klapsa2503 wrote:
    At the moment, everything works, I am more worried about the long-term effect of such a mixture.

    This does not bode well, especially since you use a humidifier and there is a lot of moisture in the atmosphere of your home.
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  • #9 17244822
    jack63
    Level 43  
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    This electronics doesn't hurt much. It's a thing. I would worry more about a child. It is not known at what age and health. The point is not to "reveal yourself", but to take age-appropriate steps.
    If the child had inhalation recommended, it had to be done locally, not generally. In the past, a towel was thrown on a head similar to a hot water garage.
    Also, using a humidifier at this time of year is strange to me. Now you need to dehydrate the air rather than humidify.
    I repeat. Check ventilation or better call someone someone knows and has measuring instruments.
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    #10 17245039
    Tommy82
    Level 41  
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    Just like colleagues above corrosion + potential short circuits.
    However, the effect can be "deferred" in time. If something is only salty now, when moisture occurs, corrosion and potential electronic damage due to conduction will start.
    Especially devices that have active cooling, i.e. some forced air circulation, e.g. laptop / computer, could hug more salt.
  • #11 17245172
    Anonymous
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  • #12 20822483
    evil_core
    Level 11  
    Posts: 5

    I know that the topic is old, but people can search it not good to end up with a nonsense thesis that if the devices (such as TV) are not used at night (and only then the humidifier is running), then "do not absorb salt"

    Fact that the work with active air cooling (increased airflow) would cause faster deposition of salt. However, even in those with passive cooling (and open chassis), anyway, salt will be deposited (this also applies to turned-off devices). Except for high-end TV monitors (which require active cooling), most are passively cooled (so whether they worked at night or not - it doesn't matter that much)

    Rarely does anyone use industrial computers (and other devices designed to work in harsh conditions) at home, and they are the only ones that are fairly tightly sealed (the heat exchanger in them is the casing, which acts as a heat sink).
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers around the effects of saltwater air humidification on electronics, prompted by a user's concern about potential damage to devices due to prolonged exposure to salty fog from an ultrasonic humidifier. Participants highlight the risks of corrosion and short circuits caused by moisture and salt accumulation on electronic components, including TVs, computers, and other appliances. Recommendations include removing sensitive devices from the humidified area, checking ventilation, and considering the long-term impact of salt deposits. The conversation emphasizes that even devices not actively in use can still accumulate salt, particularly those with passive cooling systems. Users express concern for both electronics and health, suggesting localized humidification methods instead of general room humidification.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Even 2–3 drops per 2.5 L can leave residues; “Moisture + salt — corrosion, also for electronics.” Power down, clean, ventilate, and stop using saline humidifiers to avoid shorts and long‑term damage. [Elektroda, Vinnic, post #17244653]

Why it matters: For homeowners who accidentally ran a saline humidifier, this FAQ explains risks and fast fixes for PCs, TVs, outlets, and walls.

Quick Facts

  • Keep indoor RH at 30–50% (never above 60%) to limit corrosion and mold. [EPA, 2021]
  • Typical electronics cleanliness spec: 1.56 µg/cm² NaCl‑equivalent (ROSE test) on assembled PCBs. [IPC, 2017]
  • Use only distilled/demineralized water in humidifiers; do not add salt or other additives; avoid “white dust.” [CDC, 2022]
  • Residential ventilation baseline: approx. 0.35 ACH or 7.5 cfm/person to dilute indoor aerosols. [ASHRAE, 2016]
  • Even turned‑off, passively cooled devices collect deposits; only tightly sealed industrial units resist. [Elektroda, evil_core, post #20822483]

Is it safe to use salt in a home humidifier around electronics?

No. Salt‑laden mist is conductive and promotes corrosion. “Moist, salty fog can definitely damage electronics.” Remove electronics from the humidified room. This includes TVs and computers. Keep the humidifier away from devices and wiring. [Elektroda, andseg, post #17244666]

Do devices absorb salt even when turned off?

Yes. Salt aerosols settle on open vents and chassis even when devices are off. Active cooling only speeds deposition. Passively cooled gear still accumulates residue. High‑end TVs may use fans, but most are passive. Industrial sealed computers resist this; home devices do not. [Elektroda, evil_core, post #20822483]

What should I do immediately after a salty humidifier event?

Prioritize safety around mains. Walls, sockets, and switches can be salt‑coated and hazardous. How‑To:
  1. Stop the humidifier and air out the space.
  2. Avoid using outlets and switches until fully dry and cleaned.
  3. Wipe visible salt from walls, faceplates, and furniture. [Elektroda, Radiokiller, post #17244675]

How do I clean a salty film from a PC or laptop safely?

Seek professional cleaning. Service shops can wash assemblies in an ultrasonic bath. That reaches under components and removes conductive residue. Home disassembly and wiping often miss deposits. Powering on with remaining brine risks shorts and corrosion. “There is a possibility of washing them… but you need an ultrasonic bath.” [Elektroda, Radiokiller, post #17244665]

What humidity level should I keep to limit corrosion?

Maintain indoor relative humidity at 30–50%, and never above 60%. Lower humidity before powering sensitive gear. This reduces corrosion and mold risk after exposure. [EPA, 2021]

Why did salt settle everywhere—was ventilation the issue?

Likely yes. Poor ventilation traps moisture and aerosols. Tight windows and sealed ventilation grilles worsen the effect. Check and restore ventilation paths. Improve air exchange to clear residue faster. [Elektroda, jack63, post #17244684]

If everything works now, can damage still appear later?

Yes. Damage can be deferred. Residue can sit harmlessly while dry. When humidity rises, corrosion and leakage start. Devices with fans, like PCs or laptops, collect more salt and fail sooner. “The effect can be ‘deferred’ in time.” [Elektroda, Tommy82, post #17245039]

Are wall sockets and light switches hazardous after salt exposure?

Yes. Salt on sockets and switches increases shock and short‑circuit risk. Treat this as a priority. Do not use suspect outlets until inspected and cleaned. Address these before dealing with other items. [Elektroda, Radiokiller, post #17244675]

My TV was off at night—did it avoid salt?

No. Being off does not prevent deposition. Passive cooling and open chassis still collect salt. Active airflow would have made it worse, but off is not safe. Only tightly sealed industrial designs resist deposition. [Elektroda, evil_core, post #20822483]

Should I move electronics out of the humidified room?

Yes. Relocate TVs, computers, and other electronics away from the room with saline mist. “I advise you from the room where the humidifier works, remove the TV, etc.” [Elektroda, andseg, post #17244666]

How can I reduce 'white dust' from humidifiers near electronics?

Use only distilled or demineralized water. Do not add salt, iodine, or other additives. Clean the humidifier regularly per its manual. Ultrasonic units can disperse mineral “white dust.” Using pure water minimizes deposits. [CDC, 2022]

What counts as 'clean' ionic residue on electronics?

Manufacturing often uses a 1.56 µg/cm² sodium‑chloride equivalent limit (ROSE test) for assembled boards. This gives context for how sensitive electronics are to ionic contamination. [IPC, 2017]
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