The Effects of Smoke Damage on Electronics

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

In this day and age, electronics are essential to keep your Cooper City, FL, business running. If an electrical fire occurs and damages that vital equipment, it means unwanted downtime and potential loss of vital data. After contacting your insurance provider to file a claim, the next step is determining what may or may not be salvageable.

The Effects of Smoke Damage

If the device has come into contact with flames, you can plan on it not being saved. Most devices have plastic of some form that will likely have melted. When it comes to items affected by smoke, determining if they can be saved is much more difficult. Below are three effects smoke may have on your devices:

1. Soot is carried in the smoke. Since soot is acidic, it means increases the chances of corrosion and another electrical fire.
   
2. A film may be left behind by the soot that insulates components and creates the potential for overheating.
   
3. The magnetic charge in smoke may make devices short circuit, creating a new fire hazard.
   
   

Even if the device was not near the flames, it is best to unplug devices and get them inspected. It is especially important to turn them off if there is a smoky odor, the device seems hotter than usual or electric sounds are being heard.

Smoke Cleaning Methods
Not surprisingly, the sneaky nature of smoke makes it difficult to determine if electronics have been affected. A professional fire damage restoration will have the expertise to not only provide information on what may be usable but also have the tools and methods to properly clean some devices. From computer cleanup to monitors, a certified electronics professional will conduct a thorough inspection, take apart the device and restore it if possible.
If your business has experienced an electrical fire, the last thing you want is a damaged device to start another one. While not all electronics may be saved, getting them inspected and professionally cleaned is important.