Smoke Can Damage Electronics

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

After a fire of any size in your home in Jackson Township, OH destruction caused by smoke can occur in places that might not be the first to come to mind, such as inside electronics. Today, most homes are filled with technological gadgets that would be challenging to live without. If you discover after the fire cleanup that any electronics have been compromised, you may need the services of a professional to return them to their previous condition.

Electronics That Can Be Affected by Smoke

Smoke contains acids that can create corrosion on metal surfaces, and corrosion can lead to failure of the device. Whether the electronic device is for work, play or for health and safety, it is important to have it assessed for damage as part of the fire cleanup process. Examples of electronics that are subject to corrosion from smoke damage include the following:

• computers, modems, routers and printers
• tablets and portable music players
• virtual assistants
• fax machines and other office equipment
• televisions, DVR machines and DVD players
• stereo components, including radios, CD players and speakers
• kitchen appliances
• alarm systems
• video and audio equipment, including cameras
• cell phones
• game controllers
• cable boxes
• thermostats, heating and cooling equipment
• humidifiers and dehumidifiers
• medical devices

To be safe, it is best to assume that any electronics that have been present in a house fire have been exposed to smoke. Electronics exposed to significant levels of smoke can overheat immediately, in which case the damage may be obvious. Corrosion, however, will not be immediately apparent. That is why it is important, before powering up the electronic device, to have it checked by a professional technician.

Much of life in the twenty-first century involves technology, and electronics are a staple in the vast majority of American homes. In the unfortunate event of fire cleanup, assessing the condition of electronics is a must. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthweststarkcounty.com for more information on fire damage,