[Atlplasma]

This is not an audio question, but I'm hoping someone can chime in on my idea for solving an aggravating problem.

I have an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) install in my master bath. (This was a suggestion from the HVAC designer that turned out to be ill advised.) If the ERV's circuit board gets too wet (not likely at all to happen in a bathroom), it shorts and blows the onboard fuse (which is soldered to the board) 

Can I spray the circuit board with acrylic sealer to make it susceptible to shorting? Thoughts and suggestions?

[srb]

Can I spray the circuit board with acrylic sealer to make it susceptible to shorting? Thoughts and suggestions?

I assume you mean LESS susceptible to shorting! 

I don't know about an acrylic sealer, however there are some moisture displacement sprays specifically designed for electronics, but they are not permanent.

NanoProtech Home and Garden Electric states "Long Life Protection: 1 year or more"

Steve

[FullRangeMan]

I would spray varnish, about 10 years protection if the circuit runn cool.

[Atlplasma]

I would spray varnish, about 10 years protection if the circuit runn cool.

The board doesn't develop any heat. Are you talking about the type of spray varnish used for woodworking?

[Atlplasma]

I assume you mean LESS susceptible to shorting! 

I don't know about an acrylic sealer, however there are some moisture displacement sprays specifically designed for electronics, but they are not permanent.

NanoProtech Home and Garden Electric states "Long Life Protection: 1 year or more"

Steve

The Nanoprotech looks similar to this rubberized spray: http://www.boatstore.com/electro-seal-spray-11oz-ducky-products-d-1005.html?utm_source=googlepepla&utm_medium=adwords&id=74571471266&gclid=CNqD2Ibst8QCFU8vgQoddJ4A4Q.

I think I'll give the Nanoprotech a try. The board is in an enclosure and not subject to weather extremes or bulk moisture. Hopefully it would run for a few years without a problem.


My plan is to use the most promising/practical product and then conduct a test. EVR running while a hot shower fills the bathroom with steam. If it shorts out, I can replace the fuse and look for another option. FWIW. I considered moving this unit out of the bathroom, but it would be a major demolition project to make that happen.

[FullRangeMan]

The board doesn't develop any heat. Are you talking about the type of spray varnish used for woodworking?

Yes this same. Need careful just not to apply too much.
Some products as CorrosionX are oiled and attract dust.

[TomS]

Circuit boards in marine environment often have what's called a conformal coating, normally applied during the manufacturing process. Google is your friend, many choices.

[FullRangeMan]

Circuit boards in marine environment often have what's called a conformal coating, normally applied during the manufacturing process. Google is your friend, many choices.

This is a hi tech process, not easy to DIY.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conformal_coating

[randytsuch]

We use conformal coating at work all the time, but have special tools too.

Looks like the sell the stuff in a can.  I would clean the board as good as you could with alcohol first, and then give it a shot.

Randy