Hey guys, I did some googling and didn't find much. I was wondering if anyone has used corrosion block spray (basically mineral oil in a spray can) to protect the arduino from corrosion due to maybe some condensation in an outdoor box. Even though it's nema-3 and up, you can still end up with some moisture in boxes.
Have any of you done anything like this? If so what were your results and what product did you use?
I've seen electronics immersed in mineral oil, but I am curious what would happen if they got into the header pin sockets, would it compromise electrical connections between pins?
I have some doubts.
It is not clear what the contents exactly is. Different manufactures use different things.
Is is more like a water-displacement spray.
I use SK-10 flux spray. I have to use tape and paper to protect all headers and light sensors and baromic sensor.
I never used protective liquids on electrical parts. A friend of mine repeatedly sprayed his band equipment 1/4 inch guitar cables with a liquid that was " safe for electrical contacts." His band equipment was plagued by noisy connectors and intermittent lost contact, so he sprayed more on his connectors to fix the problem. It kept getting worse. He asked my opinion as an electrical engineer. The can label said it contains oil. I told him to "stop spraying oil on his metal connectors, you are causing the problems with crackling sounds and open circuits. You are not making it better you are making it worse."
My advise to you :
Do not spray oil on electrical metal connectors, switches, leads, pins, conductors, and sockets. It will create problems, not prevent them. Ice is a problem, not corrosion.
captainhooyah:
Even though it's nema-3 and up, you can still end up with some moisture in boxes.
I've never worked with such an enclosure, so take my advice with a grain of salt...
...if the moisture wasn't excessive (ie - puddles inside) - I think I would just put a small canister of silica gel inside the enclosure and see how that worked out.
I had problems with moisture for outside enclosures.
You could try to use a rubber sealing or glue or kit to completely close it, but when it is in the sun, a very small leak will get moisture inside. Some manufacturer use that, and it works if it is done well.
At the moment I have finally a moisture free outdoor box. It is out of the sun and with a few small openings at the bottom. The bottom is a brick that to absorb the moisture.
If you have larger opening a membrane to keep spiders out is needed.
When something is in the sun, I think you need larger openings, to let air in and out.