Re: LOL A Real On Topic Question!! Imagine that!!

[ABLE1 <somewhere@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On 12/14/2020 10:20 PM, RTS wrote:
> On 12/14/2020 8:59 PM, ABLE1 wrote:
>> Hey guys!!
>>
>> I have serious question.  I have a customer that has a
>> door access keypad mounted on a single gang plastic box
>> that it mounted on the side of a steel building next to
>> the door.  The keypad is a IEI 212W which is weather rated.
>>
>> The original keypad was installed 5+ years ago.  Last week
>> the customer reported that the code was not always working.
>> It took a couple of tries on the keypad to get the code to
>> energize the electric strike.
>>
>> When I got on site all looked good but I noticed that that
>> not all keys were reliable.  The decision was made to
>> just replace the keypad.  I ordered a new unit, same model,
>> and installed two days later.  Programmed and all was good.
>>
>> When removing the old keypad I noticed some rust on a few
>> terminals.  Upon further inspection back at my office
>> I noticed some other areas on the circuit board that had
>> some spots that may have been moisture related.
>>
>> First off this keypad was mounted with the supplied foam
>> gasket and tight.  The inside of the box was dry.
>>
>> The only opening to the box is where the wire penetrates
>> the back from the inside wall cavity.
>>
>> The question is how did water get inside the box and on
>> the keypad terminals and circuit board??
>>
>> I am thinking condensation.  If I am right then how to
>> fix the problem??
>>
>> This is where I stop typing and look to read possible
>> solutions from the crowd.
>>
>> Oh and local temperatures range from 20F to 100F +/-
>>
>> Thanks for any thoughts!!
>>
>> Les
>>
>>
>>
>
>    think your right about the condensation,  have had that problem
> many times around here..
> seal the wire hole as best you can to avoid the inside/outside
> air mixing..
> Then my favorite trick is place a few of those desiccant packages
> in the cavity..
> In really damp places I've done the ole Blue Grass Electronic
> trick and cover the electronic board with candle wax..
>


Thanks Rocky,
I like the candle wax thought.  Although I have read somewhere that
certain waxes have bad effects on circuit boards.

The desiccant packs would be a help as well.  But, they can only
catch so much moisture.  Although you never see it unless you
you the ones that turn blue.

What are your thoughts on a small resistive type heater in the box to
keep it warm so that the humidity will not condense.

Thanks,

Les