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

[ABLE1 <somewhere@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On 12/15/2020 1:39 PM, RTS wrote:
> On 12/15/2020 11:16 AM, ABLE1 wrote:
>> 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
>>
>>
>>
>  Â  Heard of that being tried.
> It seems "lady bugs"Â  like those warm spaces,
> Don't ask me how,  but those little things
> can get into some really tight spots..
>
> I opened a satellite control box
> (hanging under the dish) one time
> and it was packed full solid with them..
> (and it was a nema box)
>
> also don't want it too warm,
> those Capacitors don't like heat..


Agreed!!  Will a thermostat to turn on heater at a specific temp of
maybe 34F to 38F.  This is getting more challenging to say the least.

As for the Lady Bugs it only takes one female to lay 1000 eggs and then
when they grow up they fill the box.  :-)