New Advances in Computer Dust Protection
What if your computer failed from dust infiltration? To prevent this, personal computers have long been paired with computer covers.
Dear Computer User:
As a user of electronic equipment you may have arrived here with the hope of resolving a particular dust situation. A situation where dust may be negatively affecting your machines. Your reputation as caretaker of the equipment may even be at stake.
You may have noticed dust floating in the air around your work area or home and accumulating on your equipment. You realize that taking steps for dust protection now will save you from expensive repair and replacement needs down the road. Not to mention avoiding the embarrassment caused by your inaction.
Now, the only question is what to do about it. Which option is best for you and your unique situation? Let me give you a reason to be excited (and, you will be at the possibilities) if you understand even a little bit of what you read next.
You should choose a dust solution now based on your individual needs and severity of dust in your environment. I hope I can help.
LET’S GET STARTED
The specific actions you will take to protect your computer equipment from dust depend on several circumstances. I recommend you be proactive and optimize for each of these two areas:
Let us look at each of these areas individually.
1. Equipment Environment
Control the environmental conditions surrounding your equipment. The ideal solution would be to keep your sensitive electronic equipment in a clean, climate-controlled room. In other words, separate it from the danger area. Of course, this is unrealistic or undesirable to many homeowners or manufacturing facilities who may need the equipment available for use in the immediate area.
So what then? Do what you can to control the source of dust and other pollutants in the home or shop. Use and maintain dust collectors for woodworking machines and a ventilation system for the shop area. If you cannot move the computers and other equipment out of the shop, try to move them across the room, away from welding, grinding or direct contact with billowing sander dust. For home users in dusty climates seal leaky window and use good quality filters on A/C and furnace units.
2. Protective Dust Barriers
These include dust slipcovers, dust filters, breathable computer dust covers, and computer enclosures. Each has its advantages and limitations. Let’s determine which option is the best solution for you.
Slipcovers are made by several manufacturers. Usually nylon, plastic or vinyl, they are inexpensive, but effective in keeping dust off your equipment. However, they should be used only while your computer equipment is shut down. For example at the end of the workday or when leaving on vacation for an extended period. Disadvantages include the fact that the equipment is unprotected while operating and you must remember to reinstall the cover after shutting down the equipment.
Computer filters on the other hand may be used while the computer is running. Also very cheap, these are typically small pieces of loose-mesh material placed over fan air intakes on the computer case to remove dust from incoming air. Some have experimented with using panty hose, Brillo® Pads and other household items with some success. The main drawback with computer filters is their small surface area. They clog up quickly in dusty areas and must be cleaned, or changed frequently to allow the unimpeded flow of cool air into the computer case. Another drawback is that they leave other openings in the computer case unprotected, allowing fine dust to infiltrate the CD ROM drives, floppy drives and other small openings.
Relatively new on the scene, breathable dust covers are a combination of computer cover and computer filter. Designed for the harsh, dusty and smoky conditions inherent to wood shops, machine shops and other manufacturing facilities these innovative covers entirely encase the computer processor or monitor at all times, allowing the entire surface of the cover to act as a huge dust filter to remove dust from incoming air. The breathable monitor dust covers have a see-through, anti-static front panel to allow a clear screen view, and are very effective in keeping dust, wood chips and other debris out of the cooling vents. The recommended lifespan of the breathable dust covers is 3-12 months, depending on the level of dust in the shop although they may last indefinitely in low dust areas. A possible drawback to using the breathable dust covers is reduced access to USB and CDROM drives. However, it is still possible to use these drives if you install a door flap, which is included with the bag. You may also have to cut an access slot to use your USB ports. In addition, these covers may not look as pretty as some other options.
Breathable Dust Covers Protect Equipment 24/7 Even While Being Used
Finally, computer enclosures are typically metal or wood, box-like cabinets which your computer processor and monitor are placed in to protect them from the surrounding environment. A variety of fan and filter combinations introduce fresh air into the enclosure. Computer enclosures have the added advantage of protecting your equipment from blunt force trauma, such as a falling 2×4, chemical splashes and other things harmful to your computer. Disadvantages include high price, greater amount of space required, and filter maintenance.
WHAT IS THE BEST OPTION FOR YOU?
The best option for you depends on the severity of dust and other contaminants in your operating environment balanced against the pros and cons of the various options listed above. You may decide to choose based upon criteria as shown in these examples:
Computer Dust Solutions offers dust protection options for all your computer equipment. We do not sell small-area filters or expensive cabinets due to their limited utility for most people, but do offer a full range of breathable covers and antistatic vinyl slipcovers.
CLEANING
Before installing dust protection on your system, carefully wipe it free from dust that has already accumulated. Pay special attention to vents where cooling fans are located. If dust has already built up inside the case, you may want professional help from a computer service shop to make sure it’s completely clean inside. Clean minor dust buildup with canned air, available at Walmart or other store. On screens and keyboards, only use cleaning products prescribed for the purpose; water or alcohol might cause damage.
When you are ready to install your new dust protection system on your clean equipment, carefully follow the installation instructions that came with your covers. Vinyl covers are easy to fit over your equipment and remove when you are using it. Shopshield covers need to be installed so that when the computer equipment is in use, air that is flowing into the cooling vents must first pass through the breathable membrane of the cover. Do not leave one side of a CPU, monitor, or printer open to the surroundings, but follow the instructions to ensure the filter is fitted and operational.
Congratulations! You are well on your way to becoming a dust protection expert. Use your expertise to save yourself or your business time and money that can be lost when computer equipment overheats and fails because of dusty work conditions.
Please email me at erik@computerdust.com with any questions.
Thank You!
Erik Keranen
Computer Dust Solutions, LLC
What if your computer failed from dust infiltration? To prevent this, personal computers have long been paired with computer covers.
Manufacturing dust is often made up of tiny particles that come from materials handled on worksites—such as metal, plastic, and
