is it safe to order test equipment overseas now? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: e0ne199
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2020, 01:13:10 am
content: hello everyone i want to order another test instrument from overseas but is it safe to do that now since there is an coronavirus outbreak happening around the world?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2020, 01:18:08 am
content: Shipping might be slow depending on what you will use.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2020, 01:42:27 am
content: Quote from: e0ne199 on March 16, 2020, 01:13:10 amYes. The virus can't survive long enough. In case of doubt clean the equipment with a desinfectant (but be careful with alcohol as this may damage plastics and / or text).

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2020, 02:23:56 am
content: There aren't many official guidelines for what I've seen as what the virus can survive for outside a host, while there are studies it seems like results aren't significant or thorough enough to be conclusive. The guidelines I've heard is up to three days, but like I said, it may not be this ultimately and it differs between materials.Since international shipping is typically a pretty long process, it's unlikely to be a problem, but if you're sure to leave the box out in the sun for a bit before you open it and you wipe down the piece of equipment with isopropyl or similar, you're basically going to kill anything potentially there if it hasn't already died in transit.I suspect if official word gets out that it can survive for a week or more outside of a host (not common at all for viruses), there will likely be shipping closings of some sort. Until then, I probably wouldn't even bother cleaning them off when you receive them because the chance of a problem after a long transit time is quite low.Worth noting: if people thought it posed a real risk in the mail system, all postal and delivery workers would use a mask and gloves, at least, and entire shipping services would likely shut down as quarantine efforts. That hasn't happened.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2020, 02:30:25 am
content: Quote from: e0ne199 on March 16, 2020, 01:13:10 amYou're asking the same questions others are asking. Read the answers in the thread linked below. Your local mailman or cashier is at this point a much bigger risk to you than Chinese packages are. If you're still skeptical, wait 7-14 days to open the package as the virus seems to stay viable for less time than that.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/i-am-handling-pcbs-we-got-made-in-china-coronavirus-can-spread-like-this/msg2965426/#msg2965426

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2020, 08:31:40 am
content: The biggest danger is that it won't arrive for six months.PS: There's probably coronavirus in your country, too. Beware of local goods!

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2020, 10:18:46 am
content: Personally, I've always treated packages with caution. You've no idea what nasties are hanging around on sorting room and delivery van floors. Delivery driver treads in who knows what, climbs into the back of the van and slides parcels around... It just arrives as anonymous black smudges.Use basic hygiene as you always should.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2020, 12:24:20 pm
content: going outside is more dangerous than ordering online right now. i received several items from China during this epidemic...

author: Kosmic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2020, 01:52:35 pm
content: Quote from: DaJMasta on March 16, 2020, 02:23:56 amFrom the government web site over hereQuoteSo as long as your package is not completely wet you should be fineBut like others as said, your mailman is a greater risk than the package itself.