how to waterproof ardunio? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: arduino_programmer
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 19, 2017, 09:25:39 pm
content: Hello for my master thesis i develop internet of thing controlled arduino device that is used in places with wather (like restroom). It connects to phone with wi-fi and bluetooth and on android app i can make it switch led diodes, move hooby servo and use heat wire. I have problem because my wires to arduino and sensors get water and rust. How to make arduino not get so much water so it can function properly?Thank you for advice

author: CM800
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2017, 09:28:13 pm
content: Quote from: arduino_programmer on January 19, 2017, 09:25:39 pmWhy don't you design it into an aluminium case with IP67 / IP69K connectors on it, then pot it with clear or standard epoxy inside?

author: arduino_programmer
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 19, 2017, 09:33:05 pm
content: Quote from: CM800 on January 19, 2017, 09:28:13 pmHello sir, thank you for kind regards! I must use standart wires with black plastic connector and device must be very thin because it is mounted under toilet bench and user must be able to easy replace modules (live replacement of modules is required part of my thesis). Do you know things that are good and conduct current? I use spray paint now but it leaves everything dirty and not connecting.

author: MrMetthew
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2017, 10:08:47 pm
content: You can't coat it in something conductive, cause that would short out the connections. Do as CM800 says and pot it. If you want an easy and cheap prototype you can even try to pot it in hot glue, of course that wont be a good long term solution.But you know it's a thesis, so it only has to work ONCE, and that is during the thesis presentation!

author: CM800
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2017, 10:11:00 pm
content: Quote from: arduino_programmer on January 19, 2017, 09:33:05 pmMind if I ask what your Thesis is on / area of study? I'm curious.why must you use 'standard wider and standard black connectors'? down to specifying what color they are....

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2017, 04:45:03 am
content: Potting is a messy solution. I like the IP67 enclosure solution better. Lots of them out there in this size range for very reasonable prices. Liquid tight connectors can be found to bring out your wires from the box, and many of them are plastic so your wireless signals will still work.

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2017, 06:28:45 am
content: Go look atHammond ManufacturingorBopla.Bopla has Bocube, which you might like.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2017, 08:40:21 pm
content: Quote from: arduino_programmer on January 19, 2017, 09:33:05 pmI will go out on a limb and guess any store bought enclosure will not work. How about double bag it in zip lock bags (good quality ones) - squeeze all the air out and seal best you can. Use silicon sealer to seal up the gaps around the wires. Then if you want another layer of sealing - coat the outside with a thick layer of heavy grease (guns are stored this way) and placed in another zip lock. Then wrap everything with duct tape. Messy but cheap.Another wrap (the gun method) is wrap in wax paper and then grease and then wax paper. But I think zip locks would be better. But anyway grease might work for you. The trick is maintaining a sufficient thickness of grease.