[net.general] washing electronics

dag (11/02/82)

this is to all of you who would follow the example of the person with the
HP calculator who washed it with water. please be careful. we here at
Fluke wash almost all our electronics with soap and water but there
are some noteable exceptions.

1. LCDs are particularly suseptable to moisture contamination. This causes
   black blotchs on the display. Be careful with them.

2. Switchs with lub. have may have it washed out. Be especially careful 
   with ones that look sealed. They may not be and may retain the water.

3. Be sure to get it dry after. Don't use the air that is piped into
   many Mfg. plants. It usually contains oil.

4. Use a distilled water rinse on analog circuits. Salts in tap water
   can cause surface leakage on high impedance analog stuff.

5. Use very clean water. Don't blame me if you get green stuff growing
   on your circuit card because of algae contamination of the surface.

6. If all else fails, read the instructions on the product. If you don't
   have any, call or write the manufacturer. They usually have a set
   procedure for cleaning their products.


	--dag