How the Professionals Restore Electronics After a Fire

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

An electrical fire can result in damage to electronic devices that isn't always obvious to the untrained eye.

How Experts Restore Electronics Following A Fire

Cleaning up after a commercial electrical fire is a challenge. It's possible to repair and restore some smoke-damaged electronic devices, but it requires the specialized knowledge and skills of a professional fire restoration company to ensure every step is done right. These experts will take the following steps to handle computer cleanup in the wake of a fire.

1. Power Down Everything Immediately

First, the restoration professional will make sure all your electronics are disconnected from their power sources before doing anything else. This even includes removing batteries from devices that contain them, such as laptop computers. The professionals will do this only after the fire department declares the area safe.

2. Look for Signs of Smoke Damage

During an electrical fire, soot can be deposited inside electronic devices, where it can act like extra insulation. The device might work normally at first but eventually overheat and malfunction. Smoke deposits can also lead to corrosion over time because some of the elements in smoke are acidic in nature. A restoration professional will carefully inspect your affected devices for smoke and soot buildup on any internal parts and wiring.

3. Use the Right Cleaning Tools and Techniques

Restoration experts know that ordinary household products are not ideal for cleaning electronics after any kind of fire. Even a little bit of moisture can destroy electronics or at least degrade them. Instead, the exterior surfaces are often easily restored with a soft rag, while a can of compressed air is useful for cleaning internal components.

4. Repair or Replace Components and Devices

Fortunately, many of the components in electronic devices are replaceable when cleaning isn’t enough. In some cases, it's better and more economical to just replace the entire device. Restoration experts in Belton, TX, can advise you which is the better solution for each of your devices.

An electrical fire can result in damage to electronic devices that isn't always obvious to the untrained eye. Inspection and cleaning by a qualified professional are necessary to get all your devices safely back in working order.