Waterproofing PCBs for Outdoor Use

Waterproofing is essential for any electronics project intended for rain or immersion.

Choosing the Right Sealant

• Use silicone RTV for general sealing due to its flexibility and thermal resistance.
• Apply conformal coating like acrylic or urethane for circuit boards to prevent corrosion.
• Select potting compounds like epoxy for high-voltage applications requiring complete immersion.

Physical Enclosure Preparation

• Drill holes for connectors and use grommets to prevent water wicking through the cable entry points.
• Apply a layer of silicone around the PCB mounting points to absorb vibrations.
• Ensure all component leads are trimmed to avoid short circuits inside the casing.

Proper sealing ensures longevity in harsh conditions.