Volcanic ashes contain abrasive mineral particles and conductive electricity, which, once present in the environment of electronic devices, can cause short circuits and damage electronic components.
Volcanic ash is essentially a mixture of tiny rock particles and volcanic glass, ejected into the air during an eruption. They are very fine, sometimes like dust or even talc, and can travel very far due to the wind. Chemically, these particles often contain silica, but also various minerals like sulfur, chlorine, or fluorine, depending on the volcano. As a result, they are abrasive, corrosive under certain conditions, and have an excellent ability to retain static electric charges, which gives them a somewhat troublesome electric personality for electronic devices.
When volcanic ash gets embedded in electronic devices, it's like throwing tiny conductive grains of sand into an electrical circuit. These fine particles often contain conductive minerals, capable of creating unwanted connections between different components. As a result, short circuits can occur and cause sudden equipment failures. Even if some ashes don’t appear very conductive at first, ambient humidity can turn their deposit into a real trap for electric current, triggering outages. Another issue: the accumulation of ash can also disrupt the electrical insulation between components, making devices unstable or unpredictable.
When volcanic ash settles on electrical circuits, it can cause short circuits. Why? Because this ash often contains conductive minerals capable of creating unwanted electrical pathways between components. As a result, the current jumps from one place to another without following the normal route.
At the same time, this same ash can cause serious corrosion. It is often made up of chemical compounds that, when in contact with the moisture present in the air, become slightly acidic. This acidity attacks the metals in electronic circuits, causing them to rust or deteriorate quickly. The result is damaged connections and components that malfunction or completely stop working.
Volcanic ash mainly poses problems for cooling systems by clogging or limiting the circulation of air and fluids. Fine ash is often found that clogs air filters and radiators, preventing effective heat dissipation. Naturally, with this poor ventilation, devices overheat, which can quickly lead to failure, or even permanent damage if it gets too hot. These particles also easily accumulate in the fans themselves, causing an imbalance and premature wear of the blades. In short, if your electronic device ingests this fine ash, be prepared for annoying issues of overheating, performance drops, or even permanent failures.
The simplest method is to use specific filters on the vents and air intakes of electronic devices to prevent ash from entering. When exposure to ash is unavoidable, temporarily wrapping the devices in waterproof protective covers remains effective. Regularly cleaning the devices with compressed air blowers or, if possible, using a HEPA filter vacuum avoids excessive particle accumulation. Installing resistant coatings or varnishes on circuit boards significantly reduces the risks of corrosion and short circuits related to ash. Finally, if you really want to play it safe, completely unplugging sensitive devices during periods of heavy ash fallout is still the best precaution.
The average size of volcanic ash particles is about 2 to 60 microns, small enough to enter ventilation systems and quickly contaminate unprotected internal electronic devices.
Volcanic ash in contact with water or air moisture can become conductive, thereby promoting the occurrence of short circuits in the most sensitive electronic circuits.
In 2010, the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull led to the cancellation of thousands of flights in Europe due to the risks posed by its volcanic ash to aircraft engines and electronic instruments.
Volcanic particles often contain silicon dioxide, an abrasive component that can not only damage electronic devices but also scratch and obscure optical surfaces and solar panels.
Yes, it is possible to clean your contaminated devices using low-pressure compressed air and slightly damp anti-static cloths. However, it is highly recommended to consult a professional before any thorough cleaning to avoid further damaging the internal components.
Even equipment housed in enclosures, protected or sealed, can be affected, as very fine ash particles can infiltrate and come into contact with electronic components under certain conditions—especially if these devices are exposed for long periods or when their ventilation is compromised.
Aircraft engines are very sensitive to volcanic ash due to their high internal temperatures; the ash melts and forms solid glassy deposits inside the engines, disrupting normal operation and even causing a sudden shutdown.
To protect your electronic devices, keep them turned off and stored in waterproof containers or protected by airtight bags. Avoid using them outdoors and clean them carefully after exposure to ashes.
Yes, fine particles of volcanic ash can enter your smartphone through its openings, cause short circuits, disrupt electrical connections, and accelerate the corrosion of internal components.
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