Air duster/Compressed air, always suitable for PCB's?

[AD-15]

hello,

I'm looking at buy this pack of compressed air canisters:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/5-Star-Duste...1725014&sr=1-2

I was wondering, are all brands of air dusters suitable for use with computer components? I've heard some are not suitable for use with PCB's.

[Infinite]

I always just take a vacuum cleaner to my computer every few months or so. This a bad idea XD

[piggin23]

I always use compressed air canisters on my setup.
If you are concerned purchase them and see if they have any moisture. Hold the can about 20 cm away and spray onto your hand.
If you have no moisture then its all good.

PS. There is also a review on amazon where someone says they have used this without any problems on their PC.

[mikerr]

Hold the can about 20 cm away and spray onto your hand. .

Make sure the can is upright when you do that - otherwise you will freeze-burn your hand!

[Blastuk]

why not try the table or some paper instead of your hand?

[dave87]

I've been using compressed air cans for years on various PCs and not had any problems - as long as you are sensible you'll be fine

[DDY]

A quick spray of gas duster isn't harmful, I actually spray the stuff on my self for fun. It's almost impossible to accidentally give yourself frost bite with these dusters, just don't get it in your eye or breath in too much.
Other uses of these dusters *inverted* include insect killer, instant ice maker, fire extinguisher... the list goes on.

Anyway... I use gas dusters to clean electronics on a regular basis, totally safe, the gas is innert and doesn't harm electronics.

Oh and by the way, it's not compressed air, it's compressed fluorocarbon.

[peterb]

<------snip

Oh and by the way, it's not compressed air, it's compressed fluorocarbon.

Many designed for electronic use are inert; this one uses a flammable gas, which is not ideal - and it is not advisable to spray yourself as the gas can remain trapped in clothing fibre - and it is flammable! For electronic component use, an inert gas duster is preferable.

[DanceswithUnix]

Top Tip!

Very fast moving dry air over a plastic surface is a handy source of static electricity.

[AD-15]

hello,

I've had a look around and it seems to be quite difficult to find the inert stuff. Only maplin seems to sell it and it is very expensive compared to the amazon deal.

Peterb, why is an inert gas canister preferable for use with PCB's?

Also, how can I check whether this stuff is dry air or not?

Thanks again!

[peterb]

hello,

I've had a look around and it seems to be quite difficult to find the inert stuff. Only maplin seems to sell it and it is very expensive compared to the amazon deal.

Peterb, why is an inert gas canister preferable for use with PCB's?

Also, how can I check whether this stuff is dry air or not?

Thanks again!

Safety as much as anything - as for dry air - probably not an issue (although some cans sold in the professional arena are sold as dry air. But if the air is damp, less risk of static.

TBH, the tuff you are looking at is probably OK, but don't use it on running equipment - personally I'd get the Maplin product though. (On sale at Maplin at the moment &#163;5.99)

[DDY]

Many designed for electronic use are inert; this one uses a flammable gas, which is not ideal - and it is not advisable to spray yourself as the gas can remain trapped in clothing fibre - and it is flammable! For electronic component use, an inert gas duster is preferable.

Your right, I wrongly the duster where HFCs and didn't click on the link.

[peterb]

Your right, I wrongly the duster where HFCs and didn't click on the link.

There is a bewildering array of air duster products around - more than I expected when I did a bit of digging round in response to the OP. The RS online catalogue listed a lot - some of which are discontinued, presumably because of their ozone depleting capabilities! (Best air duster is a sub-aqua cylinder charged to 3000 psi (232 bar) - blow away the PC, let alone any dust! )

[DDY]

Oh shi-... lol at my grammar and spelling.
My head still hurts from last night.

I meant to say:
Your right, I wrongly *assumed* the duster were HFCs and didn't follow the link.

Thanks,

[Darlo]

I use compressed air to clean my systems, as mentioned by DDY they also have other uses when held upright (fly killing being the useful one). I wouldn't use a vacuum cleaner on a system though, im to clumsy and would end up knocking some vital component off

[peterb]

I use compressed air to clean my systems, as mentioned by DDY they also have other uses when held upright (fly killing being the useful one). I wouldn't use a vacuum cleaner on a system though, im to clumsy and would end up knocking some vital component off

Welcome to Hexus!

And there is a slightly higher risk of static damge, with dust moving over a plastic surface, but that said, I have used a vacuum cleaner to clean out my case without damage.