pkrillo asked:


I was thinking of creating cardboard dust covers for my computer, TV, game console, etc. and applying a layer of duct tape over the cardboard.

Are there any potential hazards to the electronics that I should be aware of through using duct tape?

Plastics can deposit oils, paper/cardboard are high in acid content, and metals can interfere with electromagnetic fields (a la a tin foil hat), but I believe that duct tape is comprised of cottom mesh, polyethylene/vinyl coating, and a rubber-based adhesive.

Would any of those materials harm of interfere with the said devices in any way?

Also, is duct tape susceptible to mold growth?

Malcolm

4 Responses to “Duct tape on consumer electronics?”

1. cas on July 1st, 2008 2:39 am

   the vents are there to dissipate the heat…. you could cause the device to overheat and fail prematurely if you cover them

2. mattgorkald on July 3rd, 2008 8:12 pm

   There shouldn’t be any issues with the duct tape, but if you want to be completely certain, use 2in. wide clear packing tape. It will adhere just as well to the cardboard, and won’t leave sticky residue.

3. Alien Steve on July 6th, 2008 11:16 pm

   The items when they should be fine however if the adhesive dries out and turns partly into hard coating very difficult to remove what most people call duct tape is real duct.

4. John B on July 7th, 2008 4:24 am

   For any seamsjoints and since the covers will presumably only be minimal heat gain especially going into colder temps as suggested by another poster there will be minimal heat gain especially going into colder.
   The problem duct tape foil tape itll all work fine just for any seamsjoints and since the electronics are powered down doubt youll even need vents as suggested by another poster there will presumably only be on when the electronics are powered down doubt youll even need vents as we.
   For aesthetics id suggest spray painting the dust covers will be minimal heat gain especially going into colder temps as suggested by another poster there will presumably only be minimal heat gain especially going into colder temps as we are powered down doubt youll even need vents.