Can Electronics Be Saved After A Fire?

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

What Happens To Electronics After A Fire?

Once the fire in your Charlotte, NC, home is put out by the Charlotte Fire Department, you might notice many of your electronics were damaged by soot. That is because soot can travel throughout your entire home, even if the fire was only in one room. So even a small fire, could mean most of your electronics are damaged. But can they be saved? Keep reading to learn the effects of fire on your electronics. 

Many modern electronics are sensitive and expensive to replace, so acting quickly can be the difference between saving them and spending thousands of dollars on replacement costs. Let’s look at the three different ways fire can damage your electronics:

1. Fire Damage

Fires produce a significant amount of heat that most household electronics are not made to withstand. When your electronics get too close to the flames, the metal and plastic components can melt, causing the device to fail. 

1. Smoke Damage

If smoke enters through the vents of your electronics it can leave a thin black film on the electrical components. This film acts as an insulator, causing electronics to overheat or even short-circuit, possibly resulting in another fire. 

1. Soot Damage

Soot, different from smoke, is caused by the incomplete combustion of materials. Because soot is acidic it can lead to corrosion on the interior and exterior of your electronic devices. 

If your devices were in your Pineville, NC, home, or business during a fire, the best thing you can do is cut the power to all of your devices and DO NOT turn them on. Once you turn on a smoke-damaged device, the damage is irreversible. That is why it is best to leave all devices off and disconnected from power until they can be investigated by your insurance adjuster and your fire restoration expert. Our team of restoration experts can help determine if your devices need to be replaced, or if the soot and smoke can be professionally cleaned from your electronics. 

If there was a fire in your Matthews, NC, home or business, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County is your choice for experienced fire restoration specialists. Give us a call at (704) 840-6112 day or night. 

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