A person fogging with disinfectant, dressed in protective gear

Disinfectant fogging and electrical risks

Disinfectant fogging is an established process used in industries such as pharmaceutical, healthcare, critical production, and laboratories, to efficiently eliminate germs on exposed surfaces and difficult-to-reach areas.

What is fogging?

A person fogging with disinfectant, dressed in protective gear, in a dental office

The process converts liquid into a mist, which is then dispersed into the air. There are several different fogging processes including hand-held fogging and stationary fogging. The method of fogging, type of chemicals, and concentrations vary based on the application.

What can go wrong?

A person excessively fogging with disinfectant, dressed in protective gear

Excessive fogging, failure to follow established guidelines, and using the wrong disinfectants may lead to failures of vulnerable electrical and electronic components.

Early warning signs include:

❌ Visual evidence of corrosion
❌ Discoloration
❌ Contaminated surfaces

Smoke rising from burnt electronic computer device due to short circuit

Disinfectant mist may get into electrical enclosures and it can settle on electronic components, leading to corrosion of microelectronics and circuit board components. The result can be corrosion of metal surfaces and discoloration of wire insulation. These effects can range from minor discolorations to shorting and failure of electrical and electronic components. Individual circuit board or electronic component failures are more likely than a complete system deterioration.

Factors affecting the severity of damage caused by fogging

Frequency and duration of applications

Do dispersions occur daily for months, or every few days for weeks?

Method of dispersion

Do dispersions occur in wide, open areas or are they directed near enclosures and equipment containing electronics?

Type of disinfectant

Are Material Safety Data Sheets available for the disinfectant?
Is the disinfectant selected based on a total risk assessment of effectiveness and potential negative consequences?

Knowledge level and experience of fogging personnel

Is the process carried out by an experienced vendor or untrained personnel?
Is the technician trained in proper fogging methods and aware of the hazards of the applied disinfectants?

Environmental rating of the electronic enclosures

Are the cabinets ventilated?
Do they have a filtering system?
Are the cabinets equipped with fans that draw air into the cabinet?
What is the proximity of the air intake to the fogging nozzle?

The operational status of the equipment

Is the electrical equipment energized and operating during fogging?
Is the equipment properly shut down before fogging?

For more information on fogging and electrical components, NEMA’s complete COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance for Electrical Equipment is available for download here.

The tips offered here are intended to complement and not replace the recommendation of the equipment manufacturer.

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