What to Do If Your Scout Security System Suffers Water Damage
Discovering that your Scout alarm hub, sensor, or keypad has been exposed to water can be alarming. Whether it's from a leak, a spill, or high humidity, liquid and electronics do not mix. Acting quickly and correctly is crucial to prevent permanent damage and ensure the continued reliability of your home security. This guide outlines the immediate steps to take and helps you understand the risks associated with water damage.
Important: Your safety is the priority. If there is significant water, be cautious of electrical hazards. Do not touch wet electronic devices that are still connected to mains power.
### Immediate First Aid for a Wet Scout Device
If you can safely do so, you must act fast. The goal is to remove the power source as quickly as possible to prevent short circuits, which cause the most damage.
- Disconnect Power Immediately:
- For the Scout Hub: Unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet first, then disconnect the cable from the hub.
- For Sensors (e.g., Door Panel, Motion Sensor): Open the device and remove the battery immediately.
- For Keypads: If it's plugged in, unplug it. Remove batteries if applicable.
- Do Not Attempt to Power It On: This is the most critical rule. Turning on a wet electronic device is the surest way to destroy it. Do not press any buttons or try to see if it "still works."
- Dry the Exterior: Use a soft, absorbent cloth (like a microfibre towel) to gently pat the exterior of the device dry.
- Allow for Thorough Air Drying: Open any battery compartments or covers to expose the interior as much as possible. Place the device in a dry, well-ventilated area for at least 48 to 72 hours. You can place it near a fan to improve air circulation. Do not use a hairdryer or oven, as excessive heat can warp components and cause further damage.
## Assessing the Damage and Next Steps
Once the device has had several days to dry completely, you can assess the situation.
### Inspect for Corrosion
After drying, carefully inspect the battery contacts and any visible parts of the circuit board. Look for any green or white residue, which is a sign of corrosion. If corrosion is present, the internal components are likely compromised.
### To Test or To Replace?
Even if a device powers on after drying, its reliability is questionable. Internal corrosion can continue to develop over time, causing the device to fail unexpectedly weeks or even months later.
- For Sensors and Keypads: The risk of relying on a water-damaged sensor is high. A faulty door sensor or motion detector could fail to trigger the alarm during a break-in. Given the critical nature of these components, we strongly recommend replacing any sensor that has sustained significant water damage.
- For the Hub: The hub is the brain of your entire system. A malfunctioning hub can bring your whole security setup offline. Due to its importance, replacement is the safest and most reliable option.
While it may be tempting to save money by reusing a dried-out device, the potential cost of a security system failure is far greater. Protect your investment and your home by replacing water-damaged Scout components.