Shipping electronics is no small endeavor. Each shipment, no matter the size, is expensive. Failing to protect your assets can prove costly to the company. One of the most important things to be cautious of when shipping electronics is extreme temperatures. Electronics are particularly sensitive to extreme heat and extreme cold, so certain precautions must be taken to ensure the shipment arrives at its intended destination safely and ready for use.
Temperature Ranges For Operation
Electronics have a temperature range in which they function. If they are exposed to temperatures outside this range during shipment, it is possible that the entire supply can be lost before the customer even has a chance to use it. For example, Apple products typically operate between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, while handheld Samsung electronics operate between -4 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit. If proper precautions are not taken when shipping, it is easy for a shipment to exceed the intended temperature operating ranges, immediately putting the shipment in jeopardy. Each minute that an electronic device spends outside of its intended temperature range compromises the integrity of the device, thereby increasing the risk of device failure.
The Impact Of Extreme Cold On Shipments
Being exposed to extreme cold can reduce the effectiveness of an electronic device’s battery, while also damaging the internal elements that make them work. If the temperature is cold enough, electronics can crack. Additionally, quick exposure to cold temperatures can increase the amount of condensation within the shipment. If the cold temperatures themselves don’t ruin the shipment, then moisture buildup most certainly will ruin your electronic devices. It would make for an unpleasant and costly surprise when unpacking a shipment to discover that the entire shipment is useless.
The Impact Of Extreme Heat On Shipments
Many of today’s electronics use lithium-ion batteries. If these batteries are exposed to extreme heat, the amount of static electricity within them will rapidly build. If enough static electricity builds within the batteries, the devices can short-circuit, smolder, or catch fire. Because of this, it’s particularly important to protect the entire shipment. If just ONE device catches fire, your entire shipment could be destroyed in a few minutes.
Extreme heat also places stress on device interconnections and other components. This can lead to reduced performance and failure. If solid-state electronics are exposed to temperatures above 120 degrees, they can break down and begin to fry.
Keeping Shipment Safe
Fortunately, passive temperature control is a reliable option to ensure an electronics shipment is not exposed to the extreme temperatures that can often be seen during shipping. If you are worried about a shipment being exposed to the cold, consider using an insulated thermal pallet cover to keep your shipment at an ideal temperature. Insulating cargo blankets can be used to maintain temperature stability and protect shipments from extreme heat
