Why Do Electronics Fail After Long Periods of Inactivity?

It's all about materials and age. Components like capacitors and LCD seals can degrade, letting moisture in and messing with the electronics inside. Chemical reactions and oxidation due to exposure to oxygen or certain gasses can also harm your devices. Even simple mechanical issues like dried-up lubricants can affect moving parts and functionality.

If you want to preserve your devices, try storing them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and use dehumidifiers if humidity is a concern. That's the best way to extend their life.

As someone who works with marine electronics, I can tell you that environmental factors play a huge role. Even if a device hasn't been used for a while, things like humidity, dust, and moisture can get inside. This can lead to oxidation on circuit boards and solder joints, which can cause failures over time. The marine environment is especially harsh due to saltwater corrosion, so if your electronics are exposed to such conditions, they're likely to fail much faster.

There are quite a few reasons why electronics may stop working after being inactive for a while. Older devices often use materials that break down over time, which can lead to failure. For instance, certain components like vacuum tubes might eventually fail due to air leaks in their seals.

In modern electronics, especially those with batteries, self-discharge is a significant issue. Batteries can't stay charged indefinitely and will eventually lose their charge, rendering the device unusable after a long period of inactivity.

Also, some network-connected devices may fail because of expired security certificates or standards that have changed, making them incompatible with current systems. Simply put, if a device has relied on an online service that you haven't been able to access for years, it could just stop functioning when you finally try to use it again.