Is anti-static bubble wrap good to protect/cover external HDDs from dust?

[cornered_fox]

Hello,
I have 6 external HDDs which I use for my back ups, problem is, I live in a very dusty area in a semi-basement, so loads of dust comes into the room daily. I was thinking of buying anti-static bubble wrap (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RED-Small-Bubble-Wrap-300mm-500mm-750mm-ANTI-STATIC-PROTECTION-FREE-DELIVERY-/222235303929?var=&hash=item33be419ff9:m:m0LcyTxc6B8wQXxZ0CuxJuQ) to cover the drives when not in use. Any opinions?

On the same note, can I cover my gaming rig when not in use with this same bubble wrap?
Thanks for any advice 😀

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

I wouldn't trust it to offer any ESD protection despite what it says, not on ebay.

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Hey there, cornered_fox.

Well, basically I don't think you need protection from dust for your external drives as the enclosures should be closed well enough so that they don't let dust particles in. Besides the drives inside are hermetically sealed just as any other internal drive, so there's no way that dust can get to the HDDs' platters. However, if you're going to do that while they are not in use, I guess that it's OK. Just don't forget to remove the bubble wrap when the drives are in use, because if you don't, it could lead to extensive overheating and thus damage the HDDs.
The computer's case is a whole different story. If it's really dusty, you're bringing more dust in the case while the computer is working, because of the fans sucking air from the outside and cooling your hardware components such as GPU and CPU. This will cause a lot more dust build up than when the computer is shut down. Perhaps there's no better solution than dealing with the dust problem in the room and cleaning the computer regularly.

Hope that helps.
Boogieman_WD

 

[cornered_fox]

Thank you both for your quick replies.

@Boogieman_WD, 2 of the drives I have are Western Digital Elements, and while dust cant reach inside the platters, it still going into the external's case because the Elements have such a huge ventilated area (going from the back of the drive all the way up to the top). I think all that dust on a daily basis might be a problem over time. Was just wondering how to prevent dust building up inside it. Yes of course I will remove the bubble wrap when the drives are in use, as you said, could lead to overheating. Are there any other (better) options I could try to cover the drives from dust apart from the bubble wrap?

What could I do to cover the pc then when its not in use to prevent dust then? Dust is a major problem at my place. I could have just dusted, and in less than a week there will be a film of dust all over the shelves, since its a semi basement with a window at street level!

Thanks again for any advice and help

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Well, usually desktop drives tend to generate more heat than portable HDDs, that's why those enclosures have openings. In this case perhaps you could prevent the dust build up with a wrap around them while not being used, however I really don't know what to tell you about the case besides regular cleanups and perhaps checking out this article as well: http://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Dust-in-Your-House, although those tips are something which you might have already considered. Since your dust problem is not a regular household dust issue, perhaps the air purifier and cleaning with a microfiber cloths might help the most and prevent more dust build up.

 

[cornered_fox]

Thank you for your suggestions Boogieman_WD. I don't mind the drives having a properly ventilated space, it actually puts my mind more at ease knowing that the heat is getting vented out properly. So it would be ok to put a sheet of bubble wrap on top of the drives while not in use? Maybe you have a better idea, I just went for bubble wrap cause that's what popped into mind.

Thank you for your suggestions in how to counter the dust issue, but I do all those already, including the air purifier and microfiber cloth. This has been a long recurring problem with dust at this place, so I've been trying to fight it for ages, now getting really worried with the build up it causes. Any opinions on this (https://www.amazon.com/Computer-Dust-Solutions-Antistatic-Translucent/dp/B00DTGG0EM) dust cover? Remember I plan to cover the pc ONLY while its off, after waiting a few minutes for it to cool down.

Thanks again

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Perhaps you can modify one of those covers for the drive as well if you feel crafty enough (I know I'm not). It looks OK like a nice option with positive reviews, so if I were you, I'd rather go with it instead of the bubble wrap.

 

[cornered_fox]

Thank you for all your help on this topic Boogieman, I'll look into those covers more then Really appreciate the help 😀

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Sure thing. Good luck!