Anything electrical can maybe survive a little splash of liquid now and again; however most of them when submerged (if it doesn’t mention that they are waterproof) will cease to function, especially if it’s on. The time it takes it dependant on the device and how well made it is, the tiny gaps may have natural sealing properties. Some devices can even survive a good dunking, again it depends on the time that they are submerged, I mean I have dropped my phone in the sink once, but because I rescued it almost instantly, it was fine and have had no trouble since.

In some cases the device can work afterwards if it is completely dried, and nobody has tried to work it. The likely hood is if it’s operated or on when it’s wet, then the water will create undesired connections within the device that will short circuit and probably permanently damage it.

There is however a revolutionary new technology that is being developed, which will hopefully give us all peace of mind when it comes to our beloved gadgets and liquids. I first heard of it when I was watching the gadget show, it was an insight into future technology and what’s being developed. Jason Bradbury gave a little teaser into P2i’s Ion Mask.

The ion mask is ingenious! It uses plasma technology to coat an object with a protective invisible shield that can repel both oil and water. The object is placed within a plasma oven, that’s right a plasma oven, where it is treated with the shield. The shield would then protect the device from water and oil by repelling it, making the liquid bead up then just fall off. They are developing it so they can coat almost any object to give it waterproof abilities, without affecting the objects properties such as its feel and looks. Originally it was designed to protect soldiers clothing from harmful chemicals, it is being tried and tested now with outdoor footwear, however hopefully one day we will see a variety of other products (including the humble ipod) utilising this revolutionary technology, saving us from having to make those water damage claims.