Are USB Cables Waterproof? (Know This FIRST!)

There is almost no scope for compatibility between water and any electrical device. USB cables are the most popular thing that we use to charge our electronic devices.

But what if you somehow drop your USB cable in water or spill something on it? To know whether USB cables are waterproof, I have researched top USB cables including the regular and Type C versions.

Let’s get started!

Are USB cables Waterproof?

Most USB cables can withstand water. Some of them are water-resistant although at times the plug or connector has an encounter with water, please do not use it right away. 

At times USB cables can sustain splashes of water but submerging them in water is never advisable. If your USB cable accidentally happens to fall in dirty water you can use distilled or deionized water to clean it and make sure to dry it for an hour or two before use.

Type C connectors generally shield the connection from dirt, dust, and long-term immersion in liquid as they provide 1P68 protection with a speed of 10gbps and a power supply of 1A (3A for the jack connector) C type connectors support the USB 3.0 standard.

These USB C-type connectors come with IPX8 waterproofing features. They are the new standard. They are capable of faster and more reliable delivery anywhere. 

These connectors leverage a rubber seal and a seamless housing to keep water out. With a robust design and board-retention features, they are durable enough for random mating cycles.

Are braided USB cables waterproof?

Braided cables are the best USB features that have water-resistant properties. It assures safety and a prolonged shelf life. Braided cables are generally braided into a tight spiral making them more durable and less prone to damage. 

Braided cables are fabricated from first-rate wires guarded with rubber or plastic coating. The lattice design makes the cables more flexible protecting cords from being but out of shape. Braided USB cables are resilient to heat and don’t risk burning.

Braided cables offer better resistance to dust, molds, insects, animals, and at times wear and tear. Although the cost of braided cables is a bit high for the durability and functionality it provides.

Due to nylon these cables have improved stretchability. With effective features, braided cables have the excellent waterproof ability. The intertwined wires provide abrasion resistance.

What to do if USB cables get wet?

You should unplug your USB cable immediately if it gets wet. Try to make it dry as much as possible. Shake it to remove extra drops of water in it. If your USB cable is still wet, fix your hairdryer to a low setting and use it to blow dry the cable. 

In case your cable is yet not working after it has dried completely, you may need to replace it.

If it is over the water in the lighting part the pins on the cable or port can corrode. It can damage the cable permanently resulting in connectivity issues. 

In other aspects, if your cable is in the water pull the insulated part to avoid a short circuit, wipe it with a dry cloth and keep it in an airtight container with silica for some hours.

Can USB cables get damaged if it gets submerged in water?

If your USB cable gets submerged in water it mandatorily doesn’t get damaged. There are conditions where in the first place you can try drying it out. To avoid electric shock and damage to your device avoid charging while it is wet. 

However, electricity metals and water that are less than pure will accelerate corrosion eventually corroding the plating on the contacts which is not harmful to you but the metal might get rusted.

Most USB C cables are waterproof when they are used in combination with a waterproof product. Although in some cases, plugs or connectors aren’t waterproof in reality.

Accidental situations like fire, electric shock, injury, or damage to your devices might occur in case there is water left in your cable. Therefore a wet USB cable is not advisable to use.

How do I make my USB waterproof?

USB devices are water resistant and shockproof if it is in UDP style. USB-C type connectors are also recommendable as they come with waterproofing features.

Another way to make your USB connection waterproof is by applying silicone grease to the USB connection.

You can wrap a silicone sleeve around the male end of the cable and roll it back halfway. Pack the inside of the female port with silicone grease coating all exposed metal thoroughly with your fingers. Do likewise with male ports where connections are made.

To distribute grease into the internal pockets disconnect and reconnect a few times. Roll back the silicone sleeve over the entire USB housing. This way you can get a waterproof effect with your USB connectors.

Conclusion

Let’s conclude the post on whether USB cables are waterproof!

USB cables are not inherently waterproof, and submerging them in water is not recommended. Some USB cables may be water-resistant to a certain degree, but this is not guaranteed for all cables. If a USB cable gets wet, it should be unplugged immediately and dried as much as possible.

Using a hairdryer on a low setting can help to remove any remaining water from the cable. If the cable is not working after drying, it may need to be replaced. Using a braided USB cable or a USB-C connector with waterproofing features can provide some protection against water damage.

I hope you liked reading the post and found it helpful.