Does covering up electronics pose a problem in terms of ventilation?

Question

I've recently made cardboard box covers to put around my electronics (computer, DVD recorders, game console, etc.) to keep dust, cooking fumes, and other various particles from getting in/on the electronics.

In terms of ESD, there isn't a problem, because I make sure the cardboard never touches the devices themselves; they only cover the area around them. However, I was a little concerned about ventilation.

It's probably just paranoia, because I always take the covers off before turning anything on. In other words, the covers only go on when the electronics are turned off. Therefore, there wouldn't be any fans running or any hot air trying to escape from the devices.

I just wanted to make sure that indeed covering up the area around an electronic is okay when the machine is turned OFF. That it wouldn't pose a problem in terms of air ventilation or keeping the devices cool.

Answer 1

When the devices are turned off, that is not a problem.

Even the ESD aspect is not a problem either.  ESD is mainly a concern with open circuit boards not electronics inside it's own enclosure.

Answer 2

Cardboard is not subject to ESD, so that's a non-issue.  While the devices are off, there is no need to worry about ventilation.  (If there were, they would not be shipped from the factory in cardboard boxes.)  During operation, however, electronics still generate heat.  Not as much as in the old days, but still there is some, nonetheless.  If the heat is unable to dissipate, the continued production will accumulate until the device burns out.  So, make sure to never interfere with the ventilation of the device while it's operating.