Can a build up of dust effect the operation of a PCB?

[robgilmo]

Just wondering if dust accumulating around the components on a PCB could effect it's operation?

[CBS240]

Yes. A blanket of dust will increase thermal resistance and prevent heat from dissapating from the all small signal stuff. Some 'canned air' is a good investment.

[robgilmo]

It wont short anything out or create cross talk across two channels would it?

[jcx]

unless you're in a machine shop there really shouldn't be much conductive dust

but some may contain salts that will give leakge currents when wet

if you're talking high V arcing can leave carbonized tracks on the board