tomizett
Active Member
Fair comment ADW. I have built mains circuits on varoboard myself, and never had any touble with it, but I just feel a little uneasy recommending others do it.
When I do, I always use the fiberglass FR4 material rather than the more common phenolic paper FR2, as (I believe) it's less susceptible to absorbing moisture. Of course, I also make sure I allow plenty of creepage distance by clearing unused copper between live traces.
I think another point to remember is that a comercial PCB will normally have a resist which will keep moisture off the copper and help prevent tracking. Prototype boards won't have this, and so will be more susceptible to moisture and condensation - so a layer of laquer is probably a good idea.
When I do, I always use the fiberglass FR4 material rather than the more common phenolic paper FR2, as (I believe) it's less susceptible to absorbing moisture. Of course, I also make sure I allow plenty of creepage distance by clearing unused copper between live traces.
I think another point to remember is that a comercial PCB will normally have a resist which will keep moisture off the copper and help prevent tracking. Prototype boards won't have this, and so will be more susceptible to moisture and condensation - so a layer of laquer is probably a good idea.