iMac and steam (water steam, not the software)

[JoeTechnical]

Hi folks, I have a fundamental question: how much harm does it do to the iMac 27 inch from 2019 if it is near water vapor: I have an open kitchen in the living room and the iMac is around two and a half meters away. When I'm just boiling water or something like that, I've always been a little afraid that the steam could damage the iMac. However, my fear was increased even more today:
Today I had hot noodles on my desk next to my iMac, which really steamed properly. The steam was actually moving towards the iMac as well. Now I'm a little afraid that the iMac's fan might have drawn in the steam somehow. Now the question is: what should I do. Is such a small amount of steam enough to damage the iMac? Or does it really take longer than a few minutes to have a hot plate next to the iMac. I turned off the iMac anyway and pulled the power plug. I don't know how much sense that made.
I am now also quite reluctant to use it because I am afraid that there might still be some steam left in the device, but I am actually dependent on the iMac .......

 

[CWallace]

iMac's are designed to operate with up to 90% ambient / noncondensing humidity so I would be inclined to believe there should not be an issue.

 

[CheesePuff]

I would not worry about it, it would take quite a bit for it to become an issue.

 

[velocityg4]

If water is condensing on the walls and desk around the iMac. I'd be worried. Other than that it should be safe. Also your iMac will be much warmer when running than those surfaces. So, condensation is less likely.

 

[wilberforce]

"Non-condensing" is the key concern. Moist water vapor is likely OK, but is not the same as direct intake of steam, so it depends what exactly you are talking about. Steam will condense on a cold surface. I would not subject it to condensing steam too long. What if moisture visibly condenses on the interior of the display? This would not make me a happy camper.
Apple also states:
Damage to Mac computers and accessories due to liquid exposure is not covered by the Apple One (1) Year Limited Warranty or the AppleCare Protection Plan (APP)

 

[JoeTechnical]

Yes, as I said before, I left the noodles which were still very hot on the desk next to the iMac, and the steam from the noodles was flying straight towards the iMac screen. The plate stood there for about 5 minutes, so that the steam was drawn towards the iMac for like 5 minutes. So I guess we are talking about direct intake of steam

 

[CheesePuff]

Yes, as I said before, I left the noodles which were still very hot on the desk next to the iMac, and the steam from the noodles was flying straight towards the iMac screen. The plate stood there for about 5 minutes, so that the steam was drawn towards the iMac for like 5 minutes. So I guess we are talking about direct intake of steam

Was it under the screen? Thats where the intake vents are

 

[JoeTechnical]

Was it under the screen? Thats where the intake vents are

No it didn’t stand directly under the screen, it was about 5 inch away from the left under corner of the iMac. But it didn’t stand right under the Screen, no.

 

[CheesePuff]

No it didn’t stand directly under the screen, it was about 5 inch away from the left under corner of the iMac. But it didn’t stand right under the Screen, no.

If the iMac is not doing anything then its running the fan at 1200 rpm and with how wide open the vents are again I doubt it would be an issue, and if you were able to run it for the 5 mins it happened and then shut down again I highly doubt there was any damage.. if you are very worried just leave it off for a few hours before turning back on again

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Hi folks, I have a fundamental question: how much harm does it do to the iMac 27 inch from 2019 if it is near water vapor: I have an open kitchen in the living room and the iMac is around two and a half meters away. When I'm just boiling water or something like that, I've always been a little afraid that the steam could damage the iMac. However, my fear was increased even more today:
Today I had hot noodles on my desk next to my iMac, which really steamed properly. The steam was actually moving towards the iMac as well. Now I'm a little afraid that the iMac's fan might have drawn in the steam somehow. Now the question is: what should I do. Is such a small amount of steam enough to damage the iMac? Or does it really take longer than a few minutes to have a hot plate next to the iMac. I turned off the iMac anyway and pulled the power plug. I don't know how much sense that made.
I am now also quite reluctant to use it because I am afraid that there might still be some steam left in the device, but I am actually dependent on the iMac .......

1. Very few steam can get inside the iMac when it is turned off.
2. The display is glued to the protective glass to prevent the steam to get in between them.
3. If you are still paranoid about it, you can purchase a protective plastic cover for the screen, which help reduce the steam further.

Dust and Water Resistant Silky Smooth Antistatic Vinyl All-in-One Dust Covers (27")

These All-In-One dust covers are constructed from a translucent, water resistant and silky smooth anti-static vinyl material for effective dust, moisture and static protection. Color is creamy coconut with sky-blue trim.

www.amazon.com