--- title: Can A Membrane Switch Keypad Be Waterproof? description: Find requirements for creating a waterproof control panel, and learn the difference between a water resistent and waterproof membrane switch image: https://www.epectec.com/images/waterproof-keypad-assemblies.jpg --- [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://www.epectec.com/images/logo.png "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://www.epectec.com/) [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://www.epectec.com/images/logo.png "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://www.epectec.com/) - [Articles](https://www.epectec.com/articles/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - [Webinars](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/) - [Videos](https://www.epectec.com/videos/) - [Case Studies](https://www.epectec.com/case-studies/) - [News & Events](https://www.epectec.com/news/) - [Customer Portal](https://system.netsuite.com/c.406760/site/NSlogin.html) - [About](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - Back - [Company Overview](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - [Our History](https://www.epectec.com/about/our-history/) - [Culture](https://www.epectec.com/about/culture/) - [Industries Served](https://www.epectec.com/about/industry/) - [Acquisitions](https://www.epectec.com/about/acquisitions.html) - [Operations](https://www.epectec.com/operations/) - Back - [Operational Excellence](https://www.epectec.com/operations/) - [Quality Philosophy](https://www.epectec.com/operations/quality-philosophy.html) - [Quality Assurance Process](https://www.epectec.com/operations/quality-assurance-process.html) - [Global Operations](https://www.epectec.com/operations/global-operations.html) - [Logistics & Supply Chain](https://www.epectec.com/operations/logistics-and-supply-chain.html) - [Inventory Stocking](https://www.epectec.com/operations/inventory-stocking.html) - [Approvals](https://www.epectec.com/operations/approvals.html) - [ITAR Registered](https://www.epectec.com/operations/itar-registered.html) - [Engineering](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/overview/) - Back - [Engineering Overview](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/overview/) - [Engineering Support](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/support/) - [Design Services](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/design-services/) - [EpecDFx™](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/epecdfx/) - [Free DFM File Check](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/free-dfm.html) - [PCB Impedance Calculator](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/impedance-calculator.html) - [Products](https://www.epectec.com/products/) - Back - [Overview](https://www.epectec.com/products/) - [Battery Packs](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/) - [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCBS](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) - [Cable Assemblies](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/) - [Printed Circuit Boards](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) - [CNC Machining](https://www.epectec.com/cnc-machining/) - [User Interfaces](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/) - [Flexible Heaters](https://www.epectec.com/flexible-heaters/) - [EC Fans & Motors](https://www.epectec.com/fans-motors/) - [Design Guides](https://www.epectec.com/guides/) - [Design Guides](https://www.epectec.com/guides/) - Back - Resources - Back - [Articles](https://www.epectec.com/articles/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - [Webinars](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/) - [Videos](https://www.epectec.com/videos/) - [Case Studies](https://www.epectec.com/case-studies/) - [News & Events](https://www.epectec.com/news/) - [Customer Portal](https://system.netsuite.com/c.406760/site/NSlogin.html) - [Contact Us](https://www.epectec.com/contact/) - Back - [Contact Information](https://www.epectec.com/contact/) - [Our Sales Team](https://www.epectec.com/contact/our-sales-team.html) - [Office Locations](https://www.epectec.com/contact/office-locations.html) - [Career Opportunities](https://www.epectec.com/contact/career-opportunities.html) - [InstantPCB*Quote*™](https://www.epectec.com/instantpcbquote/) - Back - [Overview](https://www.epectec.com/instantpcbquote/) - [Login](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/) - [Register](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/index2.jsp) - [Home](https://www.epectec.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - Can A Membrane Switch Keypad Be Waterproof? Share This Page: [LinkedIn](https://blog.epectec.com/#linkedin) [X](https://blog.epectec.com/#x) [Facebook](https://blog.epectec.com/#facebook) [Email](https://blog.epectec.com/#email) # Can A Membrane Switch Keypad Be Waterproof? [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog-Authors/epec-logo.jpg "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on May 16, 2014 at 1:49 PM ![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog-Authors/epec-logo.jpg "Epec Engineered Technologies") Find me on: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/epectec) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/epec-engineered-technologies) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/epectec) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) The need to [protect your keypad](https://blog.epectec.com/improving-abrasion-resistance-for-silicone-rubber-keypads) from the ever-present threat of wear-and-tear is crucial for all applications. If your control panel is going to be used in [marine environments](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/marine-specifications.html), [medical devices](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/medical-specifications.html), or other consumer electronics, the threat of water or liquid exposure is ever present. In wet situations, it is critical that all electronic components are completely sealed off from any outside substances that could damage the device. So can a membrane switch be made to be waterproof? Yes! Just be sure to specify in your [custom design](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/hmi-design-and-development.html) you need a waterproof control panel vs water *resistant*. Membrane switch keypads can be manufactured to be water resistant using the correct design techniques and the proper selection of adhesives. Without employing external sealing methods, [membrane switches](https://www.epectec.com/membranes/) are limited by the pressure sensitive adhesives used in construction. The adhesives can be water resistant but are not completely waterproof. [![Free Download: 5 Mounting Panel Design Tips for Membrane Switches](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/707152/07a98c14-6ed2-4389-b1f5-562b120732be.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/707152/07a98c14-6ed2-4389-b1f5-562b120732be) ## Graphic Overlay vs. Silicone Rubber Boot For [complete waterproof membrane switch keypad assemblies](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/waterproof-keypads.html), the graphic overlays need an edge gasket between the overlay edge and mounting case. The other viable solution is to replace the graphic overlay with a molded silicone rubber boot, which can be sealed on the front surface and edges for a complete waterproof seal. Choosing to use a silicone rubber boot vs a standard graphic overlay greatly increases the reliability of your overlay product. ![Waterproof Sealed Membrane Switch Keypad](https://www.epectec.com/images/waterproof-keypad-assemblies.jpg "Waterproof Sealed Membrane Switch Keypad") *Waterproof Sealed Membrane Switch Keypad with Molded Silicone Rubber Boot* ## Summary When developing a user interface product that requires protection from consistent water exposure, such as a control panel on a boat or an underwater application, you need confidence that you have selected a capable manufacturer. Epec's engineering team works closely with our customers to determine precise specifications that ensure we manufacture the proper solutions for everything your application needs! Visit our website for more information about our [high reliability user interfaces](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/). --- ## Key Takeaways - **Water-resistant vs. waterproof is a key distinction:** Adhesives in standard membrane switch construction can provide water resistance but not complete waterproofing unless additional sealing methods are applied. - **Graphic overlays need edge gaskets:** To achieve waterproof performance with graphic overlays, a gasket must seal the overlay edge to the mounting case, blocking liquid ingress. - **Silicone rubber boots offer superior protection:** Replacing the overlay with a molded silicone rubber boot creates a complete waterproof seal, making it ideal for marine or medical applications. - **Design choice impact reliability:** The decision between an overlay with gaskets or a silicone boot affects durability, sealing effectiveness, and long-term reliability. - **Manufacturer expertise is critical:** Working with an experienced manufacturer ensures correct material and sealing methods are selected to meet application-specific waterproofing requirements. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Topics: [User Interfaces](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/user-interfaces) --- [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/what-is-the-difference-between-a-stranded-cable-and-solid-cable) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/why-bake-osp-circuit-boards-before-use) [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/707152/011ee4b4-6d1d-4dc0-bccb-b18c0b44661c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/707152/011ee4b4-6d1d-4dc0-bccb-b18c0b44661c) ## Leave a Comment --- ## Related Posts --- ### Recent Posts --- ### Posts by Topic - [Printed Circuit Boards (157)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards) - [Product Design (132)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design) - [Battery Packs (118)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/battery-packs) - [Cable Assemblies (99)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/cable-assemblies) - [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCB's (92)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/flex-rigid-flex-pcbs) - [Electronics Industry (61)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/electronics-industry) - [User Interfaces (54)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/user-interfaces) - [Quality Solutions (32)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/quality-solutions) - [Flexible Heaters (30)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/flexible-heaters) - [Events, Training, and Support (9)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/events-training-and-support) - [RF Products (7)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/rf-products) - [CNC Machining (3)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/cnc-machining) - [Fans & Motors (1)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/fans-motors) See All --- --- ### Need Help with A Project? 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