APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING POWER TO ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Methods and apparatuses for detecting when an electronic device, preferably a portable electronic device (PED) in some embodiments, has been exposed to moisture, and inhibiting the flow of electrical power to the electronic device when the moisture is too high or increasing too fast are disclosed. Embodiments sample air within the device, measure the moisture in the sampled air, inhibit the connection of electrical power to the device if the moisture exceeds a threshold, and permit the connection of electrical power to the device if the moisture is below a threshold. Some embodiments measure the moisture in the ambient air to improve effectiveness. Other embodiments allow resetting of a tripped condition. Other embodiments include constant sampling of air from within the device to assist drying, and inhibiting application of power to the device until the device is sufficiently dry. Still other embodiments interrupt power from the battery within the device.