thereby

[manky]

1. An electrical circuit is coverd with a waterproof material,
thereby protecting the circuit from water damage.
2. An electrical circuit is coverd with a waterproof material,
thereby being protected from water damage.
3. A waterproof material covers an electrical circuit,
thereby protecting the circuit from water damage.

I am not sure how to use "thereby".
I think No.1 is incorrect, and No.2 and No.3 are correct.
Is my understanding of "thereby" OK?

[MrPedantic]

Hello Manky

1. An electrical circuit is coverd with a waterproof material,
thereby protecting the circuit from water damage.

— Some might argue that the relationship between "protecting" and the noun phrase that it modifies ("waterproof material") is a little tenuous; but the use of "thereby" seems fine.

2. An electrical circuit is coverd with a waterproof material,
thereby being protected from water damage.

— This seems ok grammatically, but it doesn't sound quite idiomatic.

3. A waterproof material covers an electrical circuit,
thereby protecting the circuit from water damage.

— This seems ok.

See you,
MrP