An electrically operated valve controls the flow of oil to and from a device that activates and deactivates a cylinder of a multi-cylinder engine. The protection device has a pair electrical conductors, an electrically conductive resilient switch member engageable in contact with the conductors to define an electrical conductivity pathway. In accordance with the present invention, a hydrophobic agent is incorporated into the polymer that is used to produce the web for improving the barrier properties of the web.