3 Ways Temperature Control Relates to Safety with Electrical Enclosures
Electrical equipment must operate within a certain temperature range for safe and optimum performance. The heat they dissipate needs to be removed constantly to ensure that the enclosure temperature does not rise beyond their maximum operating temperature. For this reason, temperature control solutions need to be employed. Not only do they ensure optimum performance and longer lifespan of your equipment but also they reduce the risk of equipment failure and safety hazards. This blog discusses the different safety hazards caused by high temperature and how temperature control prevents them.
1. Temperature Control Contributes to Equipment Safety
All electrical equipment dissipates a certain amount of heat that increases the temperature of their surroundings. If the heat dissipated is not removed, it can manifest itself in the form of insulation damage, component failure and even overall system failure. Thermal management solutions help bring down temperature to within specified equipment operating limits, ensure optimum performance and increase the lifespan. Equipment safety extends to lesser downtime of your business, less frequent maintenance routines, high productivity and increased profits.
2. Temperature Control Reduces Risk of Heat-Related Illnesses to Human Personnel
Some electrical equipment such as VFDs, electric motors, compressor drives and switches are located on the same floor as human workers. Overheating of this equipment can increase the temperature of the air in the vicinity and this results in thermal discomfort of the workers nearby.
Long-term exposure to radiant heat and high ambient temperature can cause headaches, dehydration, heat rashes, cramps, heat stroke and death in some cases. Overheating equipment also increases the risk of thermal contact burns. OSHA prescribes protective measures for personnel for different temperature ranges. If your workplace temperature increases beyond the realm of comfort, it may be time to invest in protective clothing for your workers or an even simpler solution – enclosure air conditioners.
3. Temperature Control Reduces Risks of Fire
Overheating electrical equipment can also result in arcing, fires and even explosions.
At high temperatures, damage to insulation can cause short-circuiting and fires. High temperature can also increase the chances of an explosive discharge of flammable material in equipment. Further, it can increase the chances of auto-ignition of flammable gases and vapors in the vicinity.
Efficient temperature control helps prevent any of the above scenarios, contributing to a safe workplace.
If you are interested in learning more about the implications of overheated electrical equipment in your workplace and how temperature control can promote a safer workplace, speak to the knowledgeable sales team at Thermal Edge.
