Keeping your Telecom Cabinet Cooling System in Top Shape
Global demand for dependable telecommunications continues to rise. Whether for work or play, consumers and businesses rely heavily on telecom equipment for communications, electronic transactions and trading.
As telecommunications equipment operators continue expanding their infrastructure to keep up with the ever increasing demand for broadband, cellular/wireless and cable internet services, the need for efficient cabinet cooling systems has never been higher.
Modern telecom equipment has always been considered to be heat sensitive. With continued component miniaturization and while being housed inside ever smaller space saving cabinets, there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of heat generated inside cabinets, raising the possibility of heat-related failure.
Because telecommunications plays such an integral part of everyday life, a perfectly running operating system is often taken for granted until a failure occurs. Service outages can lead to substantial business losses and harmed reputations, but can often be avoided with regular cabinet cooling system monitoring and maintenance.
Importance of an Efficient Cabinet Cooling System
Efficient cooling of telecom equipment is essential for optimum performance, reliability and durability. Your business depends on the cabinet cooling system to run smoothly and efficiently. When it comes to properly cooling your telecom equipment, you don’t want to cut corners.
Controlling the temperature inside the cabinet, within the component manufacturer’s specified operating range, is a high priority. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is through routine maintenance.
Conducting Regular Cabinet Cooling System Checks
Every region has unique environmental conditions where high levels of dust or humidity may exist. Cabinets may be located indoors or out, in communities surrounded by landscaping, fences and buildings or in open fields.
Whether your cabinet cooling system consists of filtered fans, an air to air heat exchanger or an air conditioner, proper airflow for efficient cooling is the most important operation to maintain. Poor air flow due to blocked cooling fins or restricted air filters may also impact all other parts of the cabinet cooling system. Less air flow causes compressors and fan motors to operate at higher temperatures ultimately reducing their lifespan.
Cabinet Cooling System Maintenance
Preventive maintenance may include replacement of noisy fan motors or removal of dirt and debris from filters, fins and fan blades. A review of the cabinet cooling system’s User and Technical Manual is a great place to start. Before conducting any routine maintenance make certain the power is OFF.
Maintenance tasks should include the following:
1. For Filtered Fan Units: Any debris within 5 inches (13 cm) of intake and exhaust areas may cause air flow restriction and should be removed. Filters must be inspected for blockage and must be cleaned or replaced as needed.
2. Air to Air Heat Exchangers: Heat exchangers may require occasional cleaning of the coil. For proper cooling the fins should be dirt free. Check that the fan blades are clean and running smoothly.
3. For Air Conditioning Units: Inspect the air filter and condenser fins for dirt build-up and clean or replace as necessary. Verify fan operation and listen for any unusual noises coming from the fan motors. Inspect the condensate management system checking for sludge, scale or other debris and clean as necessary.
By adding remote temperature monitoring to your cabinet cooling system will enhance reliability by informing you of possible malfunctions to avoid overheating.
Inspection frequencies depend on the local environmental conditions and installation location.
Keeping Components Cool with Routine Maintenance
Regardless whether your cabinet cooling system is comprised of an air conditioner, air to air heat exchanger or filtered fans, simple routine maintenance will help ensure your electrical equipment operates at ideal temperatures to ensure maximum efficiency with a minimum amount of unscheduled maintenance operations.
The experts at Thermal Edge can assist you with maintenance questions and replacement parts. Qualified technicians are available to perform maintenance operations by contacting your local refrigeration service company.
