Why Fans for Electrical Enclosures Often Fail and Air Conditioners Don’t
Industrial electrical equipment is crucial to the operation of many manufacturing operations and their reliability is of utmost importance. Businesses cannot afford costly downtime due to electrical component malfunctions from overheating or damage from dust and dirt, moisture or corrosive chemicals.
Electrical enclosure cooling fans are a low cost option that can adequately cool sensitive components if the environmental conditions are ideal. For fans to work well, the ambient temperature must be lower than the temperature needed inside the enclosure to keep the electrical components operating properly. Also, enclosure cooling fans function best when located in a protected indoor environment where dust levels are minimal.
Unlike air conditioners for enclosures, cooling fans have drawbacks when exposed to harsh manufacturing environments. Since fans always draw ambient air directly into the electrical enclosure, filters are required which need to be routinely cleaned or replaced. If regular maintenance is neglected a clogged filter will restrict air flow to both the fan motor and the electrical enclosure, reducing the cooling capacity of the fan.
Once airflow is restricted, not only will the fan motor will run at higher temperatures leading to early failure, the inadequately cooled components inside the enclosure may overheat and fail as well.
Using Air Conditioners for Enclosures Instead of Fans
When it comes to protecting important electrical components from possible exposure to extreme environmental hazards, conditions are rarely ideal in industrial areas. Temperatures can exceed 120°F (49°C) in many areas across the country during the summer months. Also, enclosures may be exposed to wind and blowing dust which can be detrimental to enclosures equipped with cooling fans rather than air conditioners. For sensitive electrical equipment to be properly cooled, robust cooling systems must be used and air conditioners have the ability to stand up to the task.
An enclosure air conditioner is commonly designed for a closed loop cooling system. This allows for reliable cooling of the electrical equipment without the potential of dust and dirt entering the enclosure. Additionally, air conditioners will remove the excess heat from inside electrical enclosures and have the ability to reduce the temperature inside the enclosure below the ambient temperature.
Air conditioners can also have the capability to remotely monitor the enclosure temperature, which is ideal for instances when an enclosure is located in a remote location making routine maintenance easy to overlook.
Robust Air Conditioners for Enclosures Offer Flexibility
Once the maximum expected ambient temperature is known, the cooling capacity needed to cool the electrical enclosure can be determined. Air conditioners for enclosures are available with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 BTU/H and come in various sizes and types depending on the application.
Thermal Edge designs and manufactures robust enclosure air conditioners that will reliably protect your electrical equipment from hazardous environmental conditions. Call the experts at Thermal Edge today to learn more about the best air conditioner for your enclosure cooling needs.
