For many industrial applications, it is important to consider non-metallic, electrical enclosure ventilation options. For example, Typically, all electrical enclosures should include measures to limit interior heat rise. This is needed to protect sensitive, electronic components from failure, especially when housed in cabinets with power devices that generate significant levels of heat.
Where is electrical enclosure ventilation needed?
Most industrial process facilities will need ventilator and filter kits for non-metallic electrical enclosures. This is due to the use of power supplies, VFDs, and transformers with electrical cabinets – all heat-generating, power devices. But you should also consider ventilation options for polycarbonate or fiberglass electrical enclosures when they are situated in areas where heat can be a nuisance. These include:
- Hot works processes like welding, cutting, or brazing
- Industries that use high heat sources – metals, paper, bakeries
- Indoor or outdoor locations with high ambient temperatures
- Agriculture, solar, mining, oil and gas well operations
Electrical components have a thermal rating. This means that heat load in fiberglass or polycarbonate electrical enclosures should not be ignored. This includes the ambient temperature in hot climates.
The benefit of ventilators and filter kits
Ventilation kits are needed to circulate air within electrical cabinets, while also removing moisture and equalizing pressure. Cabinet ventilators mount to enclosure walls and feature a gasket that provides an effective seal against moisture infiltration. They should be paired with filter kits when used in industries that have airborne particulate matter like dirt, dust, fibers, or chemicals.
Not only will ventilators equalize internal /external pressures and temperatures in electrical enclosures, but they also assist in condensation prevention by allowing enclosures to breathe. Best practices dictate that ventilators perform best when used in pairs – such as a ventilation kit and a filter kit.
When considering ventilation options, choose between passive or active ventilator designs. For example, passive enclosure ventilation may use vent holes cut into the enclosure mated with filter kits to cool smaller and lower power electrical enclosures.
Industrial Ventilator Kit Options
Active or forced air ventilation kits will use mechanical means such as blower fans or a cabinet-mounted air conditioner to actively circulate and cool the air in the enclosure. For large electrical enclosures or those with high input voltages, and those cabinets that contain heat-producing, power devices, forced air is often required as it is more effective than passive ventilation.
For tough, industrial applications, consider a ventilator kit with a sealed gasket system and 316 stainless mounting fasteners for maintaining a NEMA 4X enclosure rating. And since our fiberglass and polycarbonate thermoplastic materials are corrosion resistant, you can expect these external enclosure accessories to be durable.
At Allied Moulded, we have taken special design considerations with our NEMA 4X enclosure ventilation kit. The baffles are designed to allow for exceptional airflow into the enclosure while preventing rain or hose-directed spray from penetrating the enclosure.
Visit Allied Moulded Products Inc to browse our selection of ventilator kits and filters specifically designed for polycarbonate, fiberglass, and other non-metallic electrical enclosures. We provide the right ventilator and filter kit products for both small and large electrical enclosures.
