Why condensation forms and how to manage it inside the electrical panels

As we have already seen, humidity and the related condensation are a threat to electrical panels.

Humidity and condensation, in fact, are a possible cause of malfunction of the devices installed in them and of a consequent interruption of the operating processes.

How does condensation form?

When the humidity present in the air inside the enclosure comes into contact with a colder surface, the water vapor condenses, transforming into droplets on the surfaces. These droplets slowly aggregate together, forming real deposits of water, able to penetrate between the components and the circuits, damaging them, and even corroding them, if left to deposit for a sufficient time.

Although there are electrical panels made of any material, hermetic and with a high IP degree of protection, all, unfortunately, are subject to the formation of condensation. The phenomenon is due to temperature changes, climatic variations, hostile operating conditions, exposure to atmospheric agents and temperature fluctuations (between day and night, and vice versa), responsible for the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the electrical panel.

Paradoxically, even the need to temporarily stop the production lines, open the doors of the enclosure for inspection and maintenance, can determine a thermal gap and the formation of condensation on the walls of the panel or on the components themselves, with the risk of damage to devices and corrosion.

How to prevent condensation in electrical panels?

Depending on the application, some precautions can be used to avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity inside the electrical panel.

• Carefully evaluate the thermal dissipation of the cabinet, considering humid air, environmental conditions, thermal balance…
• Keep the humidity level constant below 60% by placing, possibly in the lower part of the cabinet, a hygrostat that will activate special anti-condensation heaters when a preset value is reached, above the dew point.
• Manage heating and ventilation through a thermostat based on the temperature detected in the enclosure, or through a monitoring system, capable of making several sensors and devices communicate with each other, thus optimizing energy consumption.
• Equip the installed Peltier cooling systems with special condensate collection trays, to be maintained regularly.
• Install cooling units with an integrated evaporation system that excludes the accumulation of water under the product for greater operational safety.

Fandis solutions

Fandis offers a series of products to prevent damage caused by humidity and condensation and ensure a longer life span for the installed components and the entire electrical panel.

• Ventilation systems
• Climate control system
• Ambient control system

To find out more about all our products for enclosures, keep browsing our blog, visit our website fandis.com or send an email to support@fandis.com. Our staff will answer you as soon as possible.