Although the electrical panel is sealed, it is subject to the formation of humidity and, consequently, condensation, due to internal temperature fluctuations around the dew point.
The climatic variations, such as the temperature range between day and night, the wind and the driving rain, in fact cause a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the cabinet which favor, at each cycle, the infiltration of humid air, and its subsequent condensation. In addition, even the materials with which the electrical cabinets are made can affect the transmission of heat or thermal insulation, especially in outdoor applications.
If this process is repeated several times, the small accumulations of water formed become a danger for the electrical and electronic components installed inside the enclosure, making the equipment unreliable or less performing. The electrical fault may not happen right away, but it will most likely happen if it is not remedied in some way.
To learn more, we recommend our article on the thermal dissipation of electrical enclosures.
What are the consequences of excessive humidity in the electrical panel?
Corrosion
Humidity or water on electrical contacts and electronic circuits causes oxidation, consequently, it can cause false commands or faults, often irreparable, with consequent replacement costs.
Short circuit
The risk of a short circuit is less frequent, but not entirely impossible. Of course, humidity causes a loss of dielectric strength in the plastic materials used for electronic devices’ casings, and can cause even serious failures.
Loss of performance
Excessive humidity results in a reduction in the life cycle of the internal components and less and less reliability over time.
How to prevent condensation and humidity in electrical panels?
To prevent the damage that condensation and humidity can cause inside the electrical panels, it is advisable to install heaters, together with a hygrostat or thermostat, to ensure the maintenance of a temperature above the dew point. In addition, a heater will also provide adequate component performance when installed in cold environments.
Fandis anti-condensation heaters
Fandis proposes the line of Fucsis anti-condensation heaters: static and ventilated with different heating powers, based on self-regulating PTC type actuators, both with metal cover and touch proof plastic one for greater protection from accidental contact.
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.
Leave a Reply