How to prevent overheating in electrical panels

Among the major problems affecting enclosures, there is temperature control, especially in the event of overheating.

More devices, more heat

Electrical panels have become increasingly widespread, and more complex. Technological innovation has gradually introduced products based on power electronics and the miniaturization of components, resulting in the installation of a greater number of elements, which makes accurate temperature control even more essential.

The electrical panel is a limited space, and the high density of the components installed in the electrical panel generates an accumulation of heat that must be properly taken off to avoid overheating and ensure reliable performance over time.

Furthermore, the heat produced by the operation of the various devices contributes to excessively increasing the overall internal temperature of the enclosure.

Risks related to overheating

The EN61439-1:12-02 standard defines this concept through the term overheating, understood as the difference between the temperature inside the cabinet and that of the installation environment.

Risks related to an overheating problem can be:

• formation of hot spots in poorly ventilated areas
• reduction of the lifetime of components
• exceeding of critical thresholds, malfunctions and damages, and failures

It’s therefore essential that the conditions of heat dissipation are always guaranteed inside the electrical panels, so that temperatures are optimal for the operation of the installed components, by ventilating and cooling the enclosure.

How to avoid overheating problems

Fandis offers various solutions to contain the problem: a complete range of products for filtered ventilation (with filter fans and roof units), localized ventilation (directional fans for hot spots) or cooling (thermoelectric units), and a series of mechanical temperature and humidity regulators, which help to maintain optimal operability levels, interacting with filter fans, heaters and cooling units.

But not only: thanks to the new Sensis device capable of communicating with most of the ventilation, control, and air conditioning systems installed, it’s possible to act in a predictive manner in the thermal management of electrical panels, exploiting the 4.0 paradigm and minimizing risks. due to overheating.

To learn more about Sensis and all other Fandis enclosure products, read the dedicated article on our blog, visit our website fandis.com or send an email to support@fandis.it. Our staff will answer as soon as possible.