Electrical Enclosures: Warm And Dry Keeps Condensation Away

When the temperature inside the electronics enclosure gets to a boiling point and the cold air that comes in to a contact it is transformed into vapour and after that turns into water. Equipment that is located outside is prone to condensation, particularly when they are not isolated right. Depending on the weather, you can get quite big difference between night and day temperature. Outdoor electronic enclosures have higher chance to be exposed to the risk of condensation. Condensation can also form in indoor situations too, where the humidity is high and there is not temperature stability.

The main question is: “Why should you keep condensation away from your electronic enclosures?”
Well, in truth there are a three main reasons:

• Equipment damage
• possibility of corrosion
• risk of electric shock

Condensation can cause premature rusting, ageing of the equipment, with breakdowns and short circuits happening regularly. Before you go out and buy an electronic enclosure, you should research for the one that has integrated a humidity control mechanism. Enclosures that have a tight box and are big enough to allow fresh air, lower the risk of condensation. Basically, to prevent condensation happening you need to keep the humidity level below 60 % and have temperature control all the time.

How should you act when condensation does occur?

The most reliable solution is to combine heaters with controlling devices like thermostats and hygrometers. Thermostats trigger an alarm inside the heaters when the temperature falls below the standard point. Hygrostats react differently in a way that they turn the heaters on when they humidity rises to high. They are the most efficient way to control the electronics enclosure.

When would you use a hygrotherm?

In some areas of the world, temperatures fall minus 20 during winter and the temperatures of control panel components. It is the same situation in the tropic areas in the world, where dew points happen at high humidity levels.
With the help of hygrotherms, both ambient temperatures and high density humidity trigger the heater.

Why are some heaters so thin?

Because this size gives it elegant and beautiful look. It is the same case with enclosures. With only 1.5 mm thickness, these devices start working at low temperatures and can be installed in any locations.

Conclusion

When condensation occurs inside the enclosure, the risk of electrical breakdown is high. The consequences can be dire, and can lead to full power failure, electrical shock to the nearby population. So be careful, inform yourself, find the right electronic enclosure, that will be tightly sealed, with inside mechanism to stop this kind of situations.