When deploying enclosures in an environment with extreme temperatures, thermal management is critical. It is necessary for maintaining the optimum performance of electronics and for keeping a computer system protected from elevated levels of heat. Since a NEMA 4X enclosure requires a watertight seal, a unique set of challenges must be overcome when installing a NEMA 4X computer or printer enclosure. NEMA 4X enclosures are unable to utilize an open cooling system, meaning the cabinet requires a closed loop system that uses forced convection. With a closed loop system, no seal is broken. The enclosure market has several closed loop solutions that will keep your enclosure cool to protect your vital electronics.

Three common types of cooling for NEMA 4X computer enclosures:

Heat Exchanger
A heat exchanger can be used to transfer heat from the inside of the cabinet to the outside to ensure internal electronic components are operating at safe levels. It is important to note that a heat exchanger is an ideal cooling solution ONLY when the electronics can operate safely above the external ambient temperature. Heat exchangers are advantageous when humidity is not a major concern, and a low heat load is generated by the electronics installed inside of the enclosure.

Vortex Cooler
Vortex cooling units produce cool air by using clean/dry compressed air through a tube or hose. These units do not have refrigerants or moving parts, so they are especially valuable in demanding, harsh environments – such as hazardous areas. A vortex cooling unit is operated by a thermostat, which is powered from the inside of the enclosure. The installation location can vary on an enclosure: top, sides, or rear.

Air Conditioners
A NEMA 4X rated air conditioner can be installed in an environment where the electronics – inside of the enclosure – need to be cooled at or below the ambient external temperature. An air conditioner is beneficial in high humidity areas. To properly cool electronics, air conditioners use refrigerants and forced air. It goes without saying, but an A/C requires frequent filter maintenance to run at its maximum capacity. The filter should be changed and/or cleaned at least once a month or more often in dirty or dusty areas.

Prior to deploying a NEMA 4X computer or printer enclosure, perform research and conduct a thorough examination of the installation environment. Compile a list of ALL electronics which will be installed inside of the enclosure. The list should include the average heat load and operating temperatures. This information is helpful in determining the NEMA 4X cooling system that will best fit the desired application.

Looking for a recommendation on the best cooling solution for your enclosure? Click Here

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post Cooling for NEMA 4X Enclosures appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

In many harsh, manufacturing settings, printers, computers, monitors, and electrical equipment are housed in industrial computer enclosures that are designed to protect against severe, exterior environments (humidity, water, dirt, dust). However, even in a NEMA rated enclosure, liquid can enter the enclosure under a variety of circumstances. Obviously, the goal is to keep harmful elements, like moisture or condensation, out of the enclosure!

Condensation is defined as water which collects on a cold surface when humid air makes contact. In other words, temperature fluctuations between the inside and outside of the computer enclosure can cause condensation, which can make its way into the enclosure. Any moisture can damage electronics, shorten their lifetime, and affect the performance of the internal components. When it comes to condensation, corrosion or rust are also serious concerns, which will render critical electronic mechanisms useless.

Moisture can also penetrate the inside of an enclosure through various paths – door left open, a vent, defective door latch/hinge, filtered fan system, brittle gasket, or a poorly sealed cable entry point. Plus, during a regular washdown, it is possible for the high pressure spray and cleaning solution to penetrate around the sealed enclosure doors and gaskets. If the water is not detected, mold or fungi can form in small areas and become an enormous problem. In fact, according to FEMA, mold can grown quickly, “mildew and mold will develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture, and effectively deal with the mold problem… Molds digest organic material, eventually destroying the material they grow on, and then spread to destroy adjacent organic material.”

Naturally, it is advisable to install a “closed-loop” cooling solution for humid, moisture prone environments. Closed loop cooling systems are specifically designed to mount to an enclosure and remove heat, without letting outside air (or water) into the sealed enclosure. To ensure electronics are running at optimum levels, the closed loop system will bring the temperatures below the ambient outside temperature.

Examples of closed loop cooling systems include air conditioners, vortex coolers and heat exchangers (heat exchangers will not cool below the ambient temperature). These systems usually employ a thermostat and/or humidity control for monitoring. Closed loop systems are generally “non-condensating.” The only time condensation may occur is if there is a quick and dramatic temperature fluctuation to the system (i.e. switching thermostat from 80°F to 65°F). In fact, air conditioners and vortex coolers can often work to remove moisture from the inside of the computer enclosure.

When searching for the best enclosures for a humid environment, make sure that it is built to protect against water entering the cabinet. Obviously, water has a way of getting into the tiniest spaces if not properly safeguarded! In humid environments, moisture may enter the enclosure when the door is minimally open for quick routine maintenance.

Properly sealed enclosures in a humid environment (gasket is a plus) will prolong the life of imperative electronics. As always, downtime can be costly, so it is always prudent to keep all electronics up and running for as long as possible.

Looking for a recommendation on the best cooling solution for your enclosure? Click Here

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post Enclosures in a Humid Environment appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

When storing electronics in a computer, monitor, printer, or rack enclosure, proper cooling is necessary to increase the overall life of the electronics. It comes as no surprise that heat can damage electronics. As a rule of thumb, the life expectancy of electronics is cut in half for every 18°F in which they operate above room temperature. System integrators should be aware that operating electronics in high or elevated temperatures can void manufacturer warranties. Thus, the correct thermal management is critical for a computer enclosure deployment in a manufacturing setting.

Many factors influence the temperature – in which electronics are exposed – on the inside of a computer enclosure. In the blog, ‘Could High Humidity be Hurting Your Electronics?,’ the author notes that “electronics are more delicate than you may think, and are susceptible to damage in high-humidity environments. It is important to keep relative humidity between 40-60% to keep electronics running efficiently.” Therefore, it is imperative to consider not only the electronics’ heat output, but also the environmental factors that may cause high ambient air temperatures.

The following are some examples of potential sources of heat:

• Power Supplies
• Controllers, Drives, or Servers
• Computers and Monitors
• Rack Electronics
• Printers (Barcode, Label, or Desktop)
• Solar Gain Heat
• Furnaces or Ovens
• Foundry Equipment

Electronics, which are more robust than average off-the-shelf products, will most likely have a higher heat output. Because we live in a world where faster is better and processing capacity is extremely important, more powerful systems are being designed at a rapid pace. Powerful electronics will generate more heat and, as a result, will require some form of cooling, like a filtered fan system, heat exchanger, vortex cooling unit, or air conditioner.

What are Common Consequences of Damaging Heat?

Heat building up – on the inside of an industrial enclosure – can adversely affect controls and sensitive electronics.

Below are a few examples of the adverse reactions of too much heat.

• De-Rated Drive Performance
• Electronics Failure
• Productivity Loss/Down time
• High Component Replacement Costs
• Late Shipments
• Lost Revenue
• Customer Dissatisfaction

When searching for the right enclosure solution, speak with an enclosure expert to configure the best cooling solution based on a user’s specific application. When discussing the installation of electronics on the inside of an enclosure, thermal management should always be on the list of must-haves. High heat will damage electronics when stored inside of an enclosure.

Simply put, any type of thermal management will help a computer system run more smoothly.

Download the cooling requirement worksheet for the first step in creating the perfect environment for your electronics.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post Keeping Electronics Cool Inside a Computer Enclosure appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

In an industrial setting, a dust-tight, waterproof enclosure can protect a computer, a monitor, a printer, a keyboard, and various other electronics from harsh elements, like splashing fluids, dust, dirt, lint, and fibers in the air. However, while the enclosure is keeping materials from entering the cabinet, it is also preventing heat from properly exiting. The build-up of heat – on the inside of the enclosure – can slowly damage electronics. Thermal management (like a filtered fan system) will keep the overall heat load to a minimum by removing excess heat. Plus, filters will ensure particulate matter is kept outside of the enclosure and away from electronics.

What fan system will work for you and your specific environment? What are the differences between outdoor and indoor filtered fan systems?

Indoor Filtered Fan:

Filtered fan systems are designed to force hot air out of an enclosure. With forced air, a filtered fan system will aid in ‘cooling’ down the inside of an enclosure. Without some type of cooling, heat build-up will negatively affect electronics and cause them to work less effectively or even fail completely.

Filtered fan systems also create a positive pressure on the inside of the enclosure and keep dust and damaging contaminants from harming electronics. Depending on the size of particulate matter in the air, a filter can be used in varying thicknesses and can be made of different materials, including aluminum and synthetic fiber. For a fan to run properly, filters should be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis. The gasket seal around the fan and exhaust housing will also keep dust and splashing water from entering the cabinet.

Filtered fan systems are more economical than most thermal management systems and installation is rather simple. Indoor fans should only be used in areas with light splashing or dripping of liquids. Avoid using ‘indoor’ filtered fan systems in wash-down applications as they do not maintain a waterproof seal. In addition, harsh cleaning chemicals have the potential to destroy filters and can even eat away at fan blades.

Outdoor Filtered Fan:

If deploying an enclosure outdoors (in sun or shade) or in a wet, wash-down environment, consider how much precipitation/liquid is going to be in contact with the fan. Outdoor filtered fans often have a lockable cover to offer protection from harsh elements and will shield the fan from hose directed fluids. The exhaust is usually located on the bottom of the fan system, to prevent water from penetrating the inside of the enclosure. In order for the fan system to fail, an operator would literally have to spray water upwards into the fan housing. The outdoor filtered fan assembly is usually sloped for proper runoff to occur during wash-down or in the event of heavy precipitation, like blowing rain or sleet. Filters should also be changed regularly, and most can be quickly changed from the outside of the enclosure. Some filters are even moisture resistant. Other considerations include the materials used for the blades and the body of the fan. Plastic parts will withstand exposure to various types of cleaning products/liquids and harsh UV light.

Recirculating Fan:

A third option is a recirculating fan. This simple fan system will help to distribute and circulate the air inside of an enclosure to help electronics run smoothly. These fans do not have an exhaust, nor do they require any filter media. Recirculating fans can also be used in conjunction with enclosures that are exposed to the elements with vents or louvres. Recirculating fans are ideal for NEMA 4 or 4X enclosures with electronics that will not produce a large amount of heat, such as monitors and computers. These fans can usually be attached to an enclosure’s uni-strut and do not require cutting into the enclosure body.

Thermal management is necessary to remove heat that is produced by electronics concealed in an industrial enclosure. A thermostat should also be used to regulate the temperature inside of the enclosure and to eliminate the fan from running 24/7. It is important to note that most fans can be installed by expertly cutting into the enclosure with a provided cutout template. Most of the cutouts are in the shape of a square. The fan and/or exhaust can then be snapped into place and screwed into the enclosure.

Additional aspects to consider include the voltage of the fan, the noise level of the fan, the minimum/maximum ambient temperature, and the fan CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. For an accurate recommendation, work with an enclosure expert to configure the best solution. (cooling worksheet)

While simple in operation, filtered fan systems can save electronics from failure!

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post Filtered Fan Systems for Computer Enclosures appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

When installing thermal management on heavy-duty computer enclosures, fan or air conditioner filters are essential in keeping particulate matter away from sensitive electronics. Filters will make it easier to keep oil, dust, dirt, fibers, and lint away from the inside of the enclosure system. However, after deploying an industrial computer enclosure, it is common for filter maintenance to be overlooked (or not checked on a regular basis). Depending on the harshness of the environment, filters should be checked at least 1-2 times a month (or possibly more) to ensure that airflow is properly circulated throughout the enclosure.

Here are some guidelines for enclosure filter replacement:

1. The filter has reached its cleaning limit

If the filter is packed full of dust/dirt, then it might be time to change it out or simply try to clean it. Many standard thermal management filters (fan systems, air conditioners, heat exchangers) can be washed and reused. Aluminum filters (and some mesh filters) can be washed with dish soap and warm water, providing a clean slate for continued enclosure fan use. However, it is crucial to note that a filter will eventually deteriorate and reach a level where cleaning is not possible. If this occurs, throw it out and install a fresh filter.

2. A preventive maintenance schedule

Manufacturing plants, across the country, could have the exact same airborne particulates, but each may require different enclosure maintenance schedules based on unique conditions. The ideal maintenance schedule should be based on the individual needs of each location. Start with the manufacturer’s recommendation to create a baseline for your schedule to create the most cost effective, long term strategy.

3. The filter is no longer providing filtration

Grease or airborne oil will wreak havoc on the effectiveness of a filter and will quickly clog it – rendering it virtually useless within the enclosure’s fan system. It is simply not enough to clean the filters when you notice temperatures are starting to rise, as it is likely too late to correct the problem. Failing to maintain the proper maintenance – on an air conditioner or fan – will cause the enclosure’s fan system to be inoperable at the intended capacity and will lead to faulty parts, which will require replacement(s). This will all take a big hit on the yearly budget.

4. The environment varies throughout the year

To cool off the plant, manufacturing facilities are notorious for leaving doors open during the warm weather months. Seasonal fluctuations, in the air, may drive inconsistency with thermal management filtration. Pollen, for example, will be present during the summer, but non-existent during the winter. It is not enough to monitor the filters for a few weeks and figure out an anticipated maintenance schedule. Some months may be less harsh and dirty than others. It is vital to check your filters regularly, every month of the year.

Always find the ‘sweet spot’ between replacing filters too often and not doing so often enough. It will be ‘trial-and-error’ to figure out when to clean or replace. During the initial enclosure deployment, check and double check the filters every few days to make sure that air is flowing through them properly. A grimy filter will hinder the thermal management airflow process and could damage the electronics on the inside of the enclosure. Filters are not very expensive, so they should not be the reason that a computer, monitor, keyboard, or printer cease to work. Downtime can be detrimental to the bottom line. When it comes to filters – check and check often.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post When to Replace Your Computer Enclosure’s Filter appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

When deploying computer, rack, monitor, or printer enclosures in a factory or industrial setting, thermal management (air conditioners, filtered fan systems, heat exchangers, etc.) should be considered to exponentially prolong the life of the chosen electronics.

Once thermal management is installed on (or in) the enclosure, it is important to check and maintain the system often. Regular maintenance will prevent costly breakdowns and downtime. It is necessary on even the most reliable computer enclosure system. Neglecting to maintain proper care will cause systems to be inoperable at their intended capacity and may lead to faulty parts that require costly replacement. In some instances, manufacturers will completely deny warranty claims, if it is discovered that the thermal management systems were neglected.

Depending on environmental conditions, planned maintenance will do wonders to extend the lifetime of enclosure equipment. Simply put, it reduces the probability of failure to electronics and increases a machine’s overall reliability. Developing a structured thermal management maintenance plan will increase operational dependability and longevity.

Routine Maintenance Includes:

• Check filter(s), clean or replace filters as needed
• Re-adjust thermostat(s) depending on fluctuating ambient temperatures
• Check essential functions on all the cooling device’s controls
• Recommended cleaning practices per the manufacturer
• Create a maintenance plan that all users/operators will follow

Consistent maintenance ensures that a fan, heat exchanger, or air conditioner is running at the optimum efficiency, thus lowering energy costs and benefiting the planet. Thermal management maintenance will result in overall longer run times, even under the most extreme temperatures and environmental conditions. Be sure to establish a plan of action, from the beginning, when deploying a computer, rack, monitor, or printer enclosure in a manufacturing environment.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post The Importance of Thermal Management Maintenance appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

When deploying computer enclosures in a harsh and hot environment, a filtered fan system (or thermal management) consideration should be at the top of the project “to-do list.” Without a doubt, electronics will generate heat on the inside of a computer enclosure. The heat will need to be abated or it will be harmful to essential equipment. No company wants downtime from failed equipment. In many instances, filtered fan systems are an ideal way to generate airflow and remove heat.

Fans and filters – in various sizes – are available on the computer enclosure market. When installing computer enclosures on a factory or industrial plant floor, a fan should be explored. The filtered fan system should blow ‘cool’ air into the computer enclosure and keep dust and damaging contaminants out. A filtered fan system creates a positive pressure on the inside of the enclosure. Positive pressure will keep a computer enclosure free of dust and dirt.

Filtered Fan System Considerations:

1. Install electronic components – housed in the enclosure with the highest heat dissipation – towards the top of the enclosure, where excess hot air will be forced out through the filtered fan system exhaust. Electronics, like computers, printers, and servers tend to generate a good amount of heat when continually in use.

2. It is also important to consider the location of the filtered fan system on the computer enclosure. The filtered fan system should be installed towards the bottom of a computer enclosure and the exhaust should be towards the top. This will provide the coolest air flow and will remove the heat that will rise during the day.

3. Some fans are designed to run continuously, while others can be combined with a thermostat to only turn on when needed. Thermostats should be considered to cut down on the fan running excessively, which may result in the motor burning out. Thermostats are easily explained on doityourself.com, [a] “thermostat comes into play as soon as a certain relatively high temperature is reached inside the [enclosure]. This will cause the fan to receive a signal. To put it simply, the motor will start running and the blades rotating, so as to start working to regulate the temperature in the air until it becomes cooler.

4. Inquire what level of filtration is required with the fan system. According to Air Quality Engineering, a micron is “a millionth of a meter. To put in perspective, the average human hair is 150 microns in diameter while dust is typically 5 to 10 microns in size.” For example, a 10-micron filter is commonly used on industrial fan systems in computer enclosures. However, for manufacturing environments that have very fine dust/debris in the air, a 3-micron filter, a finer filtration, may be required. Keep in mind, the finer or denser the filtration media, the less air you will be able to move through the filter and computer enclosure.

A filtered fan system or thermal management, in general, is the most important factor in determining whether electronics will have a lengthy life or a short life. Obviously, it is important to get optimum operating life from your electronic equipment and to mitigate lengthy and costly downtime. In the end, filtered fan systems are easy to install in computer enclosures and almost maintenance free (changing out filter after extended use).

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post Filtered Fan System Tips for Computer Enclosures appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

Why Proper Thermal Management Helps:

1. Prolongs the Life of Electronics

The average lifetime of a computer is approximately 3-5 years. According to AZ Central (USA Today Network), the lifespan is “gauged by a variety of factors including environmental conditions, usage patterns, and computing needs. Many computers will last far longer than this, and possibly a decade or more if properly maintained.” In general, computers and electronics will not survive – on their own – in a hot, dusty manufacturing facility, if not protected inside of a pc enclosure. Furthermore, electronics – installed within the sealed computer enclosure– may also need thermal management to survive. When electronics are used daily, it is good business to maximize their life cycle. If a printer is overheated, then the media may not print properly and if a computer is overheated, it may shut down completely. By keeping electronics running at optimal temperatures, production will never need to slow down.

2. Reduces Costly Downtime

If electronics are housed in an computer enclosure, which is in a hot industrial environment, high ambient temperatures will slowly damage a computer or other electronic devices. If the inside of an enclosure is cool and humidity is removed, the equipment will not overheat and will continue to operate at a peak performance. If the computer or printer is needed for everyday tasks, then it must be WORKING(!)… plain and simple. According to the article, The Cost of IT Downtime, Michael Copeland writes, “Because there are so many differences in how businesses operate, downtime, at the low end, can be as much as $140,000 per hour, $300,000 per hour on average, and as much as $540,000 per hour at the higher end… Downtime is extremely expensive, and in ways that can make or break the success of your organization.” Time is money!

3. Cuts Down on Replacements

Utilizing the same computer enclosure equipment for many years will offer a strong return on investment for businesses. To put it into perspective, the average computer can cost upwards of $800 to $1,200 (if not more), a replacement thermal transfer printer can run from $400 to thousands of dollars, and even standard LCD monitors are a few hundred dollars. Obviously, to save man-hours and money, a company does not want to constantly be swapping out its essential equipment. Plus, replacement products will take a long time to configure, and oftentimes replacements are in short supply – just adding to downtime and lost profits. The learning curve for brand-new equipment is also costly, as it takes time for employees to learn the latest computer system, printer, or other peripheral.

To determine the correct thermal management for an computer enclosure, it is always useful to perform the proper research, so that the electronics being housed are appropriately protected. Companies will often offer a website form to fill out, so that a buyer can purchase the appropriate equipment.

—–

This formula can also be useful for picking the right thermal management:
(watts x 3.413) + (1.25 x area in square feet x ∆T temperature difference in degrees F) = BTU/hr.

Watts = The total heat load inside the enclosure (the sum of all heat-producing equipment)

Area = Total exposed surface area of the enclosure expressed in square feet

∆T = The difference in temperature between the maximum expected degrees Fahrenheit temperature outside the enclosure and the maximum degrees Fahrenheit temperature allowed inside of the enclosure

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post 3 Reasons to Add Cooling to Computer Enclosures appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.