NEMA 4X enclosure cooling requires balancing temperature control with the environmental protection required for the enclosure. Depending on the application, cooling options can include heat exchangers, vortex coolers, and air conditioners designed for the enclosure and operating environment.

Understanding NEMA 4X Enclosure Cooling 

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.

Because NEMA 4X enclosures are designed to protect against water and other environmental exposures, cooling the equipment inside can present additional challenges.

Because NEMA 4X enclosures are designed to provide environmental protection, adding vents, fans, or other cooling equipment requires careful consideration of how those components affect the enclosure’s protection. Thermal management equipment should be appropriately rated and installed for the enclosure and application.

Can You Put a Fan or Vent in a NEMA 4X Enclosure?

Fans and vents can affect an enclosure’s environmental protection because they create additional openings and pathways for airflow. If ventilation or cooling equipment is added to a NEMA 4X enclosure, the components and installation should be appropriate for the required enclosure rating and operating environment.

3 Common Cooling Methods for NEMA 4X Enclosures

Heat Exchanger

A heat exchanger can be used to transfer heat from the inside of the cabinet to the outside to help keep internal electronic components within appropriate operating temperatures.

When does it make sense? Heat exchangers may be appropriate when the required internal enclosure temperature can remain above the external ambient temperature.

Vortex Cooler

Vortex cooling units produce cool air using clean, dry compressed air.

These units do not have refrigerants or moving parts, so they can be useful in demanding environments.

When does it make sense? A vortex cooler may be considered when compressed air is available and the application requires active enclosure cooling without a conventional refrigeration system.

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.

When does it make sense? An enclosure air conditioner may be appropriate when the required internal temperature cannot be maintained using methods that depend on ambient temperature alone.

Air conditioners also require routine maintenance to support proper performance. Maintenance requirements should follow the cooling-system manufacturer’s recommendations and the conditions of the operating environment.

How Do NEMA 4X Enclosure Cooling Methods Compare?

What to Know Before Choosing a Cooling System

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. 

Before selecting a cooling method, gather information about:

• Equipment installed inside the enclosure
• Total equipment heat load
• Maximum allowable internal temperature
• Minimum and maximum ambient temperatures
• Humidity and moisture exposure
• Water, dust, chemicals, and other contaminants
• Available electrical power or compressed air
• Required enclosure rating

This information can help determine which thermal management method is appropriate for the enclosure, equipment, and operating environment.

Choosing the Right Cooling Solution for a NEMA 4X Enclosure

The right NEMA 4X enclosure cooling solution depends on the heat generated inside the enclosure, ambient conditions, required internal temperature, environmental exposure, and available utilities. Selecting thermal management alongside the enclosure, not after equipment is already overheating, can help reduce heat-related equipment problems and unplanned downtime.

Need help calculating your enclosure cooling requirements? Complete the Cooling Requirement Worksheet and talk with an ITSENCLOSURES specialist about your application.

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Protecting Electronics in Humid Environments

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!

How Does Condensation Affect Electronics Inside an 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. 

Condensation can occur when humid air contacts a surface that is below the air’s dew point, causing moisture to form on the surface.

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.

How Can Moisture Get Inside a Computer Enclosure?

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. 

Common moisture entry points can include:

• Open or improperly closed doors
• Vents and filtered fan systems
• Damaged or deteriorating gaskets
• Defective door latches or hinges
• Improperly sealed cable entry points
• Water exposure during washdown or cleaning

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. 

The appropriate enclosure and NEMA rating should therefore be selected based on the actual water, moisture, cleaning, and environmental exposure expected in the application.

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.”

Managing Heat and Humidity Inside an Enclosure 

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. 

Closed-loop cooling can help manage enclosure temperatures without continuously introducing humid outside air into the cabinet.

The cooling performance of a closed-loop system depends on the technology being used, equipment heat load, ambient conditions, and desired internal enclosure temperature.

Cooling Systems for Humid Environments

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.

Choosing an Enclosure for a Humid Environment 

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.

When selecting an enclosure for a humid environment, consider the expected moisture and water exposure, required NEMA rating, gasket and door design, cable entry points, maintenance requirements, and thermal management needs.

A properly selected and maintained enclosure can help reduce exposure to moisture and contaminants, protecting sensitive electronics and reducing the risk of unplanned downtime.

As always, downtime can be costly, so it is always prudent to keep all electronics up and running for as long as possible.

Find the Right Protection For Your Equipment 

Managing humidity requires looking at the enclosure and thermal management system together. Understanding moisture exposure, temperature changes, enclosure sealing, NEMA requirements, and equipment heat load before installation can help reduce condensation and moisture-related problems.

Need help selecting an enclosure for a humid environment? Explore our industrial computer enclosures or talk with ITSENCLOSURES about your equipment and operating conditions.

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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

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Industrial computers, monitors, printers, and other electronics generate heat during operation. Inside a protective enclosure, that heat needs to be managed to keep equipment within its recommended operating range.

An enclosure filter fan uses outside air to remove heat while helping limit incoming dust and debris. Choosing a suitable system starts with understanding the surrounding environment, equipment heat load, and required enclosure protection.

How Does an Enclosure Filter Fan Work?

A common configuration uses a filtered intake fan and a passive exhaust outlet. Cooler outside air passes through the filter, circulates around the equipment, and carries heated air out of the enclosure.

The filter captures some airborne particles before they enter the cabinet. Its effectiveness and resistance to airflow depend on the filter media and the contaminants present.

A properly configured intake fan system can also create positive pressure, helping reduce unfiltered air entering through small openings.

Exhaust Fans vs. Passive Exhaust Outlets

A powered enclosure exhaust fan actively pulls air out of the cabinet. A passive exhaust outlet provides an exit path for air moved by an intake fan.

Both require a planned airflow path. Exhaust-only configurations also need an appropriate intake arrangement to avoid drawing unfiltered air through unintended openings.

When Is Filtered Fan Cooling Suitable?

Filtered fans may be appropriate when:

• Outside air is cooler than the required internal enclosure temperature
• Airborne particles can be adequately filtered
• Moisture and chemical exposure are compatible with the system
• The complete installation supports the required enclosure rating

A filtered fan cannot cool equipment below the temperature of the incoming air. High ambient temperatures or conditions that require greater separation from outside air may call for another thermal management method.

Indoor, Outdoor, and Recirculating Fan Options

These fan arrangements serve different purposes. Indoor and outdoor filtered systems exchange air with the surroundings, while recirculating fans move air within the cabinet.

Indoor Enclosure Filter Fans

Indoor filtered fan systems can provide practical cooling where surrounding air conditions are suitable.

Evaluate the dust, lint, grease, and other contaminants present in the facility. Filtration must balance particle capture with enough airflow to remove the equipment’s heat.

An indoor location alone does not establish suitability. Areas exposed to washdowns, corrosive substances, or heavy airborne contamination may require a different approach.

Outdoor Enclosure Filter Fans

An outdoor electronics enclosure with a fan needs components and an installation suitable for the expected weather exposure.

Depending on the system, protective covers may help shield intake and exhaust openings. However, a cover alone does not establish that the complete assembly provides the required environmental protection.

Evaluate rain, windblown dust, humidity, direct sunlight, seasonal temperatures, and access for filter maintenance. Confirm the fan system’s suitability for the enclosure and installation.

Recirculating Fans

A recirculating fan moves existing air inside the enclosure without exchanging it with outside air.

This can help distribute cooled air and reduce localized hot spots around equipment. However, the fan does not remove heat from the enclosure by itself.

Recirculating fans may support another cooling method, but they should not be treated as a substitute for sufficient heat removal.

Comparing Enclosure Fan Options

Selecting and Sizing an Enclosure Fan

Fan size alone does not determine cooling performance. Start with the equipment’s heat output and allowable operating temperature, then evaluate:

• Temperature difference: Highest expected ambient temperature compared with the required internal temperature
• Installed airflow: Airflow available with filters, outlets, and other restrictions in place
• Enclosure layout: Cabinet dimensions, equipment positions, and obstructions
• Environmental protection: Dust, moisture, chemicals, and required NEMA rating
• Power and controls: Fan voltage, continuous operation, or thermostat control
• Maintenance: Filter type, accessibility, and expected contaminant buildup

Complete the Cooling Requirement Worksheet to share your equipment and operating conditions with ITSENCLOSURES.

How Often Should Enclosure Filters Be Changed?

There is no single replacement schedule for every industrial environment. Dusty facilities may require more frequent attention than cleaner locations.

Inspect filters regularly and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning or replacement instructions. Some media can be cleaned, while others require replacement. Address buildup before it significantly restricts airflow, and adjust inspection frequency based on what you find.

Find the Right Thermal Management Solution

Filtered fans can provide effective cooling when the environment and equipment requirements allow outside air to be used. Other applications may need an air conditioner, heat exchanger, vortex cooler, or another solution.

Explore our industrial computer enclosures or contact ITSENCLOSURES for help evaluating your enclosure and cooling requirements.

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Industrial computer enclosures help protect sensitive electronics from dust, dirt, grease, and other contaminants. When an enclosure uses a filtered fan system or an air conditioner with a filter, regular filter maintenance is an important part of keeping the cooling system working effectively.

Over time, filters collect airborne particles. If too much material builds up, airflow can become restricted and heat may collect inside the enclosure. This can affect the performance of computers, monitors, printers, and other electronics.

Knowing when to replace your computer enclosure filter helps maintain proper airflow, support effective cooling, and reduce the risk of equipment downtime.

How Often Should You Replace an Enclosure Filter?

There is no single replacement schedule that works for every industrial enclosure.

A computer enclosure in a dusty manufacturing facility may need more frequent filter maintenance than one in a cleaner environment. Grease, oil, lint, fibers, and seasonal changes can also affect how quickly a filter becomes clogged.

Start with the filter manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations and adjust your inspection schedule based on the conditions in your facility.

When an enclosure is first installed, check the filter frequently to see how quickly contaminants build up. This helps establish a maintenance schedule that fits your environment.

4 Conditions That Call for an Enclosure Filter Check

1. The Filter Is Clogged or Damaged

A filter packed with dust, dirt, or other debris can restrict airflow through the enclosure’s cooling system.

Some enclosure fan filters are designed to be cleaned and reused. Others must be replaced when they become dirty.

If your filter is reusable, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Certain aluminum or mesh filters may be washable, but cleaning methods vary by material and design.

Replace the filter when it is damaged, worn, or no longer provides effective filtration after cleaning.

Never reinstall a damaged filter or assume that every filter can be washed and reused.

2. Airflow Has Decreased

A clogged filter makes it harder for a fan to move air through the cooling system.

When airflow decreases, the system may struggle to remove heat generated by the equipment inside.

Signs that warrant inspection include:

• Visible dust or debris buildup on the filter
• Reduced airflow at the fan or exhaust
• Higher internal enclosure temperatures
• Cooling equipment running more often than expected
• Filter material that is blocked, damaged, or heavily coated

Reduced airflow can have several causes, so check the fan, filter, and other components rather than assuming the filter is the only problem.

3. Grease or Oil Has Built Up

Dust and dirt are not the only contaminants that affect enclosure filters.

Manufacturing environments may contain airborne grease or oil that collects on the filter media. These substances can trap additional particles and restrict airflow.

In some cases, cleaning may not restore the filter’s performance.

If grease or oil buildup cannot be removed using the manufacturer’s approved cleaning method, replace the filter.

Facilities with these conditions may need a more frequent inspection and replacement schedule.

4. Seasonal or Operating Conditions Have Changed

The conditions surrounding an industrial enclosure may change throughout the year.

During warmer months, open facility doors may allow more dust, pollen, and outdoor debris into the work area. Changes in production activity, ventilation, or nearby processes can also affect the amount of airborne material reaching the filter.

A maintenance schedule that works during one season may not be enough during another.

Inspect the filter when conditions change and adjust the schedule based on the buildup you find. A seasonal change alone does not mean the filter needs replacement.

Can You Clean an Enclosure Filter Instead of Replacing It?

That depends on the filter.

Some reusable filters can be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Others use filter media that must be replaced once it becomes clogged.

Before cleaning a filter, confirm:

• Whether the filter is reusable
• Which cleaning methods are approved
• Whether the filter must be fully dry before installation
• Whether the material shows signs of damage or wear

If a filter cannot be cleaned effectively, replace it with the correct filter for the system.

Using the right replacement filter helps maintain the intended airflow and filtration performance.

Building an Enclosure Filter Maintenance Schedule

A preventive maintenance schedule helps identify filter buildup before it causes a cooling problem.

The best schedule reflects your facility’s actual conditions rather than a fixed replacement interval.

Start with these steps:

1. Review the manufacturer’s guidance. Check the inspection, cleaning, and replacement instructions for your filter and cooling equipment.
2. Inspect frequently after installation. Watch how quickly dust, grease, or other contaminants collect.
3. Track filter condition and airflow. Note when filters need cleaning or replacement and whether enclosure temperatures change.
4. Adjust for changing conditions. Increase inspection frequency during dusty production periods or seasonal changes.
5. Include filter checks in routine maintenance. Make enclosure filters part of the facility’s preventive maintenance process.

The goal is to clean or replace filters when needed without allowing buildup to affect the equipment inside the enclosure.

Supporting Reliable Enclosure Cooling

A filtered fan system helps remove heat while limiting airborne debris entering with the outside air. A clogged filter can reduce that airflow and allow heat to build up around the electronics.

Regular enclosure filter maintenance supports effective thermal management. However, the enclosure, cooling system, ambient temperature, equipment heat load, and required NEMA rating must also suit the application.

Find the Right Protection for Your Equipment

Keeping enclosure filters clean is an important part of protecting industrial electronics. ITSENCLOSURES can help you evaluate enclosure cooling options and determine an appropriate configuration for your equipment and operating conditions.

Explore our industrial computer enclosures or contact ITSENCLOSURES to discuss your application.

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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

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Computers, monitors, printers, servers, and other electronics generate heat during operation. Inside an industrial computer enclosure, that heat needs to be managed to support reliable performance and reduce the risk of heat-related downtime.

A filtered fan system can provide practical cooling when the surrounding air and required enclosure protection allow it. Before selecting a system, consider the equipment heat load, ambient temperature, airborne contaminants, and operating environment.

How Does a Filtered Fan System Work?

A filtered fan system draws outside air through an enclosure filter, helping limit airborne dust and debris while circulating cooler air around the equipment. Heated air then leaves through an exhaust opening.

A properly configured intake fan system can also create positive pressure inside the enclosure. This helps reduce unfiltered air entering through small openings.

Fan capacity, filter resistance, equipment layout, and surrounding conditions all affect cooling performance.

When Is a Filtered Fan System the Right Choice?

Filtered fans may be suitable when the surrounding air is cooler than the required internal enclosure temperature and can be adequately filtered for the application.

They also require an installation that supports the enclosure’s required level of environmental protection. High ambient temperatures, washdowns, moisture, or corrosive contaminants may call for another thermal management approach.

Confirm the equipment manufacturer’s operating limits before choosing a cooling system. A fan moves outside air through the enclosure; it does not refrigerate that air.

4 Tips for Using a Filtered Fan System

1. Plan Around Heat-Generating Equipment

Identify which components produce the most heat and consider their ventilation requirements when arranging equipment inside the enclosure.

Leave enough space for air to circulate around computers, printers, servers, and other components. Avoid layouts that block equipment vents or trap warm air away from the exhaust.

2. Position the Fan and Exhaust for Effective Airflow

A common configuration places the filtered intake fan lower on the enclosure and the exhaust higher, allowing incoming air to move through the cabinet and carry heat away.

Position equipment and cables so they do not obstruct this airflow. The appropriate fan and exhaust locations will depend on the enclosure design, equipment layout, and operating conditions.

3. Consider Thermostat Control

Some enclosure fans run continuously, while others operate through a thermostat.

A thermostat switches the fan on when the enclosure reaches a set temperature, reducing unnecessary operation when cooling is not needed. Select the control approach and temperature settings based on the equipment’s operating limits and the application’s cooling requirements.

4. Match the Enclosure Filter to the Environment

Choose filter media based on the dust and debris present around the enclosure. Finer filtration can capture smaller particles, but it can also increase airflow resistance.

Evaluate the fan and filter together to ensure the system provides sufficient airflow with the selected media installed.

Inspect filters regularly and clean or replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Dust buildup can restrict airflow and reduce cooling performance, so maintenance frequency should reflect conditions in the facility.

Find the Right Cooling Solution for Your Equipment

Effective enclosure cooling starts with understanding the equipment and the conditions around it. ITSENCLOSURES can help you evaluate your heat load, operating environment, and protection requirements to identify suitable enclosure and thermal management options.

Explore our industrial computer enclosures or contact ITSENCLOSURES to discuss your application.

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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

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