Mt. Pleasant, PA (December 2, 2022) – With almost four decades of expertise in the industrial enclosure market, ITSENCLOSURES is pleased to showcase one of their popular rack enclosures: the NEMA 12 IceStation IR72-12. This heavy-duty rack enclosure is designed to enclose various electronics and rack mount equipment. The IR72 enclosure measures 72” high x 24” wide x 38” deep and is constructed out of heavy-duty 12-gauge steel with 16-gauge steel side panels. In order to bolt together multiple units, the enclosure’s side panels (sealed with gasket) can be removed.

For rack mounting applications, the IR72 comes with 19-inch wide adjustable, mounting rails; customize with square punched or tapped rails. The IR72 has 38U of interior rack mount space and the rails attach to the rack enclosure’s built in uni-strut. The rack mounts rails are installed in the front and rear of the cabinet and feature an adjustable depth to allow proper equipment positioning. Dust-tight split panels are located on the top and bottom of the enclosure to run cables, cords, and wires of varying sizes.

The IR72’s front and rear doors can be locked – for security – with key locking 3-point latches. The full view window (on the front door) is ideal for equipment monitoring and offered in tempered safety glass or Lexan polycarbonate. The front and rear doors feature reversible hinges to increase placement flexibility.

JT Spangler, Owner of ITSENCLOSURES, discusses ITSENCLOSURES’ industrial enclosures, “Our goal has always been to supply our customers with tough, protective enclosures for any harsh environment. Our NEMA 12 enclosures will protect your essential electronics from dust, dirt, grease, lint, fibers, and splashing fluids. Each and every day, we continue to design, tweak, and fabricate innovative enclosure solutions as electronics, computers, printers and monitors evolve. ‘Forever and a day’ is the standard that we have set for ourselves since the very early days of ITSENCLOSURES. This will never change.”

Easily transport the rack mount enclosure around the factory floor with the included industrial grade casters. The front casters are lockable and the rear casters swivel. Lifting eyes, mounted on the top of the rack enclosure, can also be used to move the enclosure. For those companies that require the enclosure to be stationary, anti-tip legs or bolt down legs are available.

Thermal management options include a 200 CFM filtered fan system (2 complete systems can be installed easily), which will keep air flowing throughout the enclosure. The fan and exhaust will create a positive pressure, which eliminates damaging dust and dirt from entering the enclosure. Other thermal management options include different sizes of air conditioners, a vortex cooling unit, or a NEMA 12 heat exchanger.

ITSENCLOSURES designs and builds the most durable rack enclosures on the market and ships all of their innovative products completely assembled and ready to use upon delivery.

For more information on ITSENCLOSURES and their large array of industrial products, visit www.ITSENCLOSURES.com, send an email to info@itsenclosures.com, or call 1-800-423-9911 to talk to an ITSENCLOSURES sales representative.

The post Product Spotlight: Rack Enclosure IR72-12 appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

Many companies utilize a server room to house important network equipment. Finding the perfect rack mount enclosure does require some thorough research. Identifying and understanding the following 3 considerations will help to make a well-informed decision on the best rack enclosure for the job.

3 Helpful Tips to Find the Perfect Rack Enclosure:

Space
Is the room – that the enclosure(s) will reside – physically large enough to install the intended rack enclosure? Make sure the room has sufficient clearance to set up the rack. As a rule of thumb, you will need at least 2-3 feet in the front and 2-3 feet in the back of the rack, so equipment can be easily accessed, and the doors have space to swing open. Most racks are around 36-38” deep, so account for approximately 8 feet of depth in the desired installation location. A rack enclosure should never be pushed against a wall. Also, be sure to account for space above the enclosure. Ample space from the top of the enclosure to the ceiling is necessary for proper air flow and routing cables overhead.

Environment
Do you have a clean room or dirty/dusty environment? Many server rooms are coined as “clean” rooms and are secluded from the factory floor. Clean rooms are generally air conditioned and maintained at a cool temperature. According to the website, WhatIs.com, “A clean room is an enclosed space in which airborne particulates, contaminants, and pollutants are kept within strict limits… In addition, the temperature and humidity may be controlled.” These types of applications are best suited for a vented rack enclosure. However, not all rooms are created equal! Some installations will require a NEMA 12 enclosure to keep dust, dirt, lint, grease, and splashing liquids away from electronics. In certain instances, specifiers may require a NEMA 4 or NEMA 4X rack to protect against a heavy washdown or harsh chemical cleaning.

Cooling
When contained in an enclosure, electronics will produce heat. It is critical to specify the correct cooling system prior to making any purchasing decisions. Filtered fans, a vortex cooling unit, heat exchangers, and air conditioners are all possible cooling solutions available for installation on server rack enclosures. Always make sure that the required cooling unit will fit on or in the enclosure. And, if installing a cooling system that has a filter, it is important to change or clean the filter regularly. According to the Energy Star website, “At a minimum, change the filter every [few] months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder … wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.” Also, if you are tight on space, inquire if the room permits ducted cool air to be directed to the enclosure and, if so, clearly locate air intakes and exhausts near the equipment.

To ensure project success, perform the proper homework. Before purchasing an enclosure, be sure that essential elements, like thermal management, are evaluated. You do not want to purchase expensive electronics and have them fail, because the enclosure did not properly protect. Also – make sure that the necessary equipment will fit inside of the enclosure and that the correct NEMA rating is met!

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 Considerations When Installing a Rack 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 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.

A reliable, heavy-duty rack enclosure will keep electronics safe from harmful elements, while maintaining security. When searching online for the best rack enclosure solution, it is critical to list all of the electronics to be housed inside of the rack enclosure. The end user must determine how many ‘U’ (rack mount space; 1 rack unit is 1.75 inches high) the enclosure needs to be and how the electronics will be installed. Servers and network equipment hold data that is mission critical and a component malfunction could be detrimental to an IT system and expensive to repair/replace.

Thermal management should also be considered.

Selecting a climate-controlled rack enclosure is contingent on a few variables. Installation location temperatures should be analyzed. Most equipment requires an operating temperature within 70-75° Fahrenheit. Humidity, ambient temperature, heat from in-use electronics, and a dirty environment will only complicate the situation. Always work with a reputable rack enclosure company and fill out a ‘thermal management worksheet’ to gain further insight into choosing the right cooling system for the job.

Cooling questions to ponder for a successful rack enclosure installation:

1. Does the cooling system include a temperature & humidity sensor?

Efficient, well-run rack enclosure systems must maintain a consistent temperature and acceptable level of humidity. Many air conditioners have a temperature and humidity sensor built into the unit. However, when using cooling such as a fan, a separate humidity and temperature control may be advantageous. These sensors can be IP addressable and can provide alerts that the system is nearing an unacceptable temperature/humidity level and should be checked quickly.

2. Does the cooling system provide room to grow?

For the most streamlined process, select a cooling device that provides enough cooling power compared to the heat output on the inside of the rack enclosure. In addition, consider the system in 2, 5 or even 10 years. There is a good chance that the requirements will change. Since high quality enclosure systems are an investment, it may be beneficial to size up the air conditioner, filtered fan system, vortex cooling unit, or heat exchanger to accommodate future needs and equipment.

3. Is the cooling system scalable?

Understand the temperature fluctuations that a busy manufacturing plant in Alabama or Arizona, for example, will experience throughout the year. Exposure to elevated levels of humidity and extreme hot temperatures in the summer will require a different cooling solution than frosty winter months. Do not make the mistake of only being concerned with cooling in the summertime. Much like hot weather, electronics do not bode well in extreme cold temperatures.

Ambient temperatures – as well as temperature extremes – are important to debate when configuring a rack enclosure. The ambient temperature may help or hinder the thermal management required to provide an efficient system. Always err on the side of caution and prepare for the worst-case scenario. When it comes to deploying rack enclosures in harsh environments, it never hurts to be over prepared!

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 Configuring a Climate Controlled Rack Enclosure appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

Securing and organizing server and network equipment is a must for IT departments and industrial companies of all sizes. Finding the perfect enclosure can be a daunting task. Being dust-free is just one applicable factor. Dirty or wet environments can quickly destroy electronic equipment. Before purchasing rack enclosures for a factory or plant use, a company should ponder a few practical questions.

Rack Enclosure Questions to Ask:

How much equipment will be installed?

Rack enclosures are available in various dimensions. The amount of equipment needed will help determine if one or multiple enclosures are needed; a company could also consider bolting multiple enclosures together for added convenience. It is also essential to examine the rack mounting requirements for the servers/electronics that will be used. The amount of available “U” should be researched. According to Penn Elcom Online, “A rack unit (abbreviated as U) is a unit of measurement applied to equipment racks and the servers, disk drives and other devices that they contain. One U is 1.75 inches; the standard rack, at 19 inches, is 42U.”

How does the equipment need to be organized?

If the equipment can sit on a shelf and work properly (like a tower computer or monitor), then it will not need to be bolted to the rack on the inside of the rack enclosure. However, some equipment cannot be installed without attaching to the rack (i.e. servers, switches, and network equipment). It is essential to determine how the equipment will be used and also the readily accessibility of the equipment.

Should the enclosure be free-standing or wall mounted?

Free-standing rack enclosures, with castors, can be moved around the floor if needed. Some enclosures offer the option of having both castors and legs which can be interchanged for differing applications. Many companies prefer the flexibility of being able to move the rack enclosure to different parts of the building. In this instance, lockable castors are the best solution. Yet another option are wall mounted rack enclosures, which are ideal for saving space and keeping the enclosures off the ground and far away from dust and dirt.

What type of cable management is required?

Horizontal and vertical cable management is available to organize the cabling inside of the enclosure. The amount of equipment will determine how much cabling is needed for everything to run smoothly. Rack mountable power strips can be installed to keep the amount of cables – exiting the enclosure – at a minimum. Gasketed split panels may be available on the top, bottom or back; allowing cables to easily enter and exit the enclosure.

What kind of accessories are needed?

Various accessories can be added to make the enclosure the most effective resource for the end user. Accessories such as solid doors or doors with glass inserts, cooling fans, air conditioners, vortex cooling units, heat exchangers, heaters, keyboard drawers, power strips, tapped or square punched rails, shelving, and filler panels can be added to the rack enclosure to create the most beneficial solution.

If installing shelves, should they be fixed or sliding?

Sliding shelves are ideal for accessing equipment for routine maintenance or to change printer media/labels/ink. If the electronics will not be accessed regularly, a simple fixed shelf may be adequate.

What color is needed?

This step is simple. The rack enclosure might come in standard colors like black, blue, gray, or putty. However, if a company desires their enclosure(s) to match a branded color, ask the enclosure provider if it can be powder-coated to match a brand’s specific RAL color.

In addition, many companies require the rack enclosures to be lockable, so that only a select few employees or managers have access to the equipment. Security should always be top of mind, especially if the servers or network equipment contain critical information.

In the end, configuration flexibility is a key point to consider when searching for a new rack enclosure. The rack enclosure will probably outlast most of the equipment that is installed inside of it. As technology changes, the right rack enclosure will still stand strong for years to come!

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 Selecting the Best Rack Enclosure appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

Popular reasons for using thermal management, include: environments that are hot and dirty or electronics that produce a good amount of heat inside of an enclosure. For example, if the temperature outside a rack enclosure will reach 110° F or above, the internal components must be kept at a cooler temperature. However, proper cooling or ventilation is dependent on the environment and contents of the rack enclosure.

Why is cooling such an important factor in a rack enclosure solution? At the beginning of a project, if thermal management is not properly configured, several things could go wrong with the enclosed electronics. Faults in electrical components and overloads may lead to a tripped breaker, decreased life expectancy, or an unexpected equipment shutdown.

According to James Stratford, in his article, ‘The Importance of Thinking Thermal Early in the Design Process’, “It is very important to consider and deal with thermal challenges early in the design process and with assistance of specialists if you don’t have them in house. Doing this can lead to a better, more reliable end product with predictable performance that avoids the risk of components running at excessive temperatures that shorten their life expectancy and risk erratic performance.”

5 Types of Cooling Methods for Server Enclosures

1. Vents/Louvers – The simplest method of enclosure cooling is utilizing a vent or louver to provide a natural convection/airflow. Natural convection cooling is simply air that is created when warm air rises and is replaced with cool air. Generally, louvers are added at the top for hot air to escape and at the bottom for cool air to be drawn into the enclosure. Is this right for your application? The maximum ambient temperature must be cooler than the maximum allowable enclosure temperature.

2. Fans – Forced ventilation will move air across the enclosure to increase the cooling rate compared to vents. Fans will produce a higher air flow rate than natural convection cooling. Is this right for your application? The maximum ambient temperature must be cooler than the maximum allowable enclosure temperature. However, fans have the ability to filter particulate matter that should remain outside of the server cabinet.

3. Heat Exchanger – Heat exchangers use a closed loop cooling system. The air inside of the enclosure is cooled and circulated without the exchange of ambient air and will also maintain the enclosure’s NEMA rating. Is it right for your application? The maximum ambient temperature must be less than the maximum enclosure temperature. Depending on the construction, a heat exchanger may be used in a NEMA 12, 4 or 4X environment.

4. Vortex Cooler – Vortex cooling units use compressed air to cool internal components and displace the warm air that is inside of an enclosure. Is it right for your application? A vortex cooling unit is not a closed loop system, but may be used with NEMA 12, 4 or 4X enclosures. These units also create positive pressure inside of the enclosure, so that dust and other particulate matter will not be drawn into the cabinet. There are no moving parts, so the lifetime is much longer than most thermal management systems and there is very little maintenance.

5. Air Conditioner – Air conditioners are another common closed loop cooling system. The inside of the enclosure is cooled by an evaporator coil and circulated without mixing outside air. Is it right for your application? Air conditioners will maintain an enclosure’s NEMA rating and they have a much wider cooling capacity compared to heat exchangers and fans. However, due to the compressor, air conditioners tend to be large in size.

Remember – consistent temperatures (inside of the cabinet) is key to creating optimal operating conditions. Inadequate cooling or air flow can destroy electronics! Knowing all of the options that exist for rack enclosure cooling, along with the benefits and limitations, will help you make the best choice for the application.

For an accurate recommendation on enclosure cooling, fill out a ‘Cooling Worksheet‘ and speak to an enclosure specialist.

The post Keeping Rack Enclosures Cool with Thermal Management appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

By deploying printer enclosures with the correct thermal management, a Zebra printer can operate in a multitude of areas. Many Zebra printers use a process called “thermal transfer” to produce small or large high-quality prints on labels. The innovative method uses a precise heated ribbon to create long lasting images on the surface of a label or tag. Zebra printers can create robust wristbands, colorful cards, product identification tags, or certification labels.

With the versatility to create durable labels, it is natural for manufacturers, distribution centers, or warehouses to utilize these printers on the factory floor. However, not all areas are created equal! 

Coolers, refrigerators, chillers, or freezer conditions can cause the following issues:

1. Warning – Temperature Drops Below 59°F

When the ambient temperature of the facility drops below 59°F, Zebra printers will display a warning message. Although the actual printer is not at risk of any permanent damage, the print quality may degrade or the printer will slow down considerably – based on the colder ambient temperature.

2. Error – Print Heat is Too Cold

If the printer is close to a loading dock or an outside gate/garage door, it is susceptible to less than ideal operating temperatures. Essentially, the printer detects that it is unable to heat the printer head to a high enough temperature to print labels and simply ceases to work. In addition, if the environment is too cold, Zebra printers will display an error or shut down if the electrical or battery output drops to a low enough voltage level.

3. Condensation

When a piece of electronic equipment is used in a cooler or freezer environment, condensation may occur. If the printer is moved in and out of a cold setting, water droplets can form, causing issues with the printer. The display screen may even be difficult to read.

The solution – A thermostatically controlled heated printer enclosure!

By deploying printer enclosures with the correct thermal management, Zebra printers can operate in a multitude of areas, as well as, extreme outdoor weather conditions. The printer enclosure will provide a reliable operating environment for the barcode printer no matter where the device resides in the factory. According to the blog, ‘Cool Solutions for the Cold Chain,’ “Label printing solutions, for instance, need purpose-built heater boxes to ensure printer functionality and also to keep the media at an effective application temperature.” The correct enclosure solution can translate into fulfilling more orders per day or increasing accuracy and productivity in a challenging area. A Zebra printer enclosure will serve as a permanent fix and eliminate the issue of harmful condensation.

The post Problems Printer Enclosures Solve for Printers appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

When choosing a computer enclosure, it is always a good rule of thumb to determine the necessary thermal management. An enclosure that has an internal temperature of over 95°F generally calls for a cooling system that is more powerful than a filtered fan system. Ambient air flow, through a filtered fan system, will not provide enough cooling power to regulate temperatures inside the computer enclosure within the recommended operating temperatures.

Appropriate cooling is absolutely necessary to keep electronics running smoothly and efficiently. Joe Primeau, from Acromag, describes in his blog, “Thermal Management for the Small Box,” how vents and fans can sometimes be ineffective, “Although forced convection can cool more effectively than vents alone, they share similar problems. Both methods allow moisture, dust and contaminants to enter the computer enclosure, threatening the electronics. Concern also has to be given to what happens if/when the fan fails or becomes blocked; this could quickly lead to overheating and possibly failure of the electronics.” When it comes to essential electronics, failure is not an option!

Technical specifications, published on a manufacturer website, will indicate the appropriate cooling and/or heating necessary to operate electronics within the suggested temperatures and humidity levels. It is no surprise that humidity can be extremely harmful to electronics, especially inside of a computer enclosure.

According to the article “Humidity, Its Effect on Electronic Industry and Solutions” by Uday Chakravarty, Sales Manager-International at Arctic India Sales, humidity is the root of many evils, “Humidity is a constant threat to production efficiency and product quality… Rust, mold, mildew, rot, decay, warping, stretching, lumping, caking, agglomeration and decomposition are all common enough problems encountered in our daily life. It is interesting to note that the root cause of all these problems and many more, is the presence of moisture or humidity in the air.”

If deploying electronics in a particularly humid environment, advanced systems such as a heat exchanger or air conditioner are smart cooling methods. Combined with a NEMA 12, NEMA 4, or NEMA 4X sealed computer enclosure, a closed loop cooling system will ensure humidity is kept outside of the cabinet and unable to harm sensitive (and often expensive) electronics.

Briskair, sums up the importance of air conditioners quite simply, “Regardless of the type of air conditioner or the job you perform, in general air conditioning offers a number of benefits… Extreme conditions such as heat and humidity can impact [electronics] overall physical intellectual activity, making even the simplest of tasks an absolute chore. Having a proper air conditioning system in place helps reduce heat and humidity, thus reducing the impact on our ability to perform and complete work tasks.”

The key to effectively managing heat in manufacturing environments is to determine the right thermal management before deploying a computer enclosure.

The three most vital things that you need to know: enclosure size (height x width x depth), ambient temperatures (highest and lowest expected temperature outside enclosure; highest and lowest temperature allowed inside enclosure), and the total equipment load in watts (sum of all heat producing equipment), which is typically available on the published manufacturers’ specs online. Enclosure construction (steel vs. aluminum vs. stainless steel) can also affect the necessary thermal management.

This simple to use formula is valuable 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 F temperature outside the enclosure and the maximum degrees F temperature allowed inside the enclosure

Always put in the time and effort to find the best thermal management that will reduce the harmful effects of heat and humidity. If the correct thermal management is not chosen in the beginning, money and productivity will be lost with every minute of downtime. Electronics’ and/or thermal management failures will end up costing more money in the long run. Choosing wisely up front will keep overhead down considerably!

The post Effects of Heat & Humidity on Computer Enclosures appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.