Are you planning to install a control cabinet? Or maybe you are wondering how to choose and how to install a switchboard heater? You are in the right place! In our article, we will answer questions related to heaters for control cabinets and explain their irreplaceable role in numerous industries. We invite you to read!
Table of contents:
- Heaters for control cabinets - for what purpose do we install the heating element inside the control cabinet?
- How to choose a heater for the interior of control cabinets - the choice of heater matters
a) Solid state heater, PTC heater and other types of control cabinet heaters
Heaters for control cabinets - for what purpose do we install the heating element inside the control cabinet?
The automation cabinet is a structure that incorporates elements of the automation and power system, and its correct operation often determines the efficiency and safety of operation of the devices included in them. The proper state of the server cabinet consists of many factors, but one of the most important is the question of temperature control (the overall air temperature inside the control cabinet and the temperature difference - the ambient temperature and the temperature inside the cabinet enclosure).
Heating of the control cabinet prevents unwanted corrosion, which leads to interference and damage to the apparatus equipment within the control cabinet. The number of benefits of using heaters in free-standing control cabinets significantly exceeds the cost of their purchase. Learn about the advantages of temperature control of automation cabinets:
- The temperature control inside the control cabinet protects it from the natural process of condensation, which has a highly destructive effect on the elements of the control cabinet.
- Heating electrical cabinets allows you to eliminate destructive moisture from their interior, which in turn minimizes the risk of corrosion, short circuits and other damage.
- The use of heaters in the housing of the control cabinet ensures that the correct operating conditions of the devices are maintained (protection against low temperatures), which translates into an increase in their efficiency.
Note: the proper operation of the heaters inside the energy cabinets must be accompanied by a properly matched heater specification for the cabinet (including the appropriate selection of the heater power for the needs of the control cabinet).
Solid state heater, PTC heater and other types of control cabinet heaters
Kinds Heaters for control cabinets differ from each other in numerous parameters depending on their characteristics. Commonly available examples of heaters for automation cabinets include, but are not limited to:
- solid state heater - a highly precise solution using semiconductor materials (e.g. diodes or transistors).
- resistance heater - models representing this category are made of resistance wire and are characterized by high efficiency (they belong to the group of the most frequently selected heaters for electronic cabinets).
- PTC heater - PTC heaters have a self-regulating function and do not require external temperature control (their electrical resistance increases with increasing temperature)
- and many others.
The availability of various heaters on the market guarantees the possibility of precise adjustment of the model to your needs, however, an essential element of a correct assessment of the situation is relevant industry knowledge.
How to choose a heater for the interior of control cabinets - the choice of heater matters!
Properly selected heater specification is necessary to maintain proper operating conditions of power cabinets. When making a choice, it is worth considering the following factors:
- Heating power - the power of the heater must correspond to the dimensions of the control cabinet (it is also important to match the ambient temperature, the number of installed electronic components and other side factors). Too low heating power may not provide adequate heating, while too high power can lead to overheating and shortening the life of components.
- Type of heater - the specification of the heater must be adapted to the individual needs and environmental conditions of the equipment (it is necessary to take into account the uniformity of heat distribution, temperature self-regulation and energy efficiency)
- Adjustment temperature - if the control cabinet requires precise temperature control, you should choose a heater that allows you to precisely set and maintain the target temperature. Some heaters have built-in temperature controllers or can be connected to external regulators.
- Environmental conditions - the operating conditions of the heater can have a decisive influence on its performance, therefore the specification of the heater must be individually adapted to specific cases in the plane of resistance to environmental factors.
- Security - when choosing a heater, make sure that it meets the relevant electrical safety standards, such as CE marking or certificates of conformity.
Even a precise instruction will not replace consultation with a professional, so if you have doubts about choosing the right heater, it is highly recommended to contact a professional.