Frequently Asked Questions on Enclosure Heaters
What is an enclosure heater?
Electrical enclosures or cabinets often require heating elements to maintain temperatures in the enclosure for proper operation of the electrical devices and equipment. These heaters raise the temperature within the enclosure to reduce humidity and moisture, keep components from freezing, and condition external air entering the enclosure.
Condensation and corrosion are mortal enemies of electronic components and circuitry. Rapid changes in external and internal temperatures can cause condensation to form directly on components. Opening the door to an enclosure for maintenance can introduce cool air and moisture requiring heating adjustments.
Enclosures can contain components such as valves, scales, and measuring devices for gas, oil, food production, medical devices, specialized fuels & gases, and other fluids. The devices controlling the flow and metering need to maintain an optimum temperature for performance. Freeze protection of electronic devices and controls is a real concern with enclosures located remotely.
What type of heaters are used in control cabinets and enclosures?
The type of heater used for heating is determined by the size of the enclosure, the temperature required, power, and safety requirements. Small cabinets housing electrical components for medical devices or aerospace applications use small heaters at low voltage with minimum control circuit requirements such as PTC ceramic element heaters.
What are the different types of heaters used in enclosures?
Some of the more common types of heaters that vary in power output and voltage inputs are:
Fan heaters
PTC Fan Heaters are designed for focusing airflow in compact spaces that require precise heating and moisture control.
Convection heaters
PTC Convection Heaters are designed for focusing heat in compact spaces that require precise heating and moisture control. These heaters are used in applications where there isn’t room or separate power for a fan.
Surface heaters
PTC surface heaters are enclosed in housings designed to transfer their heat to an adjoining surface. These dynamic heating elements combine the functions of heating and temperature control in one element.
Are you an electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineer looking for a focused heating solution for your equipment or cabinet?
The HP Series heating components are embedded in an aluminum housing providing a strong design and excellent heat transfer characteristics. Each comes prewired and predrilled for easy installation.
Cartridge heaters
PTC cartridge heaters are dynamic heating elements that combine the functions of heating and temperature control in one element.
Cartridge heaters are used when the heat needs to be transferred directly to material inside a container or vessel. They are inserted through the wall of the vessel or into a hole to reach the material to be heated.
Flexible heaters
flexible heaters can bend and contour to your specific application requirements. They can be attached to flat or curved surfaces to allow for a better and more effective transfer of heat.
Tubular heaters
Tubular heaters are used in a large variety of applications.
High power density and installation advantages offer solutions for applications requiring high consistent heat such as outside enclosures during winter temperatures.
The elements can be adapted extensively to the demands. There are various tube jacket materials available to match different requirements.
Air heaters
PTC finned air heaters are specially designed to heat a large volume of air. The fins or honeycomb structure of the heater allows for efficient heat transfer into the air stream through the heater.
DBK standard HRKK air heaters have V-shaped fins, and our newer HRP models are fully insulated and offer an option for Delta (D) shaped fins to provide high heat output with minimal pressure loss.
The HR family of heaters uses PTC which has a temperature limiting effect, this provides an additional safety feature with little chance of combustion to surrounding surfaces.
Thermoelectric Coolers
Thermoelectric Air-to-Air Cooler is an ideal choice for design engineers that need a solid-state cooler with compact design and DC operation.
These coolers employ forced air convection by utilizing IP54 axial fans. The standard range for these assemblies is 60W to 200W.
What size of enclosure heater is needed?
Determining the dimensions of the cabinet or enclosure is a good place to start sizing the heater. Height, width, and depth of the enclosure equal the volume requirement. The density of the electrical components and instrumentation is also taken into account.
Mounting of the enclosures matters.
Is the cabinet wall mounted or stand-alone?
The first or last of interconnected cabinets?
Center cabinet?
Indoor or outdoor?
Openings for airflow?
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