DS-APR22-PG29_Layout 1 12/04/2022 16:34 Page 1
ENCLOSURES
PRODUCTS
Condensation-free distribution board enClosure is suited to outdoor use
Spelsberg’s AK Air condensation-free enclosure for electrical distribution boards is increasingly gaining prominence for outdoor use, in addition to indoor installations. The enclosure’s integrated ventilation system expels virtually all condensation, protecting distribution boards from short circuit and corrosion. The enclosure also provides an IP65 rating, protecting internals from heavy rain; while a modular design enables fast and simple installation with a tool-free ability to connect multiple units together. When air is warmed inside an enclosure and its
walls are cooled by a drop in outside temperature, air reaches its dew point and condenses. This is more prevalent if greater differences in temperature are created, for example if the enclosure hosts heat- emitting equipment, like an electrical circuit board. These conditions can also be present if the
enclosure is in a warm sunny location by day, with a heat drop at night, typical to solar farms. The high ingress protection required to prevent rain water entry can also exacerbate the problem as the sealing further reduces the escape of warm air build up. The result of condensation is unwanted moisture
within the enclosure. If the enclosure is protecting electrical equipment, this can result in short circuits and corrosion that can cause safety hazards, damage and downtime. To protect against condensation, Spelsberg’s AK Air enclosure has an integrated ventilation system.
The design incorporates a lower valve that channels cool air into the enclosure to help equalise the internal air temperature. An additional valve, positioned higher in the enclosure, expels warmer, moisture-prone air. The air exchange system also reduces air pressure in the enclosure to avoid pressure build up that can accelerate the air temperature increase. The maintenance-free air exchange system
includes a rotating cover, and the valve vent seals ensure that the enclosure achieves IP65 rating, able to withstand the equivalent of low-pressure water jets as well as physical particulates. The polycarbonate enclosure also meets IK08, meaning it provides high resistance to impact. The enclosures meet UL-EU certification and can be used in temperatures ranging from -35˚C to 80˚C. The enclosure can be used across virtually
all outdoor locations, and AK Air is also tested for ammonia resistance to the German DLG standard. This means the enclosure can withstand the influence of ammoniacal stable air for at least 20 years, making it suited for use on farms and in agricultural environments. Electrical distribution in indoor locations can
also require protection against condensation if the installed environment has a relatively cool ambient temperature, while higher ambient temperatures can give rise to humidity. This can turn
DS-APR22-SPELSBERG:DS-APR22-SPELSBERG 30/03/2022 09:49 Page 1
air into vapour, depositing water on colder surfaces as a result. This means that the AK Air enclosure is also commonly used in factory environments, as well as commercial and residential settings. The enclosure’s flexibility also enables quick
installation. Available in a wide range of sizes, mounting is achieved via three keyhole fittings or external lugs. For larger installations, up to 14 modules can be combined together on height adjustable mounting rails with knock-out flanges that click-in-place with tool-free installation. Additional knock-out cable routing points further enable flexible wiring. Spelsberg can also customise AK Air enclosures
with its on-site CNC machining service, and bespoke enclosure installations can also be designed and manufactured. The design team is also available to advise how to avoid condensation with a well planned enclosure layout.
Spelsberg els UK T: 01952 605849
www.spelsberg.co.uk
APRIL 2022 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58
