Kooltronic Blog

In the right environment, a fan can be a great option to protect electrical components from excess heat. Since they use the enclosure’s surrounding air as the cooling medium, fans are best suited for clean industrial environments where electrical equipment can tolerate temperatures slightly higher than ambient. Enclosure cooling fans are low maintenance, occupy minimal cabinet space, and will move a substantial volume of air against low static pressure to keep heat-sensitive equipment running optimally.

The tips below will help you size and select the proper electrical panel cooling fan for your application.

1. Determine the heat load of the electrical panel
   
   The first step in sizing a panel cooling fan is to determine the heat load of the electrical panel. You can accomplish this step quickly and easily with the help of an enclosure cooling calculator. Once the heat load is known, you can focus on airflow capacity – the force that drives the excess heat out of the enclosure.
   
   
2. Select a fan with sufficient CFM capacity
   
   Airflow rating is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). It is important to note that the CFM rating of a fan is not the same as its power rating. The CFM rating is a measure of the amount of air that the fan can move, while the power rating is a measure of the amount of electricity that the fan uses. Selecting the appropriate airflow for your enclosure fan will enhance its ability to extract heat and keep electrical components operating at peak efficiency.
   
   
3. Choose a fan type
   
   There are two main types of electrical panel fans. These include axial fans and centrifugal fans. Axial fans move air parallel to the axis of rotation, while centrifugal fans (typically known as blowers) move air perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Fans and blowers each have unique features which may (or may not) be advantageous depending on the application requirements. For help deciding, watch our video, Fans vs. Blowers: How Do They Differ and Which Should You Use?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Consider other application and location requirements
   
   When selecting a panel cooling fan, be aware of additional considerations, such as size, power, NEMA rating, and noise. Fans come in many sizes and styles, so identify the dimensions and voltage that best fit your electrical cabinet. Be sure to select a fan with an appropriate NEMA rating – one that matches your enclosure’s NEMA rating. Also, choose an enclosure fan with a decibel level (dBA) suitable for your electrical enclosure application and its immediate surroundings.
   
   
5. Install the fan in a cool, well-ventilated area
   
   There should be ample space near the enclosure fan’s intake/exhaust areas to ensure a steady flow of air. Keep the nearby area around the electrical cabinet clean and free of dust. Fans usually have an integrated filtration system, but it doesn’t hurt to increase protection against drawing airborne particulate into the enclosure.

Electrical panel fans provide efficient and economical cooling for electrical enclosures (and the components within) – improving efficiency and extending equipment lifespan. Kooltronic manufactures a variety of NEMA-rated fans and forced-ventilation blowers to suit almost any enclosure application. Contact an application specialist to learn if a panel cooling fan is the right product choice for your project!