Tropicalised electrical cabinet

[engjmb]

I am designing an electrical control cabinet for a tropical country. The electrical cabinet is small 5 power relays, transformer, fuses....I would want to know information for tropicalised the electrical cabinet.

thanks

 

[peebee]

Fungicidal protection is common in tropical areas. Careful with any ambient temperature derating requirements, too. Plastic or stainless enclosures might make sense if corrosion from salt spray/salt air is a concern.

 

[Bung]

This may sound strange, but heaters are also sometimes used - the idea is to prevent condensation inside the cabinet at night (and sometimes even during the day) when the temperatures fall, but the air is still warm and has a high relative humidity. If your equipment generates enough heat of its own, this may not be necessary!
Bung
Life is non-linear...

 

[peterb]

Both posts above make excellent points. In addition, avoid any paper products (labels etc.) in the panel and make sure coils are encapsulated if this is an outdoor installation. Any printed circuit boards should have a conformal coating.

Heating is required to maintain the interior a few degrees above minimum ambient temp to avoid condensation. Probably not needed if the installation is in an air-conditioned room - site conditions must be known to evaluate this requirement.

 

[motorman]

Tropical treatment that I am familiar with on motors is sometimes referred to as fungus proofing. I have seen fungus [mold] start growing on motor windings in Indonesia within a matter of hours. The way the treatment is applied is by mixing insecticides into the paints and varnishes used on the cabinet. You can buy this premixed from the paint suppliers.