VSD in which gecko or rat cannot enter

[SA07]

Hi

Are there VSD in which gecko or rat cannot enter? Is there an Index of Protection (IP) for this?
We are in a tropical region and have lots of these in electrical sub station. We usually do pest control.

 

[che12345]

Dear Mr. SA07 (Electrical)(OP)24 Nov 21 05:35
"...Are there VSD in which gecko or rat cannot enter? Is there an Index of Protection (IP) for this?
We are in a tropical region and have lots of these in electrical sub station. We usually do pest control."
1. Yes, the VSD specification does state the IP code. Having said that, you must acknowledge that there are some difficulties to achieve very high IP; due to the fact that all VSD needs internal fan cooling; except of very small ratings. Therefore, it is difficult to prevent gecko but rats seems possible.
2. Alternatively, enclose it with an additional enclosure to the IP with fan and filter. Very costly!
3. Caution: do NOT block or reduce the size of the cooling air inlets; usually located at the bottom of the housing.
Che Kuan Yau (Singapore)

 

[jraef]

Depends on the size of the VFD. Small ones can have sealed enclosures, like IP5x. But as the power rating increases, the need for high volumes of cooling air flow results in more open designs, or you can add air conditioners to large cabinets. Still, simple metal screens should be sufficient to exclude all but the smallest of pests. It just takes a little bit of forethought.


" We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know." -- W. H. Auden

 

[Gr8blu]

SA07: You could skip the air cooled VSD market entirely and go with liquid-cooled. Gets more than a bit expensive, so you drive would have to be a fairly large rating to make economical sense (above 1000 KW, most likely). If you remain with air cooled VSDs, put them in large E-houses with dedicated air filtration systems (e.g. VERY well made filters with large amounts of air exchanged between inside and outside of E-house). Then the drives can "breathe" a little easier since the pests are not as likely to be around the immediate vicinity of the drive. You'll still have to police the rest of the E-House openings to eliminate pests, though.

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