- Product Spotlight
How Excessive Heat Shortens the Life of Industrial Components
- By Emily Hagel
Industrial automation systems are designed to operate in demanding environments, but one of the most common threats to equipment reliability often goes unnoticed: heat.
Whether it’s a manufacturing plant, grain processing facility, water treatment plant, or distribution center, electrical enclosures frequently house critical components such as PLCs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), power supplies, networking equipment, and communication devices. When temperatures inside these enclosures rise beyond recommended operating limits, equipment performance, reliability, and lifespan can be significantly impacted.
Understanding how excessive heat affects industrial equipment can help facilities avoid costly downtime and extend the life of their automation investments.
Why Heat Is So Damaging
Electrical components generate heat during normal operation. As more devices are added to control panels and equipment becomes more powerful, the amount of heat produced inside enclosures continues to increase.
When this heat cannot dissipate effectively, internal temperatures rise. Elevated temperatures accelerate component aging, degrade electrical performance, and increase the likelihood of unexpected failures.
A common industry guideline suggests that for many components, every 10°C (18°F) increase above the recommended operating temperature can significantly reduce component lifespan. While exact impacts vary by device and manufacturer, the relationship between heat and reliability is undeniable.
The Importance of Enclosure Cooling
The most effective way to protect industrial components is to maintain enclosure temperatures within manufacturer-recommended operating ranges.
Depending on the environment and application, solutions may include:
Filter Fans
Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers
Air-to-Water Heat Exchangers
Enclosure Air Conditioners
Thermal Monitoring Systems
Selecting the right cooling solution helps remove excess heat, protect sensitive electronics, and improve overall system reliability.
Protect Your Automation Investment
PLCs, VFDs, power supplies, and communication equipment represent a significant investment in your operation. Allowing excessive heat to shorten their lifespan can lead to avoidable downtime and costly repairs.
By implementing proper enclosure thermal management solutions, facilities can improve reliability, extend equipment life, and reduce the total cost of ownership of their automation systems.
Lakeland Engineering partners with Pfannenberg to provide enclosure cooling and thermal management solutions that help protect critical industrial electronics in even the most demanding environments. Our team can help evaluate your application and recommend the right solution to keep your systems running efficiently and reliably.
