Written by Rittal UK
As summer temperatures rise, electrical equipment face increased risks. While warm weather may be enjoyable for many, it poses significant challenges for machinery and electrical components. High temperatures can wreak havoc on critical systems, including PLCs and drives that keep production lines moving. Combined with the existing heat, moisture, and dust present in factory environments, these conditions can lead to equipment failures.
It’s during the summer months that we often see an increase in service calls related to overheating and system malfunctions. Many teams attempt to counteract rising temperatures by adjusting climate control settings to increase cooling. However, this approach can sometimes backfire. If cooling units are not well-maintained or improperly specified, the additional load can cause them to trip or fail, leading to unchecked panel temperatures and potential production shutdowns.
These shutdowns not only disrupt productivity but also incur significant costs to restore operations. The good news? Most production line breakdowns due to overheating are entirely preventable with proper climate control management.
Why Does Electrical Equipment Need Cooling?
All electrical equipment generates heat, and if this heat isn’t adequately managed, it can significantly reduce the lifespan of expensive components. For every 10°C increase in panel temperature, the lifespan of key equipment like PLCs and variable speed drives is halved. Replacing this equipment can be costly, with large drives sometimes exceeding $10,000 each.
Worse still, current global supply chain shortages mean that sourcing replacement parts can take months, even over a year in some cases. Delays like this can cripple production. Taking proactive steps, such as scheduling a cooling system health check, can prevent problems before they occur.
Signs Your Cooling Equipment May Be Failing
If you’re experiencing any of the following issues, it’s time to investigate your cooling system:
- Electrical equipment (PLCs, drives) tripping or failing
- Production slowing or stopping due to equipment failure
- Enclosures that feel hot to the touch
- Enclosure doors being left open regularly
- Fans placed by open doors during summer months
- Process fluid chilling issues causing downtime
- Recent equipment upgrades without reviewing cooling systems
Checking the last time your cooling equipment was serviced is essential. If it’s been a while or if you can’t recall the last service, it’s wise to schedule maintenance before temperatures rise further.
The Importance of Effective Climate Control
Maintaining a stable temperature within electrical enclosures is crucial to ensuring equipment operates efficiently. Proper climate control helps avoid costly failures and maximises the performance of your drives and PLCs. This approach protects both short-term productivity and long-term operational integrity.
To protect your equipment and ensure efficient cooling, learn more about Rittal’s service offerings: Service Portfolio
