The Challenge of Low Temperatures with Electrical Equipment
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- Category: News
- Published on Thursday, 13 January 2022 11:19
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Various types of electrical equipment installed in regions which experience cold weather require a specific selection of components, materials, methods of installation, maintenance and monitoring. Both the functionality and the safety of the components can be jeopardized unless this aspect of their characteristics is thoroughly examined from the project stage onwards.
In general, most materials used in the manufacturing of electrical components can be affected by low temperatures. While the transition of many insulation materials (plastics, rubber, etc…) from “ductile” to “brittle” at low temperature is generally well understood and almost intuitive, it is less known that metals too (steel, brass, aluminium) can be affected.
In particular, extreme care should be used in selecting wiring materials and components (wire and cable, conduits, glands, seals, gaskets, cable ties…) which are certified or tested for storage, installation and operation at temperatures, for example, in the range of -20°C to -40°C; in some cases, ratings for temperatures even below these may be required. The selection of such components becomes even more complex when – as it is the case in many oil/gas facilities – hazardous locations requirements and Standards must be followed.
A solution to be considered to mitigate the effect of low temperatures on the components installed in an electric enclosure, is the inclusion of a heating element, intervening automatically when temperatures reach a certain level. Apart from using controlling thermostats and traditional heaters, self-regulating heating devices such as PTCs (Positive Temperature Coefficient) provide efficient sources of heat in very small packages and with low power consumption.
In conclusion, given the many areas of North America and in particular, Canada, where cold temperatures in the range indicated above can be expected, it is essential for the designer and builder of equipment such as machinery, cabinets and enclosures destined to be installed outdoors or in unheated buildings, to accurately select components and devices which can withstand the environmental challenges of harsh winters without creating functional or safety risks to the installation.
