What is a Hazardous Location Cabinet Cooler System?

HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems are engineered and approved for use upon purged electrical enclosures (not included) found within classified areas. The areas approved are Class I Div 1, Groups A, B, C and D – Class II Div 1 Groups E, F and G - and Class III. EXAIR’s HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems have been tested by UL and meet the stringent UL requirements for these areas. Cabinet Cooler systems are a low cost and reliable way to cool purged electric control panels found within these environments. They utilize vortex tube technology to produce up to 5,600 Btu/Hr, with no moving parts, which additionally creates a low maintenance solution for cooling your HazLoc purged cabinets.

The compact Cabinet Cooler is an easy to use air conditioner that can be installed in minutes through a standard electrical knockout. NEMA 4 and 4X HazLoc Cabinet Coolers that match the NEMA rating of the enclosure are available in many cooling capacities for large and small control panels.

Why EXAIR HazLoc Cabinet Coolers?

EXAIR’s HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems have been set apart from the competition by achieving the UL classified designation for Div I environments. Thermostatically controlled systems are recommended for the highest efficiency and include UL listed solenoids, also for hazardous environments. EXAIR Cabinet Cooler Systems will install upon your purged enclosure in minutes, require little to no maintenance and operate under the toughest of industrial conditions. If you require low cost, ease of use and/or reliability – a HazLoc Cabinet Cooler System will meet your needs.

EXAIR Hazardous Location Cabinet Cooler Systems are available in 8 different cooling capacities from 1,000 Btu/Hr. to 5,600 Btu/Hr. This range of cooling allows for choosing the best fit for your cooling needs without placing additional demand upon your air compressor.

Cabinet Cooler Systems protect your electronics from heat, dirt and moisture and keep your processes running. They are the low-cost solution to messy, high maintenance coolant-based air conditioners with simple installation. With modern technology comes an increased number of small electronic components packed into smaller electronic cabinets. This creates a high internal heat load which increases the failures due to heat. Components will fail, sensors will misread, controls can drift and displays become inaccurate. EXAIR HazLoc Cabinet Coolers can solve these problems and prevent lost productivity, shutdown and the expense of new components.

Safety

EXAIR's HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems are not purged and pressurized control systems and should not be relied upon nor used in place of a purged and pressurized controller. They are meant for use in conjunction with a purged and pressurized control system.

Any control systems and accessories not rated for the hazardous location need to be moved outside of the hazardous area or inside a properly purged and pressurized enclosure which is suitable for the hazardous area.

Thermostat Control

Each different HazLoc Cabinet Cooler System is available with a thermostat control or as a continuous operation system. Each of these systems will include a water-dirt filter separator to prevent water condensate and dirt from entering your enclosure and cold air distribution kit used to direct the air for circulation and on to hot spots. HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems are also available in Type 303 and Type 316SS for highly corrosive environments.

EXAIR Cabinet Coolers provide cold air for large and small control panels and are maintenance free. They have no moving parts to wear out. All Cabinet Coolers are UL and ULC Listed and have a five year “Built To Last” warranty.

NEMA 4 (IP66) HazLoc Cabinet Coolers

NEMA 4 (IP66) HazLoc Cabinet Cooler systems are dust and oil tight, splash resistant and indoor/outdoor capable. By incorporating a low pressure valve for all air exhaust, the valve closes and seals when not operating to maintain NEMA 4 enclosure integrity.

Thermostat control systems (Models HZ4815-HZ4880) are the most efficient system because it will turn itself on and off as needed to cool your enclosure. Includes cooler, solenoid valve and thermostat, filter separator and cold air distribution kit. Models are available in 110VAC, 240VAC and 24VDC.

Continuous operation systems (Models HZ4715-HZ4780) include the cooler, a filter separator and cold air distribution kit.

Dual Cabinet Cooler systems (Models (HZ##50-HZ##80) provide for additional cooling.

Applications

• Programmable controllers
• Line control cabinets
• Motor control centers
• Relay panels
• NC/CNC systems
• Modular control centers
• CCTV cameras
• Computer cabinets
• Laser housings
• Electronic scales

NEMA 4 Cabinet Cooler Advantages

• Rated for Div I Hazardous Locations
• UL Classified
• Available in 8 different cooling capacities
• No moving parts - maintenance free
• Thermostat control reduces operating cost
• Large cooling capacities up to 5,600 Btu/hr. (1,411 Kcal/hr.)
• 5 Year warranty

Heat Can Stop Your Machines

It happens when you least expect it. High temperatures can cook the electronics that control your machines, resulting in erroneous readings, trip-outs or fried circuit boards. Cooling the electrical cabinet can eliminate these problems, but how will you do it?

Fans

Opening the panel door and aiming a fan at the circuit boards is a bad idea.

• It is an OSHA violation that presents a shock hazard to personnel
• The fan blows hot, humid, dirty air at the electronics
• The cooling effect is minimal
• It is likely to fail again since the environment is still hot

Heat Exchangers and Heat Pipes

These have serious limitations. On hot summer days when the temperatures of the room and inside the enclosure are about equal, there’s not enough difference for effective heat exchange.

• They fail when dust and dirt clog the filter
• The cooling capacity is limited due to ambient conditions

Refrigerant Panel Air Conditioners

These coolers are prone to failure in dirty, industrial environments when dust and dirt clogs the filter.

• It takes almost a day to install
• Vibration from machinery causes refrigerant leaks and component failures
• Compressor life expectancy is typically 2.5 years of continuous operation
• It requires a floor drain for the condensation
• Thermostat control can decrease compressor life
• Average cost for replacing a bad compressor is $750

EXAIR Cabinet Cooler Systems

EXAIR has a complete line of Cabinet Cooler Systems to dependably cool and purge your electrical enclosures. They convert an ordinary supply of compressed air into clean, cold 20ºF (-7°C) air. They mount in minutes through an ordinary electrical knockout and have no moving parts to wear out. Compressed air filtration is provided that keeps water, oil and other contaminants out of the enclosure.

• There is no room air filter to clog
• An accurate electrical thermostat control minimizes compressed air use
• All Cabinet Coolers are UL Listed to US and Canadian safety standards
• All HazLoc Cabinet Coolers are UL classified for use with classified enclosure purge and pressurization systems
• They are the only compressed air powered coolers that are CE compliant

Selecting The Right Cabinet Cooler® System

A dangerous shock hazard exists when the panel door is opened to let a fan blow hot, dirty shop air at the electronics.

With or Without Thermostat Control

EXAIR Cabinet Coolers are available with or without thermostat control. The continuous coolers (Model 4200 and 4700 series) are recommended when constant cooling and a constant positive purge are desirable. The thermostatically controlled systems (Model 4300 and 4800 series) save air by activating the cooler only when internal temperatures approach critical levels. The adjustable thermostat is factory set at 95°F (35°C). Thermostatic systems are recommended where heat load fluctuates and continual purge is not required.

All EXAIR Cabinet Cooler Systems contain a 5 micron Automatic Drain Filter for the compressed air supply and a Cold Air Distribution Kit to circulate the cold air throughout the enclosure.

Determine Correct Model for Your Use

Sizing Guide - How to Calculate Heat Load for your Enclosure

To determine the correct model for your application, it is first necessary to determine the total heat load to which the control panel is subjected. This total heat load is the combination of two factors — heat dissipated within the enclosure and heat transfer from outside into the enclosure.

To Calculate Btu/hr.:

1. First, determine the approximate Watts of heat generated within the enclosure.  Watts x 3.41 = Btu/hr.

2. Then, calculate outside heat transfer as follows:

a. Determine the area in square feet exposed to the air, ignoring the top of the cabinet.

b. Determine the temperature differential between maximum surrounding temperature and desired internal temperature. Then, using the Temperature Conversion Table (below), determine the Btu/hr./ft.² for that differential. Multiplying the cabinet surface area times Btu/hr./ft.² provides external heat transfer in Btu/hr.

3. Add internal and external heat loads for total heat load.

To Calculate Kcal/hr.:

1. First, determine the approximate Watts of heat generated within the enclosure. Watts x .86 = Kcal/hr.

2. Then, calculate outside heat transfer as follows:

a. Determine the area in square meters exposed to the air, ignoring the top of the cabinet.

b. Determine the temperature differential between maximum surrounding temperature and desired internal temperature. Then, using the Metric Temperature Conversion Table (below), determine the Kcal/hr./m² for that differential. Multiplying the cabinet surface area times Kcal/hr./m² provides external heat transfer in Kcal/hr.

3. Add internal and external heat loads for total heat load.

Cabinet Cooler® Sizing Guide!

Use our Cabinet Cooler Sizing Guide to submit information online about your control panel cooling problem. Download a PDF version, complete it offline and fax it to us at (513) 671-3363. 

For immediate help, call our Application Engineering Department at 1-800-903-9247.

Other Considerations

Systems for continuous operation include a Cabinet Cooler, cold air distribution kit and filter.

Systems with thermostat control include a Cabinet Cooler, thermostat, solenoid valve, cold air distribution kit and filter.

Any control systems or accessories not rated for the hazardous location need to be moved outside of the hazardous area or inside a properly purged and pressurized enclosure which is suitable for the hazardous area.

Filtration:

EXAlR Cabinet Cooler Systems include a 5 micron automatic drain water and dirt filter. This filter is critical for protection of electronics from water in the compressed air line. If oil is present in the compressed air supply, the addition of a coalescing (oil removal) filter, such as EXAlR Model 9005, is recommended.

Cold Air Distribution Kit includes tubing, adhesive clips and fittings.

Cold Air Distribution Kit:

The kit includes a length of flexible vinyl tubing used to direct the cold air for circulation, or to hot spots. Tubing connectors and adhesive backed clips to hold the tubing in place are provided.

Humidity:

For a continuous operating Cabinet Cooler, relative humidity inside the enclosure stabilizes at 45%. No moisture condenses inside the enclosure. (The enclosure must be sealed to prevent condensation.)

Inlet Air Temperature:

Cabinet Cooler Systems provide a 50°F (28°C) temperature drop from supply air temperature when the inlet pressure is 80 PSIG (5.5 BAR). Elevated inlet temperature will produce a corresponding rise in cold air temperature and reduction in cooling capacity. Low air pressures will also reduce the cooling capacity.

Mounting:

The Cabinet Cooler mounts to the enclosure through a drilled hole or electrical knockout. The NEMA 12 (IP54) Cabinet Coolers may be mounted on the top or side of the panel. Side Mount Kits are available. (Model 4909 - Small; Model 4910 - Large.) NEMA 4 and 4X (IP66) Cabinet Coolers may be mounted on the top of the panel or on the side of the panel if a Side Mount Kit is used (Model 4906 - Small; Model 4907 - Large).

Solenoid Valve and Thermostat

Solenoid Valve and Thermostat:

Cabinet Cooler Systems with thermostat control include a solenoid valve and thermostat that limit the flow of compressed air to only when cooling is needed. The solenoid valve is rated 120V, 60Hz or 110V, 50Hz. It is UL Listed and CSA Certified.

HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems with thermostat control include a Hazloc Solenoid NEMA 7/9, 1/4 NPT Solenoid Valve that limits the flow of compressed air to only when cooling is needed. The solenoid valve is rated 120V/60HZ, 240V/60HZ or 24VDC. It is UL Classified.

The thermostat is factory set at 95°F (35°C). It will normally hold ±2°F (1°C) inside the cabinet. It is rated 24VAC-240VAC, 50/60Hz, 24VDC and is UL Recognized and CSA Certified.

HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Standards and Certifications

EXAIR's HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems comply with OSHA's Safety Requirements, the EU General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC) and meet the noise limitation requirements of the EU Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC). In addition, HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems are UL Classified for use with classified enclosure purge and pressurization systems and meet all applicable UL Standards and requirements by Underwriters' Laboratories. All sound level measurements are taken at 3 feet away.

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Special Cabinet Coolers

EXAIR manufactures special NEMA 12 (IP54), 4 (IP66) and 4X (IP66) Cabinet Coolers suited to specific environmental requirements, as well as Side Mount Kits for mounting Cabinet Coolers on the side of enclosures. EXAIR Dual Cabinet Cooler Systems, High Temperature Cabinet Coolers, Non-Hazardous Purge Cabinet Coolers and Type 316 Cabinet Coolers are now available from stock.

Dual Cabinet Cooler Systems are available in NEMA 12, 4, and 4X models.

EXAIR's Dual Cabinet Cooler Systems (shown left) are ideal for large electrical enclosures and high heat loads. Dual Cabinet Coolers are available with cooling capacities of 3,400 (857 Kcal/hr.), 4,000 (1,007 Kcal/hr.), 4,800 (1,209 Kcal/hr.) and 5,600 Btu/hr. (1,411 Kcal/hr.).For more information, contact an Application Engineer.

High Temperature Cabinet Coolers for ambients up to 200°F (93°C) are available.

High Temperature Cabinet Cooler Systems for ambients of 125° to 200°F (52° to 93°C) are available (shown right). Internal components can withstand high temperatures (like those near furnaces, ovens, etc.) High Temperature Dual Cabinet Cooler Systems are also available.

The continuous purge of the NHP Cabinet Cooler System keeps dirt, heat and moisture out of the enclosure.

Non-Hazardous Purge Cabinet Cooler Systems (shown left) are ideal for dirty areas where contaminants might normally pass through small holes or conduits. Under normal conditions, the NHP Cabinet Cooler System provides a slight positive pressure in the enclosure by passing 1 SCFM (28 SLPM) of air through the cooler, when the solenoid valve is in the closed position. When the thermostat detects high temperature, it energizes the solenoid valve to pass full line pressure to the Cabinet Cooler, giving it full cooling capability. The continuous purge of the NHP Cabinet Cooler System keeps dirt, heat and moisture out of the enclosure.

316SS Cabinet Coolers use Type 316 stainless steel which is more resistant to corrosive conditions than other stainless steels.

Type 316 Stainless Steel NEMA 4X Cabinet Cooler Systems (shown right) are suitable for food service, pharmaceutical, harsh and corrosive environments, and other applications where 316SS is preferred. Capacities from 650 to 5,600 Btu/hr. (164 to 1,411 Kcal/hr.) are available.

EXAIR Dual Cabinet Coolers, High Temperature Cabinet Coolers, Non-Hazardous Purge Cabinet Coolers and Type 316 Cabinet Coolers are available from stock.

Side Mount Kits for Cabinet Coolers offer convenient mounting to the side of an enclosure.

EXAIR's Side Mount Kits for Cabinet Coolers (shown left) offer convenient mounting to the side of an electrical enclosure for applications where top mounting is not possible due to limited space or obstructions above the enclosure. The Cabinet Cooler protects sensitive electronics from heat, dirt and moisture while maintaining the NEMA 12/4/4X rating of the enclosure.

Side Mount Kits

EXAIR's Side Mount Kits make mounting on the side of an electrical enclosure possible when there is limited space on the top or side. (NEMA 4 and 4X Cabinet Cooler Systems must be mounted vertically.) Side Mount Kits maintain the NEMA rating of large and small NEMA Type 12, 4, and 4X enclosures. They mount in a standard electrical knockout (1-1/2 NPS). Side Mount Kits for NEMA 12 Cabinet Cooler Systems have an aluminum construction. Those for NEMA 4 and 4X Cabinet Cooler Systems are Type 303 or Type 316 stainless steel.