How Can I Stay Calm When My Control Panel’s Overheating?

Published on by Russ BowmanLeave a comment

We’re in the dog days of summer (in the Northern Hemisphere) for sure…or, as we call it, “Cabinet Cooler Season.” If you’re having heat-related problems with a control panel, there are plenty of cooling options out there, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that’s as durable, reliable, available, and easy to install as an EXAIR Cabinet Cooler System. All we have to do is find the right one for your enclosure, and we have a couple of different ways to do that:

Cabinet Cooler Systems Sizing Guide: We’ve had this on our website, and in our catalog, for years now. We can also email you one, if you want to print it out & fill in the blanks. Then, you can either email it back, or you can call us with the data. It only takes a minute to do the calculations, and we do it over the phone all the time.

Cabinet Cooler System Calculator: This one’s for the do-it-yourself-ers, and it uses the exact same formulas that an Application Engineer will use if you submit a Sizing Guide. There are still some situations where you might need to contact us — if your enclosure is in an explosive environment, an area with a hazardous classification, or if the heat load is outside the parameters of our stock Cabinet Cooler Systems, the Calculator is going to politely decline to make a selection and refer you to an Application Engineer. Of course, if you have ANY questions about the application or the Cabinet Cooler products, don’t hesitate to call, even if the Calculator doesn’t make you.

Here’s what we’re going to ask for, and why:

  • Enclosure dimensions. To calculate the heat transfer surface area
  • Current Internal Air Temperature. This is the starting point for figuring out the internal heat load…how much heat the components inside the box is generating. This needs to be the air temperature – don’t use a heat gun, or you’re going to give me the surface temperature of something that may or may not be close to what I need. Just put a thermometer in there for a few minutes.
  • Current External Air Temperature. We’re going to compare this to the internal air temperature…the difference between the two is proportional to the heat load. Also, if there’s anything cooling the enclosure right now (like circulating fans; more on those in a minute), this reading is key to figuring out how much heat they’re removing.
  • Maximum External Air Temperature. How hot does it get in the area on, say, the hottest day of summer? We’ll need this to calculate the external heat load…how much heat the enclosure picks up from its surroundings.
  • Maximum Internal Temperature Desired. Most electrical and electronic component manufacturers publish a maximum operating temperature of 104F (40C) – it’s kind of an “industry standard.” Based on this, a lot of us in the enclosure cooling business set our products’ thermostats to 95F (35C) – if we’re maintaining the air temperature a decent amount cooler than the components are allowed to get, history and practice has shown that we’re going to provide more than adequate protection. If your enclosure houses something with more sensitive temperature limitations, though, we can work with that too…that’s the only time you’re going to want to put something other than 95F (35C) in this field.
  • Cabinet Rating. This is all about the environment…we offer three levels of protection, per NEMA standards:
  • Other: If the enclosure is mounted to the side of a machine, or a wall in the plant, you really don’t need to put anything there. If it’s outside and exposed to direct sunlight, tell us what the surface finish (i.e., polished metal, painted grey, etc.) is so that we can account for solar loading too. If anything else is unusual or peculiar about the application, let us know that too.
  • My Cabinet Is… Not Vented, Vented, Wall Mounted, Free Standing, Fan(s). We’ll use what you tell us here to verify the heat transfer surface (a wall-mounted cabinet’s back surface isn’t a radiative surface, for example.) Also, I mentioned fan cooling before, so without further ado…
  • Fan diameter or SCFM. If there are fans circulating air into (and/or out of) the enclosure, they’re providing a finite amount of cooling right now. Proper installation of a Cabinet Cooler System is going to require their removal. Running a Cabinet Cooler System on a vented enclosure is just like running your air conditioner with the windows open. So, if we know the size (or the SCFM…sometimes there’s a label on those fans, and we LOVE those folks who do that) then we can use that, and the temperatures you gave us above, to take the fan cooling into account.

Once we (or the Calculator) have that data, we’ll calculate the heat load & specify the right system. Easy as that.

Before I go…here’s a nice little video, walking you through the Cabinet Cooler Sizing Guide. Yes, I just made you read the book before watching the movie…feel free to tell me which one you liked better.

Cabinet Cooler Systems are in stock and available for same day shipment with an order received by 2pm EDT. If you have a panel that needs cooling, we can fix that right now…give me a call.

Russ Bowman, CCASS

Application Engineer
Visit us on the Web
Follow me on Twitter
Like us on Facebook

Press Release: Dual Hazardous Location Cabinet Cooler Systems Protect Large Electrical Enclosures in Classified Areas

Published on by John BallLeave a comment

EXAIR’s Dual Hazardous Location Cabinet Cooler® Systems provide a powerful, maintenance-free solution for protecting large electrical enclosures in hazardous environments. Designed for classified areas, including Class I Div 1, Groups A, B, C, and D; Class II Div 1, Groups E, F, and G; and Class III, these high-capacity cooling systems prevent sensitive electronics from overheating while eliminating the need for costly air conditioners or panel fans. With cooling capacities up to 5,600 Btu/Hr, Dual Hazardous Location Cabinet Coolers are ideal for oversized control panels, motor control centers, and other electrical enclosures exposed to explosive gas or combustible dust atmospheres.

                Dual Hazardous Location Cabinet Cooler Systems use two engineered Cabinet Coolers working together to evenly distribute cold air throughout large enclosures, maintaining safe operating temperatures for critical electrical components. The systems are UL tested for hazardous locations and preserve the enclosure’s integrity by mounting through standard electrical knockouts. Each system includes an automatic drain filter separator to prevent moisture from entering the enclosure, while optional electronic temperature controls are also available. With no moving parts to wear out and no refrigerants to maintain, the systems provide long-lasting, reliable protection in the harshest industrial environments.

                Dual Hazardous Location Cabinet Cooler Systems are part of EXAIR’s complete family of Cabinet Cooler® Systems, offering solutions for NEMA 12, 4, 4X, and ATEX-rated enclosures ranging from 1,000 to 5,600 Btu/hr. Whether cooling a small control panel or a large electrical enclosure in a classified area, EXAIR provides engineered cooling solutions for virtually any enclosure cooling challenge.

                If you require assistance with sizing, EXAIR does have a Cabinet Cooler Sizing Guide to fill out for us to calculate the total heat load.  For our U.S. customers, we are offering a promotion.  You will receive an AC Sensor, a $77.50 value, for free as a promotional item from now until the end of August 2026 with a qualified purchase of our Cabinet Coolers. If you have any questions or need more information about our Cabinet Coolers, an Application Engineer can assist you. 

John Ball
Application Engineer
Email: johnball@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jb

Maximize Efficiency and Safety with HEPA Vacuum for Walnut Shell Blasting Recovery

Published on by Neal RakerLeave a comment

Turn Your Blasting Cleanup into a Competitive Advantage

Walnut shell blasting is widely recognized as one of the safest and most environmentally friendly methods for cleaning delicate surfaces. From aerospace components to automotive engines, it delivers powerful results without damaging underlying materials.

But there is one challenge many operations still face: efficiently recovering blasting media while maintaining a clean, safe workspace.

The solution? Heavy-duty HEPA vacuum systems designed specifically for blasting media recovery.

The Hidden Cost of Inefficient Media Recovery

Without the right recovery equipment, walnut shell blasting can quickly lead to:

  • Excessive material waste
  • Increased labor time for cleanup
  • Airborne dust exposure
  • Cross-contamination in sensitive environments

Over time, these issues translate into higher operational costs, safety risks, and reduced productivity.

A smarter recovery strategy does not just solve these problems—it transforms your entire process.

Why HEPA Vacuums Are a Gamechanger

A Heavy Duty HEPA vacuum is more than just a cleanup tool. It is an essential part of a modern, efficient blasting operation.

● Capture More, Waste Less

High-performance suction allows you to recover walnut shell media quickly and efficiently, making reuse possible and reducing overall consumption.

● Protect Your Workforce

Advanced HEPA filtration captures fine dust particles, improving air quality and helping create a safer working environment for your team.

● Maintain Clean, Controlled Workspaces

Whether you are working on a shop floor or a highly regulated facility, HEPA vacuums help prevent contamination and maintain compliance.

● Reduce Downtime

Faster cleanup means less interruption between blasting cycles—keeping your operations running smoothly.

Built for Demanding Industrial Environments

Not all vacuums are created equal. Heavy Duty HEPA systems designed for blasting applications offer:

  • Industrial-strength construction for durability in harsh environments
  • High-capacity collection systems to handle large volumes of media
  • Multi-stage filtration for superior dust containment
  • Strong airflow and suction power for dense material recovery

These features ensure consistent performance even in the most demanding conditions.

Ideal for a Wide Range of Applications

Industries that rely on walnut shell blasting can benefit immediately from improved recovery solutions:

  • Aerospace – Maintain strict cleanliness standards while protecting sensitive components.
  • Automotive – Safely remove carbon buildup and contaminants.
  • Power Generation – Control dust and maintain operational efficiency.
  • Manufacturing – Support cleaner for high concentrations of fine dust material.

Improve Sustainability While Cutting Costs

Recovering and reusing walnut shell media is not simply good practice, it is good business.

With the right HEPA vacuum system, you can:

  • Reduce material waste.
  • Lower disposal costs
  • Minimize environmental impact.
  • Support corporate sustainability goals.

It is a simple upgrade that delivers measurable returns on investment.

The Bottom Line: Smarter Recovery Starts Here

If walnut shell blasting is part of your operation, your recovery system should work just as hard as your blasting equipment.

A Heavy Duty HEPA vacuum solution gives you the ability to:

►Improve efficiency
►Enhance workplace safety
►Reduce operating costs
►Maintain compliance

Take Control of Your Blasting Process

Do not let cleanup slow you down or cut into your margins. Upgrade to a heavy-duty HEPA vacuum system and turn media recovery into a powerful advantage for your business.

Neal Raker, Application Engineering Manager
nealraker@exair.com

Compressed Air Pipe

5 Compressed Air Myths Engineers Still Believe (And the Truth Behind Them)

Published on by Jordan T ShouseLeave a comment

Compressed air is often called the “fourth utility” because it’s essential to modern manufacturing. Yet despite decades of innovation, many misconceptions about compressed air systems continue to circulate on plant floors.

These myths can lead to higher operating costs, unnecessary equipment failures, excessive compressed air consumption, and reduced productivity.

Let’s separate fact from fiction.

Myth #1: More Pressure Means Better Performance

This is one of the most expensive misconceptions in manufacturing.

When an application doesn’t perform as expected, many people simply increase the regulator pressure. While this may temporarily solve the problem, it often creates new issues:

  • Increased compressed air consumption
  • Higher energy costs
  • Excessive wear on components
  • More system leaks

Instead of increasing pressure, engineers should determine whether the application is using the correct air nozzle, air knife, or vacuum generator for the job. Properly engineered products maximize force while minimizing air consumption.

Myth #2: Open Pipes Are Just as Effective as Engineered Air Nozzles

An open copper tube or drilled pipe may seem like a simple, low-cost solution, but it’s one of the least efficient ways to use compressed air.

Engineered air nozzles are specifically designed to:

  • Entrain surrounding ambient air
  • Amplify airflow
  • Reduce compressed air consumption
  • Lower noise levels
  • Meet OSHA safety standards

Many facilities discover significant energy savings simply by replacing open pipes with “bolting on” engineered air nozzles.

Myth #3: Air Leaks Aren’t Worth Fixing

A small leak may not seem important. Especially one you can’t even hear.

Multiply that leak across hundreds of fittings, quick disconnects, hoses, and valves, however, and the losses become substantial.

Many facilities unknowingly lose 20–30% of their compressed air production through leaks alone.

Routine leak audits and preventive maintenance can dramatically reduce compressor runtime and utility costs.

Myth #4: Compressed Air Doesn’t Need Preventive Maintenance

Many facilities focus maintenance efforts on compressors while overlooking downstream equipment.

Dirty filters, damaged regulators, nozzles clogged with rust and other contamination, as well as worn fittings reduce performance and waste energy.

Preventive inspections should include:

  • Filters
  • Regulators
  • Hoses
  • Air knives
  • Nozzles
  • Vacuum generators
  • Cabinet cooling systems

Small maintenance tasks prevent much larger production issues.

Myth #5: Noise Is Just Part of Using Compressed Air

It doesn’t have to be.

High noise levels often indicate inefficient airflow and turbulence.

Engineered compressed air products reduce turbulence while entraining surrounding air, producing quieter operation without sacrificing performance.

Lower noise benefits both employee safety and OSHA compliance.

Compressed air systems continue to evolve, but many outdated assumptions remain.

Questioning these common myths can uncover hidden opportunities to reduce operating costs, improve reliability, and increase overall plant efficiency.

Whether you’re troubleshooting a blow-off application, cooling an electrical enclosure, conveying materials, or eliminating static electricity, choosing engineered compressed air solutions can make a measurable difference.

Instead of relying on trial and error, work with application specialists who can evaluate your process and recommend the most efficient solution for your specific application. Small changes in compressed air usage often lead to significant long-term savings.

Jordan Shouse
Application Engineer
E: JordanShouse@exair.com
O: (513) 671‑3322
F: (513) 671‑3363
A: 11510 Goldcoast Dr Cincinnati OH 45249
www.exair.com

Find time on my calendar by scheduling a meeting here.