Heat inside electrical enclosures can lead to component failure, downtime, and inconsistent machine performance. In our latest video, we used a thermal camera to show how quickly an EXAIR Cabinet Cooler reduces temperatures inside a control panel.
Thermal imaging makes the results easy to see in real time. Hot spots across the enclosure begin cooling almost immediately once the Cabinet Cooler is activated, helping stabilize temperatures around critical electrical components.
The video highlights:
Rapid panel cooling
Reduction of hot spots
Consistent airflow across components
Cooling without pulling contaminated plant air into the enclosure
Unlike traditional fan cooling, the EXAIR Cabinet Cooler uses compressed air to cool the enclosure while maintaining positive pressure to help keep dust and debris out.
For facilities dealing with overheating VFDs, PLCs, or electrical panels, thermal imaging provides a clear look at how effective enclosure cooling can improve reliability and reduce downtime.
If you think a Cabinet Cooler will help your process, please reach out! I’m happy to help you get the right one selected and in service.
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
HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems are engineered and certified for use in purged electrical enclosures within classified environments. These systems meet the requirements for Class I Division I, Groups A, B, C, and D, as well as Class II Division I Groups E, F, and G, and Class III areas. EXAIR’s HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems have passed extensive testing by UL, confirming their adherence to the stringent UL standards relevant to these specific environments.
Cabinet Cooler Systems provide a cost-effective and reliable method for cooling purged electric control panels across diverse settings. By employing Vortex Tube technology, these systems can produce cooling capacities of up to 5,600 BTU/Hr without the need for moving parts, making them a low-maintenance choice for cooling purged cabinets in hazardous locations.
EXAIR’sHazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems stand out in the market due to their UL classification for Division I environments. These systems are designed for optimal efficiency with thermostatic controls and include UL-listed solenoids that are appropriate for hazardous locations. Engineered for easy installation on purged enclosures, EXAIRCabinet Cooler Systems require minimal maintenance and are built to operate reliably under the most demanding industrial conditions.
EXAIR provides Hazardous Location Cabinet Cooler Systems in eight different cooling capacities, ranging from 1,000 BTU/Hr to 5,600 BTU/Hr. This extensive selection allows you to choose a system that best meets your cooling needs while reducing compressed air consumption. These systems effectively protect your electronic equipment from heat, dirt, and moisture, ensuring seamless operation of your processes. They serve as a cost-efficient alternative to bulky, high-maintenance coolant-based air conditioning systems and are designed for easy installation.
Components can fail, sensors may yield erroneous readings, controls might drift, and displays can become unreliable. EXAIRHazLoc Cabinet Coolerseffectively mitigate these challenges, ensuring sustained productivity while avoiding expensive shutdowns and the replacement of components. Should you have any inquiries about HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems or any other EXAIR products, please feel free to contact us.
As the mercury rises, industrial facilities face a familiar foe: heat-related downtime. When sensitive electronics and control panels overheat, production grinds to a halt—often at the most inconvenient times. While fans or traditional air conditioners might seem like the go-to solutions, they often bring their own headaches, like clogged filters or mechanical failures.
Enter EXAIRCabinet Cooler Systems, a low-cost and highly reliable alternative that uses nothing but compressed air to keep your critical components running cool and clean. And now through the end of August, with the purchase of these systems, you will receive a free AC Sensor — Model 7929.
How They Work: The Power of the Vortex
At the heart of every EXAIR Cabinet Cooler is a Vortex Tube. This clever piece of engineering converts a standard supply of compressed air into two streams: one hot and one cold.
Cold Air Injection: The cold air is discharged directly into the cabinet through a distribution kit, creating a pressurized environment.
Contaminant Exclusion: Because the cabinet is slightly pressurized, outside air—along with its dust, dirt, and oil—can never get in.
Heat Exhaust: The warm air inside the cabinet is displaced and vented out through the cooler body, leaving your electronics in a clean, temperature-controlled environment.
Maintenance-Free Reliability
One of the biggest advantages of EXAIR’s design is what it doesn’t have. There are no moving parts to wear out, no filters to clog, and no refrigerants (like Freon) to leak.
Simple Installation: These units can be installed in minutes through a standard electrical knockout.
Long Lifespan: With a clean, dry supply of compressed air, these coolers can run for decades—some have even been tested to work perfectly after 20 years of service.
Smart Cooling with Thermostat Control
While the coolers are incredibly effective, using compressed air continuously can be expensive. To maximize efficiency, most systems include a Thermostat Control.
Automated Operation: The thermostat (factory set at 95°F) acts as an on/off switch, activating the cooler only when the temperature reaches critical levels.
Digital Precision: For even tighter control, Electronic Temperature Controls (ETC) are available to maintain a constant temperature with a digital LED display.
A Solution for Every Environment
No two facilities are the same, which is why EXAIR offers several ratings to match your specific needs:
NEMA 12 (IP54): For dust-tight, oil-tight indoor industrial environments.
NEMA 4 (IP66): For splash-resistant indoor or outdoor use.
NEMA 4X: Corrosion-resistant 303 or 316 stainless steel for food service or aggressive chemical settings.
Hazardous Locations (HazLoc/ATEX): Specifically designed and certified for explosive environments containing gases or dust.
High Temperature Models: Capable of providing relief in ambient temperatures reaching up to 200°F (93°C).
Both the HazLoc (left) and ATEX Cabinet Cooler Systems are available from stock in NEMA 4 and NEMA 4X ratings.
Stop the Shutdowns
Don’t wait for a 100°F day to realize your cooling is insufficient. You can use the Cabinet Cooler System Calculator on EXAIR’s website to find the exact cooling capacity you need, with models ranging from 275 to 5,600 Btu/hr.
Keeping electrical enclosures cool is essential for protecting components, avoiding downtime, and maintaining consistent performance. While both Cabinet Coolers and refrigerant-based panel air conditioners can get the job done, more manufacturers are shifting toward a simpler, more reliable solution like Cabinet Coolers from EXAIR.
Here’s a closer look at how they compare—and why Cabinet Coolers often come out ahead in real-world industrial environments.
What Is a Cabinet Cooler?
Compressed air goes in; cold air comes out of the Vortex Tube and is circulated through the enclosure. The Vortex Tube’s hot flow and the warm exhaust from the enclosure are vented through the Cabinet Cooler’s body.
What Is a Cabinet Cooler?
Cabinet Coolers use compressed air and a vortex tube to create a stream of cold air that circulates inside the enclosure. With no moving parts and a straightforward design, they offer dependable cooling without the complexity of traditional systems.
Refrigerant-based panel coolers function like a traditional air conditioner, using a compressor and refrigerant to remove heat from the enclosure.
While effective, they introduce added complexity—both in installation and long-term upkeep.
Where Cabinet Coolers Have the Advantage
1. Simplicity That Saves Time
Refrigerant systems require wiring, mounting, and clearance for airflow. Cabinet Coolers, on the other hand, install quickly through a standard knockout and are ready to run with minimal setup.
For operations that can’t afford long installation windows, this simplicity is a major advantage.
2. Virtually Zero Maintenance
One of the biggest hidden costs of refrigerant systems is maintenance—filters clog, fans wear out, and compressors eventually fail.
Cabinet Coolers eliminate those concerns entirely. With no moving parts, there’s nothing to service, replace, or break down.
3. Built for Harsh Environments
Industrial environments aren’t always clean. Dust, oil mist, humidity, and washdowns can quickly degrade traditional panel A/C units.
Cabinet Coolers excel here:
No ambient air is pulled into the enclosure
Sealed design keeps contaminants out
Performs reliably in dirty, wet, or high-vibration conditions
This is where many refrigerant-based systems struggle—and where Cabinet Coolers consistently prove their value.
4. Reliable, No-Downtime Operation
When a refrigerant unit fails, cooling stops—and repairs can be costly and time-consuming.
Cabinet Coolers offer a more rugged, dependable alternative. Their simple design means fewer failure points and more consistent performance over time. Cabinet cooler systems bought over 20 years ago are still in operation to this day.
5. Ideal for Targeted & Intermittent Cooling
Not every application needs a large, continuously running A/C unit. For moderate heat loads or intermittent cooling needs, Cabinet Coolers provide efficient, on-demand cooling—especially when paired with a thermostat control.
Where Refrigerant Systems Still Fit
To be fair, refrigerant-based panel coolers do have their place—particularly in applications with:
High, continuous heat loads
Large enclosures requiring significant BTU capacity
Environments where compressed air is limited or costly
But in many industrial settings, those conditions don’t outweigh the added complexity and maintenance burden. Not to mention the cost to repair and replace after a few years of service.
The Bottom Line
If your priority is reliability, low maintenance, and years of performance in tough environments, Cabinet Coolers from EXAIR offer a clear advantage.
They’re simple to install, built to last, and designed to keep your enclosures cool without the headaches that come with traditional refrigerant systems.
For many manufacturers, that combination isn’t just convenient—it’s a smarter long-term investment.
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
