condensation

[Jonesy83]

recently installed some push buttons in a recycle centre and now having problems with condensation getting in and getting full of water there rated at ip 65 in the morning the building is full of mist is there any other set of buttons out there that can prevent condensation with use of some heater maybe with a heater by the use of a resistor im pretty sure ive seen something similar on a reflector where its heated by a resistor to prevent condensation

best way i can describe the area is that it could be a nice clear day outside not a cloud in site but itl be raining inside of the building

 

[DurhamSparky]

sounds like not fully IP rated..

maybe drill a leak hole at bottom???

 

[Jonesy83]

thort of that but site engineer not happy with that as the mist rises he rekons the condensation will get in he wants it completly sealed other sparks are having trouble on there aswell for example 3 phase isolators full of water (my firm didnt install) other electrical systems corroding aswell onsite buildings only been in use 2 months

 

[telectrix]

get em to buy a dehumidifier

 

[DurhamSparky]

drill a leak hole and use conduit to manufacture a "u Bend Trap"....... empty the water and stop mist rising up the hole!!

 

[IQ Electrical]

This was always the reasoning behind a tubular heater in an external switchroom, just to keep the temperature above the 'dew point' and avoid condensation forming within the switchgear.

 

[spud1]

Sounds like quite extreme conditions. Condensation forms when moisture in the air hits a cold surface I think. So the fact mositure is forming within the enclosure would suggest to me that moist air is entering the enclosure somehow. Maybe try mounting within an enclosure that affords IP 66 or even 67 or find a product that that affords that protection.

 

[Colin Integrale]

Were the push buttons good quality? Not being funny, but if you've been given cheaper kind of gear sometimes the IP ratings can be a bit dubious.

If not, up the IP rating like spud says.

 

[pmac10]

can a roof extractor fan be fitted? willl help regulate the moisture content of the air

 

[Jonesy83]

cant have extractors in the building has to be sealed to contain the odour they get in trouble off the council if to much escapes they have negetive pressure inside the building to try and contain the smell thats

just have to up the ip rating i think see what the boss says in the morning

 

[Knobhead]

Unless you install pressurised equipment you’ll never get around the problem. Drill a drain hole, the mist will get in but condensate can’t build up due to the hole.
Believe me I’ve found out by experience, people think a foundry is hot and dry, it isn’t! PB’s you dare not touch due to condensation.
Good quality PB’s with shrouds and a drain hole in the housing is the answer.