Professional Documents
Culture Documents
3 Easy Steps To Prevent Condensation in Electric Actuators
3 Easy Steps To Prevent Condensation in Electric Actuators
3 Easy Steps To Prevent Condensation in Electric Actuators
To Prevent Condensation in
Electric Actuators
UNDERSTAND CONDENSATION
What is Condensation?
Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air is changed into
liquid water droplets. This change in the physical state of the water from a gas
to a liquid happens when warm air holding moisture as water vapor comes in
contact with cool air or a cool surface.
As the warm air cools, the air loses its ability to hold water, so condensation
begins to form, just like a cold glass of water sweating on a hot summer day.
In nature, this process is a crucial part of the water cycle; warm air rises, cools, forms clouds,
and creates rain. In an electric actuator, this process is the number one reason for premature
product failure.
THE SOLUTION:
In the scenario above occurring on Sample Day 1 condensation can be prevented by managing the
If the temperature inside and outside of the actuator are allowed to change at the same rate, then
If the relative humidity of the air inside of the actuator is reduced then condensation will not form.
If a constant temperature inside of the actuator is maintained above the dew point, then
As the dew point temperature approaches, the condensation will start to form inside
the actuator.
Air Measurements
The best way to anticipate condensation conditions is to take air measurements
for temperature and relative humidity in the area where the actuator is meant to be
installed. These measurements can be used to calculate the dew point.
Climate Data
Alternatively, climate data, and online dew point calculators are also great tools to
utilize when anticipating condensation conditions.
• Available for NEMA 4, NEMA 4X & NEMA 7 the product’s power source for the heater
Hazardous location electric actuators. and thermostat is intermittent (trucks,
• Conserves energy in a system with a finite vehicles, and other mobile equipment).
power source (solar cell & battery). • Not recommended for environments with
• Provides condensation prevention by mild temperature fluctuations and high
reducing the relative humidity inside the humidity.
actuator enclosure. • The thermostat will turn the heater on at
• Controls condensation in situations where 41 def. F, and turns off at 61 deg. F
• Available for NEMA 4, NEMA 4X & NEMA 7 • Controls condensation in situations where
Hazardous location electric actuators. the product’s power source for the heater
• Provides condensation prevention by and thermostat is intermittent (trucks,
reducing the relative humidity inside the vehicles, and other mobile equipment).
actuator enclosure.
• Available for NEMA 4, NEMA 4X & NEMA 7 • Not recommended for environments with
Hazardous location electric actuators. mild temperature fluctuations and high
• The most important function is to control humidity.
the temperature of the actuator for overall • The thermostat will turn the heater on at
functionality in below freezing conditions, 41 def. F, and turns off at 61 deg. F
and save power during warmer conditions.
• Can also control condensation to some
degree.
COMPARTMENT HEATER
Used mainly for condensation control especially
condensation control coupled with temperatures
consistently below 60 deg. F.
BREATHER
A vent installed into the electric actuator’s cover to allow air to move freely between the inside and
outside of the actuator enclosure.
• Available for NEMA 4, NEMA 4X & NEMA 7 reducing the temperature differential
Hazardous location electric actuators. between the interior and exterior of the
• Not for use on electric actuators required electric actuator enclosure.
to operate in temperatures below freezing. • Controls condensation in situations where
• Conserves energy in a system with a finite the product’s power source for a heater
power source (solar cell & battery) and thermostat is intermittent (trucks,
• Provides condensation prevention by vehicles, and other mobile equipment).
NEMA 4 and NEMA 7 Enclosure Breathers, Optional Accessories used to reduce condensation.
www.indelac.com