What should you look for in an enclosure ventilation system?
Short answer
Look for vents or air exchange devices that are diagonally aligned and positioned on the back of the enclosure, near the top and the bottom, rather than on the top, bottom or side walls. That arrangement optimises airflow without affecting the enclosure's ingress protection (IP) rating. Our AK Air distribution boards use this approach, with an integrated IP65 ventilation system built around two diagonally aligned BEL Air devices. Each consists of a circular frame with an external cover containing a filter and a labyrinth structure that separates water droplets from the gas phase.
We recommend solutions where the vents or air exchange ports are diagonally aligned and located at the back of the enclosure, near the top and the bottom of the structure, but not on the top, bottom or side walls. Arranged this way, it is possible to optimise the airflow without affecting the enclosure’s ingress protection (IP) rating.
Proper air circulation is extremely important in protecting the electrical equipment within an enclosure, especially as many devices can generate significant levels of heat. In these cases, solutions that use vents or air exchange devices can prevent overheating, condensation and high internal pressures.
Our AK Air distribution boards address these specific needs. They offer an integrated IP65 ventilation system, which we developed to prevent condensate, equipped with two diagonally aligned BEL Air devices. Each device comprises a circular frame with an external cover, containing a filter and a labyrinth structure that separates water droplets from the gas phase.
Located on the back walls of AK Air enclosures, near the top and the bottom of the structure, the BEL Air devices allow the air from the enclosure to mix constantly with the air from the outside environment. They also transport humidity away from the electrical equipment.
There is more on our AK Air range of distribution boards at https://www.spelsberg.com/small-distribution-boards/ak-air-distributor-14-70te/ and on the BEL Air accessory at https://www.spelsberg.com/gti-iso-switchgears/accessories/26344001/
Does your installation not quite fit this answer?
Ask a follow-up — we’ll reply within one working day.