Last updated on August 5th, 2024 at 08:54 pm

Enclosure heaters and cabinets protect heating systems and equipment. Ordinary enclosures offer suitable protection from physical damage and elemental damage such as condensation. Hazardous area enclosures mitigate hazards from specific hazards in harsh environments or explosion risks.

In addition to protecting the heater and increasing its durability, enclosure heaters can also improve safety for people working in their vicinity. It reduces exposed elements and wiring that can present a potential shock or ignition source.

How They Work

The heater elements are protected by being inside the enclosure. This offers additional protection beyond the sheath material. The physical barrier of the heater enclosure helps to prevent damage or human contact. It also keeps out debris, snow, and other potentially damaging hazards.

The enclosure protection extends beyond this physical barrier. They circulate air through the electric heater elements using convection currents. This increases the temperature and volume of air inside the enclosure. As a result, the heater receives extra protection from cold and condensation.

Electric Enclosure Heater Uses

With a simple design and concept, electric enclosure heaters are versatile. They are used in medical systems, pump houses, control panels, and alarm systems, to name a few. Using non-conductive materials, they are appropriate and safe for all sorts of important uses.

Cold Environments

Anywhere with consistent or seasonal cold temperatures presents additional hazards for equipment. Ice and snow on their own can cause significant physical damage. As well, freeze protection is necessary to protect products, equipment, and processes. Even some indoor locations, such as cold storage facilities, can benefit from this protection.

Enclosure heaters offer benefits for both of these issues. Physically, they help keep wind, snow, and ice from damaging heating equipment. With their internal air circulation and heating, they also prevent freezing inside of the enclosure. 

Outdoors

Even in environments with little or no cold and snow, outdoor applications often benefit from enclosures. Weather is a significant factor when determining potential hazards for your heater. Wind can carry dust and debris, damaging or blocking equipment. Rain or even humid enough conditions can cause condensation damage.

An electric enclosure heater protects from these factors, minimizing physical elements and preventing condensation buildup.

Safety & Surveillance Equipment

Safety and surveillance equipment serve important functions. People rely on these systems working, but they are often exposed to potentially damaging conditions. Security cameras, for instance, are prone to freezing or moisture distortion that can cause critical errors. A security camera malfunctioning can result in hazards and severely limits its effectiveness.

All sensitive safety and surveillance equipment can benefit from an enclosure heater.

Corrosion Prevention

Another common failure point for equipment is corrosion. While heater material selection makes it possible to mitigate corrosion, it is not always enough to completely prevent it. Regular heater maintenance allows for early discovery and removal of corrosion and scaling. But, there is still potential for damage between inspections.

An enclosure heater helps to further reduce the risk of corrosion. In part, this is from corrosion resistance and maintaining the optimal temperature for equipment.

Manufacturing Industrial Electric Heating Solutions

Wattco custom manufactures electric heaters for industrial use. Each heater and component is carefully selected and designed to meet each project’s specific criteria and budget. Our team of engineers helps determine the best configurations, wattages/voltages, and materials for the unique environment and application.

Request an electric heater quote or more information from Wattco today.