Building electrical enclosures presents many challenges. Considerations such as ingress protection, mechanical strength, component costs, National Electrical Code (NEC) compliance, and thermal management are equally important when building safe, reliable, cost-effective control cabinets. Panel builders may also face challenges related to the availability of materials, the complexity of the design, and the need to meet tight deadlines. Having a dependable supplier can lessen many of these concerns and help panel builders successfully deliver projects on time and within budget.
Below are eight characteristics that panel builders should look for in a thermal management product supplier:
A supplier of enclosure cooling products should have a good reputation for providing dependable, high-quality products and exceptional customer service. When necessary, the ability to speak with a live customer service representative and knowledgeable staff should not be undervalued.
Stability is critical to a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship. The thermal management supplier should have considerable knowledge and experience in providing cooling solutions for various types of sealed enclosures across numerous industries and environments. Success does not occur overnight, so consider the number of years a company is in business and choose a supplier with a long history of innovation and growth.
One project may be completely different from the next. A thermal management supplier that offers a broad product line is much better equipped to handle the requirements of a given application. From closed-loop air conditioners and heat exchangers to forced-ventilation fans and packaged blowers, an electrical enclosure manufacturer with various product options can easily find the right cooling solution for its customers. Installation requirements are also critical, so it is important to look for a supplier that offers a certain degree of product configuration or cooling units with flexible mounting options.
It may seem obvious that a supplier should sell its products at competitive prices, but that is not to say that cheaper is better. Quite the opposite! Low-cost parts and inexperienced or hasty labor will often contribute to a low-quality, unreliable enclosure cooling product. Choose a thermal management provider that offers high-quality products at fair market value.
Warranties provide peace of mind with extra product protection and customer support after the sale. Typically, if an enclosure cooling product is built to last, installed properly, and operated under conditions for which the cooling unit is specified, the warranty will expire long before any performance issues arise. Still, it is important to find a supplier of enclosure cooling equipment that will stand behind its workmanship and offer a warranty on its products.
It is important for panel builders to receive orders in a timely fashion, especially in circumstances where an enclosure project needs to be completed under a tight deadline. Looking for a domestic supplier whose cooling and airflow products are manufactured in the U.S.A. will go a long way toward shortening lead times and ensuring quick deliveries. In addition, many U.S. government projects now give preference to domestic suppliers.
A reputable provider of thermal management solutions should be certified to meet relevant quality and safety standards. Certifications or marks that distinguish a thermal management product supplier include, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Underwriter's Laboratories (UL), among others. Thermal management product ratings, such as the standards issued by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), are equally important as they ensure compatibility with the enclosure and protection against specific environmental conditions.
A panel builder may want to choose a supplier that has a commitment to sustainability in the products it manufactures as well as its overall operations. Eco-friendly manufacturing practices, materials recycling programs, and the derivation of power from renewable resources are just a few ways in which a supplier can do its part in protecting the environment. Compliance with regulations such as Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) or Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) are additional indicators of a company's commitment to environmental protection.
Having an experienced and dependable thermal management product supplier, such as Kooltronic, is a must for any electrical panel fabrication shop. By doing a little research and looking for several important attributes, a panel builder can make an informed decision regarding which supplier to trust for its electrical enclosure cooling needs. Contact us to learn more about Kooltronic products or take a video tour of our facility to learn what makes Kooltronic the leading supplier of enclosure cooling solution since 1956.
