I have had success with the opposite approach using equipment rated from -40 C to +85 C (+185 F), no fans, sealed NEMA4 or NEMA12 Hoffman enclosures, cooling by equipment heat sinks. Ethernet switches and optics rated -40 C to +85 C This configuration has worked with the same equipment for at least 6 years in an environment where summer ambient temperatures reach 120-130 F, and winter ambient 0 F. Hoffman makes a 72" high NEMA12 enclosure with a swing-out 19" telco rack. On Mon, Jun 17, 2013 at 12:36 PM, Chuck Anderson <cra@wpi.edu> wrote:
I'm in need of my first free-standing, pad-mounted outdoor enclosure, 19" rack rails, 12-18 rack units, with about 400W of heat load inside, for use in the Massachusetts climate. What do people recommend as far as contruction, cooling/heating options, NEMA ratings, security options, etc. for this use?
I was hoping to keep the inside temperature between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, although my worst-case components are rated for 41 to 104 F (4 - 40 C). If a full mechanical A/C system can be avoided, even better. A thermo-electric cooler would be nice.
Thanks.