Thermoelectric Air Conditioner for Electronic Enclosures Now has NEMA 4X Rating for Indoor/Outdoor Use

EIC Solutions, Inc. has obtained NEMA 4X certification for the full line of its ThermoTEC Class I, Division 2 Series thermoelectric air conditioners for hazardous locations.

Previously, only the 400 BTU model could be used for both indoor and outdoor protection against environmental factors such as the windblown dust and water (rain, sleet, snow, and hose). The 800 and 1500 BTU hazardous location models were rated NEMA 12 and were for indoor use only — basically in applications that did not require washdowns.

Now all three models of the thermoelectric coolers — 400, 800 and 1500 BTU — are rated NEMA 4X for mounting to electronic enclosures or in transit cases. The air conditioners may now be used in washdown applications without worry and are certified for use in Class I, Division 2 environments such as petroleum refineries, offshore drilling rigs, gasoline storage and dispensing areas, dry cleaning plants where vapors from cleaning fluids can be present, aircraft hangars, utility gas plants and others. The upgraded NEMA rating provides a significantly higher level of protection against corrosion and water ingress, including water coming from ice formation on the enclosure exterior.

Josh Ligel, EIC senior sales engineer said, "When it comes to installing equipment in hazardous locations, our customers — in the oil and gas industry in particular — have plenty of indoor applications but also as many, if not more, outdoor applications." Liegel said the new NEMA rating assures customers they can now use EIC units either indoors or outdoors without concern about meeting NEMA regulations. "All of our Class 1 Division 2 units are now rated NEMA 4X. Customers don't need to worry about harsh weather conditions when specifying the right hazardous location unit. The NEMA 4X rating means all they need to do is select the size cooler they want and they're good to go."

EIC thermoelectric cooling units may be mounted either vertically or horizontally. Besides new installations, ThermoTEC thermoelectric air conditioners for hazardous locations may be integrated into existing enclosures or transit cases. These units have previously been certified by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory to meet the requirements of Underwriters Laboratory UL STD 1604, UL STD 1995 and CAN/CSA C22.2.

When installed in an EIC weatherproof enclosure, the coolers keep electronics and equipment at safe operating temperatures to help assure accurate and effective performance. At the same time the cabinet provides maximum protection against dust, water, oil and most other environmental hazards.

Made in the U.S., EIC thermoelectric air conditioners for hazardous locations are available in either 120V AC or 240V AC modes, and operate in temperatures of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For installation into cabinets, a variety of options exist including heating capability, rain shrouds, digital temperature controllers and tamper resistant packages. Enclosures with cooling units may also be fitted with mounting feet, “drop-in” rack mount brackets, insulation or a polycarbonate view window.