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  • 1.  Water in machine panels

    Posted 11-09-2022 08:42 PM
    We have a washdown team that comes in at night after production and washes our plant and equipment. We are having issues with electrical control cabinets getting water in them. Does anyone else have issue like this? Should all my panels / junction boxes have weep holes?


    Thanks

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    Dave Kumpf
    Cincinnati OH
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  • 2.  RE: Water in machine panels

    Posted 11-10-2022 10:11 AM
    On the Gulf Coast, humidity condenses everywhere.  Every enclosure has to have weep holes.

    Also, most indoor boxes have metal-on-metal door closures.  Cover the door with plastic wrap and caulk it shut.  After the caulk sets, open the door and remove the plastic wrap and the door will seal perfectly.

    I sincerely hope this helps.





  • 3.  RE: Water in machine panels

    Posted 11-12-2022 09:49 PM
    Good day Dave,

    Normally electrical control cabinets are designed with an IP rating which is "Ingress Protection" rating. It is an International Standard (IEC 60529) used to rate the degree of protection or sealing effectiveness in electrical enclosures against intrusion of objects, water, dust, accidental contact and vermin infestation. Check on the IP rating of your cabinets and upgrade them to the correct level for the conditions your electrical cabinets are exposed to. Water near electrical circuits should be avoided at all costs for obvious reasons. 

    My thoughts are, any other solution is just a band aid approach and therefore needs a longer-term solution, i.e., upgrade the electrical cabinets to the correct IP rating.

    Regards

    Whitey Seyanund
    Adelaide, Australia

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    Pranildutt Seyanund MEM
    Commissioning Manager
    Hyde Park SA
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  • 4.  RE: Water in machine panels

    Posted 11-14-2022 08:59 AM
    First thing, Try and have a tech supervising any HP wash down involving electrical panels. He can identify any non-IP rated panels (or damaged/modified non sealing panels) and arrange to protect vulnerable equipment. The combination of a non-technical washdown team, HP washers and electrical equipment is a recipe for disaster if not well planned and supervised.

    Ron

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    Ron Gray
    Subsea7
    Inverness
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  • 5.  RE: Water in machine panels

    Posted 11-14-2022 09:54 AM
    Download the NEMA rating chart and look at the enclosure ratings.  You'll need at least NEMA 4 or above enclosure and you should be good...unless someone fails to properly close the cabinet!

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    Mike Eiselein
    Process Manager
    Hycroft Mining Holding Corporation
    Kellogg ID
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