← SCADA, Industrial Controls & Automation
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Panel Thermal Dissipation

UL 508A · NEMA Enclosure Cooling

When to use: Use this when designing an industrial control panel to verify the enclosure can dissipate the internal heat load from PLCs, VFDs, transformers, and power supplies without exceeding the rating of the components inside. The still-air dissipation factor of 0.34 W/(ft²·°F) for painted steel determines how much natural convection can remove. If the internal heat exceeds that capacity, forced-air fans or an enclosure air conditioner are required.

Internal Heat Sources
W
kW
%
VA
%
W
Enclosure & Environment
in
in
in
°F
°F
Air Conditioner Required
315 W
Total Internal Heat Load
Results
PLC / I/O Heat40 W
VFD Heat Loss225 W
Transformer Loss25 W
Other Heat25 W
Enclosure Surface Area32.33 ft²
Allowable Temp Rise9 °F
Natural Convection Capacity99 W
Est. Inside Temp (no cooling)123.7 °F
Required AC Capacity216 W (737 BTU/hr)
Standards & References
UL 508A Supp. SB — Industrial control panel heating
Q = k·A·ΔT, k = 0.34 W/(ft²·°F) painted steel
NEMA 250 — Enclosure type ratings
1 W = 3.412 BTU/hr (AC sizing)