Covers for power supply
Hi guys, I have a Meanwell LRS 350-5 situated outside, but in a sheltered area. I am worried that with winter approaching, it will explode because of thawing/going cold/hot. Does anyone have any recommendations on boxes I can use to stop this happening?
thanks
Tej
That PSU is designed to be housed inside other equipment. Is is not suitable for use as is. It is safe enough for engineering purposes and but not for general use.
As it is a switched, it is also very prone to any water droplets in the air, say on a rainy and windy event. Even under cover.
I would definitely say no.
I have a similar PSU (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017YEOAPA) and am also looking for a weatherproof enclosure for outdoor use, that provides adequate ventilation room. Would love to hear how others have handled this.
In the Christmas light DIY community many use cableguard enclosures.
@Adam_Sharp I’m aware of the danger hence asking if anyone knew of any covers/housing.
@Ryan_Cush @Chris_Rees thanks. I will look into those
More to my point, is that I live in a coastal region with quite severe weather regarding winter winds and rain. And I lost 3 power supplies before I realised that the PSU fans were bringing in water droplets that liked to settle on the high voltage parts of the switched mode circuitry.
The fans on the PSU and final casing were bringing this contaminant in and it was being ducted through and caused quite catastrophic PSU flame outs. The project external case had to be IP66 and the case had to be used to dissipate the energy. Not external air movement through.
When outdoors, the fans bring in other things, other than cool air!!
@Adam_Sharp so what did you use in the end / what was your solution?
Were you able to find an IP66 (or higher) boxing?
Yes. Used a commercial IP66 industrial control gear case, made from stainless steel. Not cheap, or easy to drill. But being metallic, it takes all the thermal energy away very nicely. Used internal fans to ensure all of the case helped to dissipate to the outside air. For really hot spots, like drive transistors, these were bolted to outer case, with seals and then heat sink on the outside.