Re: Equipment in loft - dust and heat issues?

["Andy Whitfield" <andywhitfield2002@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "Bill Kearney" <wkearney99@h...>
wrote:
>
> > I don't think you'll have a problem as long as the fans run all
the
> > time and  you've got a good air flow within the equipment.
> > Maybe use extra fans or fans with a greater air flow?
>
> Attic spaces are a lot hotter than you might think.  I suppose it
would
> depend on a number of factors like airflow and roofing material.
If the
> ambient temperature INSIDE the attic isn't at least below 85F
you're asking
> for a much shorter lifespan on the devices.

I appreciate the loft will get hot but electronic equipment can run
at high-ish ambient temperatures.
It does not follow the life span of electronic components will be
shortened because of a modest rise in ambient temperature (up to
about 40C).
Take the example of a power transistor mounted on a heatsink.  With
an ambient temp of 20C, the transistor may run at 50C.  If the
ambient temp increases to 30C a fan cuts in and the transistor still
runs at 50C.  If the ambient temp increases to 40C then the fan
speeds up to increase air flow and the transistor still runs at
about 50C.  In other words the transistor runs at the same temp
regardless whether the ambient temp is 20C, 30C or 40C and it's
lifespan is not effected.
Of course the above example does rely on good design and the ambient
temp not going above 40C.

The bottom line here is to look at the manufacturer's specifications
for ambient temperatures.  Ambient temps of 10C to 40C seem common.
But this relates to electronic components.  It is different for
batteries.  Their life span will be shortened by the heat.
And I would guess electromechanical items will have a different
ambient temp range.

> Even when it's 80F outside I've seen it be 115F in my attic.
> That big, black roof just bakes in the sun.
>
> No amount of fans will help if you're only pushing around hot air.

The 'amount of cooling' is a combination of ambient temp and airflow
from the fans; within certain temp limits.
Best thing is to look at the manufacturer's specifications for each
item such as servers, HDDs, etc.
Regards
Andy