Re: Equipment in loft - dust and heat issues?

["Andy Whitfield" <andywhitfield2002@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

If (and it's a big if) the equipment is well designed then it should
keep it's power electronics at more or less the same temperature
when the ambient temp varies from specified minimum to maximum.
If it's poorly designed or if the ambient temp goes outside the
limits or if the equipment is switched on and off a lot then the
temperature of the components can vary a lot and this can shorten
the life span of them.  Though there are other factors which effect
the life span of electronic equipment.

Andy (UPS man)

--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, Chris Hunter <cjhunter@d...> wrote:
>
> I'm pretty sur, within bounds, it's temperature cycling , the ups
&
> downs, that are the killer - 'bit like repeatedly bending a paper-
clip!
>
> Chris
>
> Andy Whitfield wrote:
> > --- 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