Parker PAC, Installation Manual, Page: 24 / 197

INSTALLATION
24 Parker Automation Controller Installation Guide
Although the thermal dynamics are not always linear, a temperature rise of 10
º
C degrees inside the
enclosure would imply that the environment outside the sealed enclosure could not exceed 40
º
C , or the
PAC would surpass its maximum operating temperature.
Do not install the PAC with its 50
º
C operating temperature limit into a sealed enclosure without
considering the effects of the internal heat buildup.
Since elevated operating temperatures can have an adverse effect on the life of electronics, it is wise to
consider the internal thermal rise. Passive venting for thermal convection, internal air circulation fans,
filtered exhaust fans with filtered inlets, air conditioners, and other products are available in the market to
assist in reducing the heat buildup in the industrial enclosure.
There are many attractive industrial NEMA Type 12, dust-tight fan/filter assemblies available today which
allow the filter to be inexpensively replaced or cleaned as part of a periodic maintenance schedule. In
some cases, simply increasing the size of the enclosure can have a significant, positive effect on the
Here are some points to consider when performing a site review:

What is the expected maximum outside ambient temperature surrounding the industrial
enclosure?

Are there any additional heat-generating components inside the enclosure?

What is the size of the enclosure? Larger enclosures dissipate more thermal energy than smaller
ones.

What kind of environment will the enclosure be installed in - clean, water-tight, dust-tight? Can
the enclosure be convection cooled or is active cooling required?
It is a wise investment to thermally plan the installation by anticipating and eliminating the heat build-up
inside a sealed enclosure. Not only will this extend the life of the electronics, but it will also reduce costly
equipment downtime.
Orientation and Clearance Guidelines
Select an enclosure that is large enough to allow free airflow in and around the Controller.
Allow a minimum of two inches between the inside of the enclosure and the top, bottom, and sides of the
PAC. Verify that the surface of the enclosure on which the PAC is mounted is flat and free of raised or
depressed areas.
Consider additional clearance above the PAC to allow access to the SD card for insertion and removal.
Mount the PAC in a vertical orientation to allow for proper ventilation. Refer to the following illustrations
for correct mounting orientations. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in overheating the PAC.