Page 836 - Motor_protection_and_control_Manual_motor_starters_ contactors

Climatic withstand of devices

The life time of devices are mainly influenced by series of climatic factors which cause their corrosion.
In practice, besides climatic conditions, there are other factors which may damage equipment such as fungi, insects (termites), dust, work site dirt
and aggressive environment (salty or sulphurous atmosphere, etc.) which can often only be identified at the place of installation.
Climatic stress, definitions and test conditions are dealt with in national publications such as the DIN 50 series and UTE 63-100 publication which
are attached to international publications such as IEC 60068.
The test conditions are:
Description Symbolization Time of one cycle Cycle phase time Temperature Relative humidity
in test chamber
Humidity IEC 60068-2-30 24 hours 12 hours including 40 °C 95 %
and Test Db rise in temperature
variable 12 hours including 25 °C 95 %
temperature cooling (open device)

ABB contactors have been used for many years in the most countries, with hot and humid climates for example: Brazil, Indonesia, India or on
ships. Experience has shown that ABB devices can be used in most countries throughout the world.
The climate of the country in which the apparatus is installed is not the determining choice factor.

Account must be taken of:
– the immediate environment of the devices (sheltered, ventilated, temperature),
– the aggressivity of the immediate atmosphere at the place of installation,
– the length and frequency of non operating periods.

In the case of frequent condensation (i.e. the formation of condensation caused by rapid changes in temperature), heating resistors must be
installed in cubicles (100 to 250 W per m³ of enclosure).

The table below gives the cases where heating is necessary.
Environment Operating conditions Climate Internal heating
of enclosure
Inside No running water Continuous or not All climates Without
premises no condensation
With running water Continuous All climates Without
Frequent or long stops Temperate Without
Tropical With
Outside, sheltered No running water Continuous or not Temperate Without
no condensation Tropical With
Outside or With running water Continuous All climates Without
by the seaside Frequent or long stops Temperate Without
Tropical With
The entrance of dust, insects, dirt, etc. in devices may be prevented if the appropriate degree of protection according to IEC 60529 is chosen (See "Degree of protection" table).

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