Power control box ?

[Bill-a-newbie]

Should the power control box have holes drilled in it for ventilation? I am putting a new one together with a heat sink on the controller, inside the box. Not sure how much heat will be generated, but its a 220V 40 amp controller with 4500 watt element. It I need to give it ventilation I would rather do it before its all together!
TIA,
Bill

[aaa186]

Do it.................................

[bearriver]

Vent holes and a old computer fan is a common solution. Remember to pull, not push the air.

[Bill-a-newbie]

How would you power a computer fan?

[jholmz]

vent holes are enough for mine i just went around 3 sides with a 1/2" drillbit spaced 2" apart havnt had any problems with it running my 15.5 gal keg boiler on 220v 5500w element

[Bob Loblaw]

How would you power a computer fan?

With a Wall wart, or get a 220v fan off of eBay

[goinbroke2]

You must have an old cell charger etc laying around? Use 110v off the 220v and power it with that. Most are 12v output.

[The KYChemist]

Plenty of videos and instructables online...

[OBX Phantom]

I agree with jholmes... Just some vent holes are enough. I have 4, 1' holes in the bottom directly under my heat sink, then several 1' holes spaced around the sides, and I have no problems with over heating. I think the computer fan is overkill. Only creates more heat to get rid of and also uses more electricity.... just my .02 cent worth!!!

[Bill-a-newbie]

I guess I will start with some holes, Give it a try and see how warm it gets! What is an acceptable temp. for the controller?

[rager]

Vent holes and a old computer fan is a common solution. Remember to pull, not push the air.

so aim the fan to pull air into the box?

[Expat]

Use a flatsided heatsink and mount your SSR (use thermal paste) to it; cut a hole in the side of your box. Mount the heatsink/SSR module through the box from the outside such that the heatsink is on the outside. Reduces the need for fans and drilling lots of holes in your project box.