Home Distiller

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

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

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

How would you power a computer fan?

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

Bill-a-newbie wrote:How would you power a computer fan?

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

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

Plenty of videos and instructables online...

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!!!

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?

bearriver wrote: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?

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.