Enclosure Heater Recommendations

[deb4523]

Does anyone have any recommendations for small heating elements (or micro-heaters, etc), for exterior mounted breaker boxes in cold climates? Looking at a fairly small box - maybe 10"x10"x4" or so.

 

[drcampbell]

I'd first ask if it's actually necessary.
(yes, I did notice that you're in Alaska and we're talking about a "cold climate" that occasionally dips below -40°)

Breakers will need more overcurrent to trip in the cold, but if this outdoor panel is feeding outdoor wiring, the wiring's ampacity will correspondingly benefit from the cold.

I would definitely install a thermostat. There's no good reason to burn up energy all year round.

And insulation. Surrounding it or lining it (or both) with insulation board should be feasible.

McMaster-Carr has a good selection.
https://www.mcmaster.com/#electrical-enclosure-heaters/

 

[Jraef]

Hoffman has a good line of small enclosure heaters, I like them because they take the time to make sure they are "touch safe", not just electrically, but thermally. I can't count the number of times I've been burned by brushing my hand or arm on a cheap enclosure heater.

https://www.pentairprotect.com/wcss...nProductAttachments/SpecSheets/Spec-00051.pdf

 

[deb4523]

Thanks guys!

 

[petersonra]

Thanks guys!

JMNSHO - get a strip heater instead of one with a fan. The fans eventually fail.