How to Calculate Heat Dissipation in Electrical Enclosures
Overheating is a common reason many electrical devices fail and become unusable, but this can be prevented when an enclosure can effectively
dissipate its internal heat. The heat dissipation rate is dependent upon the enclosure's size, wattage, and external ambient temperature. If the
ambient temperature becomes higher than the enclosure's ambient temperature, heat can no longer be dissipated and can cause damage. Calculating an
electrical enclosure's heat dissipation rate is the first step to prolonging the life of your electrical components. Use the following information to
calculate input power and temperature rise and determine the heat dissipation rate.
How to Find Temperature Rise
Temperature rise is the difference in temperature between the air inside a sealed enclosure and the ambient air surrounding it.
Once the temperature rise is known, add it to the ambient temperature to find the maximum service temperature.
First, calculate the surface area of the enclosure using the formula:
Surface Area = 2 x ((height x length) +
(height x width) + (length x width)) / 144
Note: length, width, and height are measured in inches
Second, determine the input power by dividing the heat dissipated in the enclosure (watts) by the enclosure surface area using the formula:
Input Power = watts/ft2
Finally, use the Temperature Rise graph below to find the approximate input power on the X‑axis, then move up the Y‑axis until
the input power intersects the temperature rise curve.
Example:
Find the expected temperature rise from a 48″ x 36″ x 16″ electric enclosure with 300 watts of heat dissipated.
Calculate Surface Area: 2 x ((48 x 36) + (48 x 16) + (36 x 16)) / 144 = 42 ft2
Determine Input Power: 300 watts / 42 ft2 = 7.1 watts/ft2
Use the graph to find the Temperature Rise
Locate the calculated input power on the bottom X‑axis. Move directly up the Y‑axis and meet the diagonal curve line to find the
approximate temperature rise.
Temperature Rise = 30°F (16.7°C)
Enclosure Types
Electrical Enclosures by Brand:
Warning: When using this information to perform electrical work, call a licensed electrician and consult the NEC® for safety.
All licensed electricians have passed examinations covering the National Electric Code®, know state and local building codes, and may carry insurance to cover damages.