As electrical switch rooms are confronted with a space shortage, the demand for outdoor switchboards is increasing, which is why it is important to understand the effects of solar gain on your switchboard. 

Solar gain and temperature gain has detrimental effects on the electrical components installed inside the switchboard, that may lead to insulation failure, arc fault and reduced lifespan of the installation. 

With this in mind, we recognised the need for a long-term solution that can protect your electrical equipment.  To help ensure the longevity of our products, we recently undertook extensive solar gain testing of our EXT56 Outdoor Switchboards. 

The testing was set out to determine the temperature rise inside the EXT56 enclosure when exposed to sunlight during the day.

We tested the EXT56 enclosures as per below: 

• Unpainted – with sunshields
• Unpainted – without sunshields
• Painted – with sunshields
• Painted – without sunshields                  

Painted – with sunshields

Unpainted with sunshields

These enclosures were subjected to exposure of sunlight for several days.  The testing provided a deep insight of temperature variation due to the solar temperature gain inside the switchboard. The effects of sun exposure on each variation of EXT56 switchboard enclosures were tested and recorded throughout the study. 

A through comparative analysis was conducted and we conclude that unpainted switchboards with sunshields was the optimum solution since it had the least effect of the solar gain on the switchboard. This can be attributed to the sun shields installed on the doors and covers, along with the reflective nature of unpainted AL surfaces. 

IPD currently stocks large volumes of doors and covers with shields that can protect your switchboards from the adverse effects of solar heat gain. 

To learn more about these results and to find information about the newest EXT56 solar gain-tested outdoor switchboards contact our customer service team on 1300 556 601.