TABLE OF CONTENTS SELECTING AN ENCLOSURE COOLING SYSTEM MANUFACTURER. 3 7 QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR IN A MANUFACTURER. 4 1. Manufacturer Location.. 4 2. Quality Standards 5 UL Ratings 5 NEMA Ratings 6 Performance Testing 7 Local Sales & Service Support 7 3. Parts Inventory..... 7 4. Fast Lead Times.. 8 5. Customization and Sizing. 9 6. Warranties and Guarantees.. 11 7. Customer Service... 12 THERMAL EDGE: THE PERFECT OEM SUPPLIER.. 13 2
Selecting an Enclosure Cooling System Manufacturer Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) rely on suppliers to provide certain parts or systems that are integrated into their product lines and resold under their own brands. Because your brand and reputation are at stake as an OEM, it is critical that you select manufacturers you can trust to provide quality products, timely distribution, and excellent customer service. Regulations do not allow enclosure cooling systems to be re-branded under an OEM s umbrella brand, which is why it is critical that the supplier you choose has a positive reputation and a strong brand that stands on its own. When it comes to cooling systems for electrical enclosures, the stakes are high for reliability and quality. In many industries that use electrical enclosures, equipment failure is simply not an option, which is why it is so important to select a cooling system manufacturer with a proven track record of success. This white paper is designed to help you evaluate enclosure cooling system manufacturers so you can select a new supplier with confidence. Both the quality of the equipment and the integrity of the provider are important considerations when selecting a manufacturer. If you are looking for a new supplier of enclosure cooling systems, this resource can help you narrow your choices and make a smart decision the first time. 3
7 Qualities to Look for in a Manufacturer When evaluating potential suppliers it is always wise to start with a list of criteria. Knowing exactly what you are looking for (and what you are not) will help you efficiently restrict the field to the few manufacturers that can satisfy all of your needs. 1. Manufacturer Location Although foreign manufacturers may be able to offer lower prices, the advantages do not outweigh the costs when compared to U.S.-based manufacturing. When working with an electrical enclosure cooling system manufacturer, location matters for a number of reasons: Time differences If you and the majority of your customers are based in the U.S., a centrally located manufacturer will enable you to receive quick responses so you can provide timely service to your customers. Quality Manufacturers that are based in the U.S. are the most familiar with the quality standards required nationally. When your customers require a certain NEMA rating or UL listed products, you must be confident that your manufacturer can deliver. Other factors such as frequency and operating voltage are also more consistent in cooling systems produced in the U.S. Support for the economy A provider that does all manufacturing in the U.S. demonstrates a commitment to creating jobs, supporting families, and enhancing the American economy. Local Sales & Service Support When equipment fails or you need to replace a system, it is important to have a provider who has local sales and service because personnel will be more familiar with environmental conditions in that region and also be nearby when called upon. 4
If fast responses, consistent quality, compatible systems, and the national economy are important to you, look for a manufacturer that makes all of their enclosure cooling systems in the U.S. 2. Quality Standards As an OEM, you need suppliers whose parts you can stand behind. This means unfailing quality in every part and system. When evaluating potential suppliers, always ask about quality standards, quality control policies, and how they are enforced. UL Ratings When it comes to electrical enclosures and their cooling systems, UL ratings are the gold standard in safety. UL is an independent certification, validation, and inspection company that works with various stakeholders throughout the manufacturing supply chain to ensure that parts meet a consistent standard. When a part is UL Listed, you can be confident that it meets rigorous standards for safety and quality. UL also conforms to the National Electrical Code as it evolves, so the latest code provisions are integrated into every certification test. The UL Listing Mark is the traditional Mark of UL. This mark is intended for end-products and complete components. Components covered under UL's Listing Service are suitable for factory and field installation. UL's second component mark is the Component Recognition Mark. The mark consists of a mirror image of "UR" - meaning UL Recognition. Components covered under this program are considered incomplete and are intended to be installed into another device, system or end-product. Components covered under UL's 5
Recognition Service are only intended for factory installation, not field installation. Products with either mark are suitable for use in UL listed control panels. Many OEMs prefer components with the UL mark because it further simplifies the approval process for their UL 508a control panels. NEMA Ratings The National Electrical Manufacturers Association has created ratings for electrical enclosures based on the types of environments to which they might be exposed. A good supplier will offer enclosure cooling systems with a range of NEMA ratings to accommodate any application your customers have. Ask potential suppliers if they offer enclosure cooling solutions with the following NEMA ratings: NEMA Type 1 This most basic type of enclosure protects the equipment inside from falling dirt. It is suitable only for indoor applications and should not be used when corrosive materials are present or in more extreme environments. Filtered fans are typically the most appropriate choice for this type of enclosure. NEMA Type 3R An enclosure with this rating can be located indoors or outdoors and is designed to protect against rain, snow, and sleet. Filtered fans are also a good option for this type of enclosure. NEMA Type 4 A Type 4 enclosure can be located indoors or outdoors and is able to withstand both the weather elements and direct fluid spray, as in a washdown environment. NEMA Type 4X This type of enclosure provides the same protection as a Type 4 unit, but it is also able to protect the equipment inside from corrosive agents such as salt water, chlorine, and chemical cleaners. NEMA Type 12 Designed for indoor use, Type 12 electrical enclosures protect against dirt, dust, and light splashing or dripping water. Of this list, only enclosures that are NEMA Type 1 or 3R should be cooled with a filtered fan. The other types require a closed-loop cooling system such as an air-to-air heat exchanger 6
or an air conditioner. This choice will depend on the ambient conditions surrounding the enclosure. Performance Testing In addition to UL Listing to ensure safety testing and NEMA ratings that conform to your application, you want to be sure the manufacturer you select has quality control procedures for testing the entire system. An enclosure cooling system is made from many parts, and performance tests should be completed to ensure that each system meets your specifications. A good supplier will also have a policy that reflects their commitment to quality. For example, a zero-defect policy that the company stands behind is a good indicator that they are dedicated to providing the best products for their customers. 3. Parts Inventory Whether you are creating a custom enclosure for a customer or helping them with a repair, when you need parts, you usually need them fast. Look for a manufacturer that keeps a broad range of parts on hand so they can either ship them directly to you or integrate them into the systems they are creating on your behalf. Some of the inventory they should keep on hand includes: Standard enclosure cooling systems of various sizes and types Standard parts for routine maintenance and repair Coils and tubing that are coated to protect from corrosion Low ambient packages to protect compressors from damage due to cold starts Enclosure heaters that can be integrated into air conditioners Extended filters for environments with excessive dust Control systems for redundancy when two cooling units are required Systems and parts for applications with moderate or severe vibration Hazardous location packages 7
Dry contacts for high temperature warnings Kill switches for open doors Remote monitoring, control, and alarm systems You never know what type of new customer might approach you. Working with a supplier that is prepared to handle any type of application will allow you to expand without limitation. 4. Fast Lead Times You inevitably have deadlines when creating new systems for a customer. To meet these requirements you must be confident that your suppliers will provide the products you need in the time that they say they will. Reliable lead times are essential criteria for selecting an enclosure cooling system manufacturer. Always ask about a potential supplier s policy with respect to lead times. What happens if they don t meet deadlines? Will they do their best to inform you with updates and constantly work to speed up lead times? The initial interactions with a potential supplier are often a good indicator of how you will be treated as a customer. If you have to wait more than a day for a response via phone or email, you might want to consider exploring other options. You may also want to ask for references from existing customers to find out if they are satisfied with the company s lead times. Remember, as an OEM, you must provide a seamless experience for your customers. This means selecting reliable suppliers who can deliver on the ship dates they promise. 8
5. Customization and Sizing Although your current needs may be limited to one or two standard enclosure air conditioners, it is important to work with a provider who can continue providing the products and services you will need as you grow. You also want a manufacturer who will help you with product selection and performance decisions for each application. Look for a manufacturer that offers: Multiple equipment types If your customers have electrical enclosures in different locations, they may not all require the same type of equipment. For example, an indoor enclosure in a clean environment may need only a simple filtered fan or airto-air heat exchanger, whereas an outdoor enclosure in a hot environment will require an enclosure air conditioner that meets certain specifications. Don t assume that all of your customers can or should use the same type of equipment. Working with a manufacturer that offers a range of solutions will allow you to provide the best service to an expanding client base. Multiple unit sizes Every application requires careful evaluation to determine the appropriate type of equipment and to ensure that it is correctly sized. Make sure the manufacturer you select can accommodate a broad range of equipment sizes so you can meet all of your customers needs. Unit shapes are also important. Some applications require a smaller footprint, special mounting, or a sleeker profile. The more options a manufacturer offers, the more competitive you can be. Customization When an application calls for custom climate control products, you need a manufacturer that can accommodate accordingly. Make sure that the manufacturer you choose offers customization with a diverse selection of options and accessories for your industry. Equipment variety When you have a customer who operates in hazardous environments, washdown conditions, or areas with extreme weather, you need a 9
manufacturer that offers enclosure cooling equipment that meets the necessary standards. Look for a provider that offers cooling systems in a range of NEMA types, high-capacity units, and options that satisfy the requirements for hazardous locations. An example of a supplier with a versatile product range is one who offers: Multiple types of air conditioners: o Compact for tight areas (with a footprint as small as 17 x7 x7 ) o Narrow profile for 12 deep enclosures (1,000 to 8,000 BTUH) o High-capacity for demanding environments (10,000 to 20,000 BTUH) Multiple types of air-to-air heat exchangers: o Use of heat pipe technology o Various sizes for compatibility with different enclosure sizes o Multiple body styles (For example, Compact, Deep, Tall) o Range of cooling capacities o Selection of NEMA Types o Choice of AC or DC power Multiple types of filtered fans: o Range of air flow rates o Choice of metal or plastic grilles o Choice of AC or DC power Your business is not static. Ensure that you can meet the various and changing needs of your customers by selecting an enclosure cooling system manufacturer that has the capacity to accommodate your growth. 10
6. Warranties and Guarantees Unfortunately, sometimes parts break, become damaged, or simply don t function as intended. When this happens, you need to know that your supplier has both you and your customers covered. Don t assume that every manufacturer you evaluate has a warranty that extends to your customers. In fact, many of them will not. Look for a manufacturer that offers an OEM warranty so that if a part fails after you have sold the system to your customer, the manufacturer is there to provide support directly to the customer. An OEM warranty offers several benefits that make it clear that this is an important requirement for any potential supplier you consider: Save money Without an OEM warranty, if a part fails, you are responsible for repairing or replacing it. These extra costs can cut into your bottom line and may also limit your ability to provide competitive pricing. Save time A manufacturer that extends a warranty to your customers will be there for troubleshooting support. If a problem arises with the electrical enclosure cooling system, you can rely on the manufacturer to work with the customer to solve it. This also means that you don t need to have trained staff on hand to handle these types of problems, saving you even more money. Competitive advantage If your competitors don t offer parts with an OEM warranty, you have an advantage. If you promote this warranty, your customers will have peace of mind with the knowledge that if a part does fail, their valuable investment is protected. In addition to an OEM warranty, make sure you work with a manufacturer that guarantees the performance of their parts. A guarantee like this indicates that they are committed to performance testing, quality control, and excellent service. 11
7. Customer Service From the initial sales calls to the interactions with the engineering staff that works with you throughout the product development process, you want a supplier that offers excellent service. Nothing is more frustrating than an automated phone system or waiting for an email response when you have a problem to solve. Look for a manufacturer with a strong track record of providing excellent service with every type of communication. Ask for customer testimonials that reference customer service. You can also ask to speak with existing customers who can tell you about their experiences with the company at various stages of the acquisition process. Remember, the people on the sales team may behave differently than those on the engineering staff. Doing a little research before you select a supplier can prevent a lot of future headaches. In addition to the first interactions you have with a manufacturer, their website can also tell you a lot about the way they operate. Some of the elements to look for in a manufacturer s website include: Easy navigation These days, websites are more than just sales tools; they are valuable resources that you can use to quickly gather information whenever you need it. If you simply want to reference product specifications, you shouldn t have to get on the phone and wait for somebody else to find it for you. A good website with clear, easy navigation will make it easier for you to work efficiently with your new supplier. Contact information You shouldn t have to hunt for a telephone number or provide all of your contact information just to get an email auto-response when what you really want is a real human to answer your questions. A website that makes it difficult for you to contact the company tells you that customer service is not high on their list of priorities. Testimonials Every good manufacturer should have at least a few satisfied customers who are willing to post kind words about the company. 12
Valuable information A manufacturer that posts white papers, case studies, and information articles demonstrates a commitment to educating their customers and sharing knowledge. You should also be able to easily find product brochures, searchable catalogs, calculators, and videos. A company that offers transparency about their products and services is more likely to be a supplier in the long term. Thermal Edge: The Perfect OEM Supplier As an OEM, you must carefully select suppliers, particularly for systems as critical as cooling systems for electrical enclosures. Ideally, the manufacturer you select will be a long-term provider that can grow with you and accommodate your needs as your customer base expands. Because the supplier selection process requires a significant investment in time and energy, your objective should be to make this decision only once. Use this list of questions to help you select an electrical enclosure cooling system manufacturer: Where are your manufacturing facilities located? To what quality standards do you adhere? What policies do you have in place to guarantee quality? What parts do you maintain in inventory? What are your normal lead times? What procedures do you follow when you cannot meet a promised ship date? How diverse is your product range? Do you offer a range of product options for custom applications? Do you offer a warranty that extends to my customers? What kind of ongoing support do you provide to our engineering team? What kind of ongoing support do you provide to our end customers? How does your customer service compare to your competitors? 13
Always ask for customer referrals and take the time to speak to some of their existing clients to learn more about how they work in various scenarios. Thermal Edge meets all of the above criteria and more. All of our enclosure cooling systems are made in the U.S.A. and guaranteed to be defect-free. We are committed to meeting every ship date that we promise so you can be confident that you can meet the deadlines you set with your customers. Both our customer service representatives and our engineering staff are committed to providing support whenever you need it. Our feature-rich website is chock full of information such as specifications, calculators, brochures, and other useful literature that you can access any time of the day or night. If you re interested in learning more about Thermal Edge and the products we offer to OEMs, call us at 888-580-0202 or speak to a sales rep today. You ll get a fast response from a real person who can answer any questions you have about the technology we use, our products, and the many customization options we offer. 14