Electronics Enclosure Cooling Calculator
Fan or AC sizing for a sealed electronics enclosure.
Enter your values
Enter the internal heat load in W.
Enter the ambient temperature in F.
Enter the max allowed internal temp in F.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Available delta T
- 9 F
- Heat load
- 1,024 BTU/hr
- Recommendation
- Closed-loop AC or heat exchanger required
- Fan airflow if applicable
- 105 CFM
Quick answer
Enclosures with a safe internal-to-ambient temperature margin can use filtered fans; tighter margins need a closed-loop air conditioner.
Required dT capacity = T_internal_max - T_ambient
At a glance
| What it does | Fan or AC sizing for a sealed electronics enclosure. |
|---|---|
| Category | HVAC & Airflow |
| Inputs needed | Internal heat load, Ambient temperature, Max allowed internal temp |
| Main output | Available delta T |
| Formula | Required dT capacity = T_internal_max - T_ambient |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Electronics Enclosure Cooling Calculator
- 1Find the internal heat load of the electronics from datasheets.
- 2Note the worst-case ambient temperature outside the enclosure.
- 3Compare to the maximum allowed internal temperature to size a fan or closed-loop AC.
Inputs explained
- Internal heat load(W)
- Enter the internal heat load in W.
- Ambient temperature(F)
- Enter the ambient temperature in F.
- Max allowed internal temp(F)
- Enter the max allowed internal temp in F.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Internal heat load300 W
- Ambient temperature95 F
- Max allowed internal temp104 F
Results
- Available delta T9 F
- Heat load1,024 BTU/hr
- RecommendationClosed-loop AC or heat exchanger required
- Fan airflow if applicable105 CFM
Frequently asked questions
When is a sealed enclosure required?
Dusty, wet or corrosive environments need sealed enclosures with closed-loop cooling instead of filtered vents.
What margin is safe for fans?
At least 15-20F of headroom between ambient and the component limit is a reasonable rule of thumb.
What do I need to enter into the Electronics Enclosure Cooling Calculator?
Just 3 values: internal heat load, ambient temperature, max allowed internal temp. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Electronics Enclosure Cooling Calculator work out the answer?
Enclosures with a safe internal-to-ambient temperature margin can use filtered fans; tighter margins need a closed-loop air conditioner. It applies the formula Required dT capacity = T_internal_max - T_ambient and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Electronics Enclosure Cooling Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.