I have looked around on the hardware wiki (and elsewhere) and cannot seem to find a definitive answer to my environmental questions.
I am installing a new system that will consist of one emonPi and 5 emonTx3. My main circuit panel is located on the outside of my house and my plan was to install another panel right next to to, run conduit between the two, mount the Pi and TXs in the new box, run the CT wires through the conduit and be done with it.
However, I live in Phoenix where is is not uncommon to see 105F+ temps during the day. I am a bit worried about having all of those components inside a sealed Nema3 enclosure. Looking around at the Hardware Wikis do not give me direct indication as to how hot the emonPi and emon Tx3 can operate so I figured I would ask here.
Another consideration is that I will have all six of those units installed in the same box. Will there be any problems with the wireless and the communication between each emonTx3 and the emonPi. I thought I had read somewhere from Robert that several inches of separation between the antennas was advisable.
I guess my concerns revolve about temperature and the antennas being so close together.
Any input is appreciated.
Many Thanks
Re: Environmental Considerations for a new install - High outside Temps
85 deg C should be considered absolutely max for emonTx and emonPi
https://wiki.openenergymonitor.org/index.php/EmonTx_V3#Electrical_Charac...
I would however not recommend getting anywhere close to this temperature. I would expect the emonpi with the Raspberry Pi to be more susceptible to high temperatures than the emonTx.
Re: Environmental Considerations for a new install - High outside Temps
Glyn -
Thank you. I was looking at the Pi since I assumed that it was the most sensitive to heat but could not see that information anywhere in the wiki. Looks like I may have to figure out some type of ventilation as the EmonTx is showing 40C as 'normal' temp and here in Phoenix we are over that everyday in the shade!
One option is to lengthen the CT leads and move the enclosure someplace in the shade maybe.
Do you know the max length the CT leads can be before running into a problem? Also, any thoughts as to have 5 of the EmonTX and a Pi in the same enclosure all talking wireless to each other?
Thanks
Re: Environmental Considerations for a new install - High outside Temps
Well I ran a little test today. Our outside temperature was 94F (34.5C) so I took a digital thermometer and put it inside a cable TV box (plastic) that is mounted right below my main electrical panel. My idea was to try and get an idea of what the internal temperature was going to be inside my enclosure I planned on mounting next to my electrical panel.
As luck would have it, that side of the house gets sun almost all day and with with the outside only at 94F, I was seeing almost 108F (42C) in the box and that was without any electronics. I am sure that 5 EmonTXs and a EmonPi will generate some heat.
So with that in mind, I have decided against installed the units outside, instead I am going to relocate them indoors and run a conduit from my panel into a small cabinet I will have inside. Thankfully our electrical panel is on the exact wall and in the exact position where this will be possible without upsetting my better half too much!
Re: Environmental Considerations for a new install - High outside Temps
I'll answer the CT leads and 5 transmitters question in your other thread - those are off-topic here.
Re: Environmental Considerations for a new install - High outside Temps
Thanks Robert!