[SML] Dimming Cooling

[NODEraser]

Apparently, this is not a consideration of all
consultants/architects/engineers, I can think of one company that has
repeatedly ignored cooling to the dimmer room. In one of their
facilities where I used to work, the only cooling to the
dimmer/electrical room (2x Sensor SR48, 1x Sensor SR24, 1x 150 (?) kVA
transformer, Unison controller, DMX repeaters, PoE switches, misc.
breaker panels and emergency lighting transfer switch) we had the
pleasure of experiencing a thermal shutdown of one of the racks during
a show. The only cooling/ventilation to that room is a standard 12x12
grill in one of the ceiling tiles connected to the regular HVAC with
no thermostat in the room. After that "incident", standard operating
practice was to leave the door open to the hallway, sometimes with a
fan depending on the ambient temperature.

Another facility of their design I can think of, has the twin SR48
racks located in a box boom-type position, with a ladder-way open to
the audience. The HVAC contractor did include an exhaust/return duct
above the racks, but since the air space is open to the house the
consultant decided it would be a good idea to install the sound
baffles on the top of the racks--which directs the exhaust away from
the provided ventilation. No thermal shutdown issues because there's a
lot of moving air circulating around the room, but still a good
example of not thinking things through.

I also see the dimmer racks located in the booth fairly often, without
any additional ventilation... Generally makes it a toasty place to be
during a show.

-- 
[Greg Bennett]
-Independent Carpenter, Electrician & Lighting Designer
-Purveyor of Classic Apple & Macintosh Gear
http://www.hsiprodsvcs.com/
http://www.macshack.us/