Does converter need to vent to outside?

[adwriter73]

My original inverter/converter was mounted in a blue plastic box that vented to to the outside. The plastic was rotted and I need to build a new housing but am questioning whether it needs to retain the same vent to the outside. Does anyone have pics of how they installed their converter? The outside vent just seems overkill, not too mention the moisture and potential for rodents and whatever else...

[mello mike]

It is overkill. The unit, however, should have good airflow to help keep it cool. That is the fans primary function.

[Jammer]

There are a couple of facts to consider.

First of all some of the older "Univolts" ran hotter than modern converters.

Second, airflow is not the only means of cooling. Even in a box with no airflow, there will be cooling through the walls. If the box is large and the walls are, say, aluminum the amount of heat transferred will be enough that no airflow is needed.