Telecom & Data

Enclosure Cooling for Telecom Cabinets & Cell Sites

Keep critical network infrastructure running 24/7 in remote, unmanned locations.

Telecom infrastructure operates around the clock in some of the most demanding environments — from rooftop cell sites baking in 131°F summer heat to remote signal huts in sub-zero winters. Equipment inside these cabinets generates significant heat, and failure means service outages that cost thousands per minute. VoltAire enclosure air conditioners are engineered to GR-487 telecom standards, offering the same bolt-for-bolt compatibility as the McLean and Hoffman units they replace — at an average of 48% less than published online distributor pricing. Our 48VDC models run directly off battery plant power, and optional Ethernet controllers provide remote monitoring with Lead-Lag redundancy for mission-critical sites.

The Challenge

Why Telecom & Data Cooling Is Hard

Extreme temperature swings

Cabinets must operate reliably from -40°F winter nights to 131°F summer peaks, often with no shelter or shade.

Remote, unmanned sites

Cell towers, fiber huts, and signal cabinets are often miles from the nearest technician. Truck rolls are expensive and time-consuming.

24/7 uptime requirements

Network equipment can't tolerate thermal shutdowns. Every minute of downtime means lost service and SLA penalties.

Corrosive environments

Coastal cell sites, industrial areas, and roadside cabinets face salt spray, pollution, and moisture exposure.

The VoltAire Solution

Built for This

GR-487 compliant design

Built to Telecordia GR-487 standards for outdoor telecommunications equipment. UL/cUL listed, NEMA 4 certified.

48VDC models available

True DC compressor operation (not inverter-based) for direct battery plant connection. No AC power required at remote sites.

Ethernet + Lead-Lag redundancy

Optional Modbus TCP/IP, SNMP, or BACnet remote monitoring. Lead-Lag pairs two units for automatic failover — if one fails, the other takes over.

-40°F to 131°F operating range

Full performance across the entire ambient temperature range. Optional electric heaters for cold-climate installations prevent condensation and freezing.

Recommended for Telecom & Data

The right VoltAire unit depends on your heat load, enclosure size, and environment. Here are the most common fits for telecom & data applications.

AT04/AT06

Most common cell site replacement. Direct drop-in for T2904 series. Available in 48VDC.

Configure & Price

AT08/AT10/AT12

Larger telecom shelters and equipment rooms. 8,000-12,000 BTU capacity.

Configure & Price

AT19

High-density sites with 19,000 BTU/hr cooling capacity. 230V.

Configure & Price

Site runs on −48VDC plant power?

See the full lineup of true 48VDC heat exchangers and AT-series outdoor air conditioners — all GR-487 and BABA compliant.

See 48VDC Lineup →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about enclosure cooling for telecom & data.

What size enclosure air conditioner do I need for a cell site cabinet?

Most cell site cabinets use 4,000-6,000 BTU/hr units (VoltAire AT04 or AT06). Larger shelters with multiple equipment racks may need 8,000-12,000 BTU/hr (AT08-AT12). The right size depends on your equipment heat load, cabinet insulation, and peak ambient temperature. Contact us with your cabinet dimensions and equipment list for a free heat load calculation.

Do VoltAire units work with 48VDC battery plant power?

Yes. Our AT04RB, AT06RB, and AT12RB models are true 48VDC units with DC compressors — not AC units with inverters. They connect directly to your -48VDC battery plant and include compressor modulation for energy efficiency. Voltage tolerance is +20%/-15% (approximately 41-58VDC).

Can I monitor VoltAire units remotely?

Yes. The optional Ethernet controller adds Modbus TCP/IP monitoring standard, with SNMP and BACnet available. You get a web-based interface accessible from any browser, plus alarm notifications and Lead-Lag redundancy when two units are paired. Perfect for unmanned sites where you need to know about thermal events before they become outages.

Are VoltAire units drop-in replacements for McLean T2904 series?

Yes. The VoltAire AT04 and AT06 are direct bolt-for-bolt replacements for the discontinued McLean/Hoffman T2904 series. Same cutout dimensions, same mounting hole pattern. Unbolt the old unit, bolt up the VoltAire. No cabinet modifications needed.

What certifications do VoltAire telecom units have?

All VoltAire AT series units are UL/cUL listed (UL 484), NEMA 4 certified, GR-487 compliant, RoHS compliant, and BABA compliant. NEMA 4X (stainless steel) is available as an option. Units are certified for use on AT&T cabinets.

Need help specifying cooling for a telecom site?

Need help specifying cooling for a telecom site? Contact us with your cabinet details for a free recommendation.