You are right to question that recommendation and the price. Cleaning dust from inside an electrical cabinet every 3-5 years for $24,000, especially in a slightly dusty, enclosed room, sounds excessive. Here's a breakdown of factors to consider and a more reasonable approach

Factors Influencing Cleaning Frequency:
Environment



Dust Levels

You mentioned a slightly dusty enclosed room. That's good. If it were in a manufacturing plant with grinding, machining, or food processing, the frequency would need to be higher. A clean office environment will need much less cleaning.

Humidity

High humidity combined with dust can create a conductive layer, increasing the risk of arcing.

Temperature

High temperatures accelerate dust accumulation and can degrade insulation.

Cabinet Design



Sealing

Well-sealed cabinets prevent dust ingress. Poorly sealed cabinets will need more frequent cleaning.

Ventilation

While not a primary factor in dust, it can impact heat and indirectly affect dust accumulation.

Equipment Sensitivity



Critical Equipment

Cabinets housing critical systems (e.g., emergency power, life safety) might warrant more frequent inspections and cleaning as a preventative measure.

Sensitive Electronics

Cabinets with sensitive electronic components (e.g., PLCs, VFDs) are more susceptible to damage from dust and overheating.

Maintenance History

If you've kept good records, you can see how quickly dust accumulates.

IR Scan Results

The IR scan flagged something, but what did it flag? Were there hot spots directly attributable to dust? Was it just a general recommendation based on the presence of dust? Knowing the details of the IR scan report is crucial.

National Electrical Code (NEC) and Local Codes

The NEC doesn't specify cleaning frequency, but it mandates proper maintenance (Article 110.3(B) and Article 110.14(C)(1)). Local regulations might have specific requirements.

Manufacturer Recommendations

The equipment manufacturer might have recommendations for cleaning in specific environments. Check their documentation.

Why $24,000 is Likely Too High (and 3-5 Years Possibly Too Frequent)



Labor Costs

$24,000 suggests a huge amount of labor. Unless you have a very large number of cabinets or extremely complex equipment, it's unlikely that cleaning dust warrants that expense.

Overkill

Cleaning every 3-5 years in a slightly dusty, enclosed room is probably excessive unless you have very specific concerns about the equipment inside.

Misunderstanding of the Problem

An IR scan detecting a potential issue might be used to justify an unnecessary and overpriced service.

A More Reasonable Approach


Review the IR Scan Report



Specifically identify the problems noted in the IR scan. Ask for a detailed explanation of why the dust is a concern. Was it contributing to overheating? Which components were affected? Challenge the contractor. Ask for the data that supports their recommendation of a 3-5 year cleaning cycle and the $24,000 price.2. Develop a Risk-Based Cleaning Schedule



Start with a longer interval

Unless the IR scan reveals immediate, dust-related problems, start with a visual inspection at least every year. Open a representative sample of cabinets and assess the dust accumulation.

Adjust based on findings

If you find very little dust after a year, extend the interval to 2 years. If you find significant dust, shorten the interval.

Prioritize

Focus on cabinets housing critical equipment or those showing signs of overheating in the IR scan.3.

Consider a Phased Approach

Instead of cleaning all cabinets at once, clean a small sample first to determine the actual labor involved and adjust the schedule accordingly.4.

Get Multiple Quotes

Get quotes from at least three reputable electrical contractors for the cleaning service. Be very specific about the scope of work (e.g., how many cabinets, level of cleaning, etc.). This will give you a better sense of the market rate.5.

Explore In-House Cleaning

If you have qualified and trained electrical personnel, consider having them perform the cleaning. They should be properly trained in electrical safety and use appropriate cleaning methods (see below).6.

Implement Preventative Measures



Improve Sealing

Seal any gaps or openings in the cabinets to prevent dust entry.

Air Filters

Consider using air filters in the room where the cabinets are located to reduce dust levels.

Regular Room Cleaning

A clean room will translate to cleaner cabinets.

Safe and Effective Dust Removal Methods



Power Down and Lockout/Tagout

Absolutely critical. De-energize the equipment and follow proper lockout/tagout procedures before opening any electrical cabinet.

Vacuuming

Use a vacuum cleaner with a non-conductive hose and attachments specifically designed for electronic equipment. Avoid creating static electricity.

Compressed Air (with Caution)

Use clean, dry compressed air to blow dust out of hard-to-reach areas. Be very careful not to dislodge or damage components. Use low pressure and ensure the dust is directed away from other sensitive equipment.

Non-Conductive Brushes

Use soft, non-conductive brushes to gently loosen dust from components.

Specialized Cleaning Solutions

Only use cleaning solutions specifically designed for electrical equipment. These solutions are non-conductive and won't damage components. Never use water or general-purpose cleaners.

In Summary: $24,000 for cleaning slightly dusty electrical cabinets every 3-5 years is likely excessive. Get a detailed explanation of the IR scan findings. Develop a risk-based cleaning schedule based on visual inspections and IR scan results. Get multiple quotes for the cleaning service. Consider in-house cleaning if you have qualified personnel. Implement preventative measures to reduce dust accumulation.* Prioritize safety: Always de-energize and lockout/tagout equipment before cleaning.By taking a more data-driven and cost-conscious approach, you can ensure the safety and reliability of your electrical equipment without overspending. Good luck! Flag for review