What are VCI emitters?
A VCI emitter is a reliable solution to eliminate corrosion damage to electronics in enclosed spaces. It is specifically designed for electrical cabinets, control panels and other sensitive electronics where you want to minimise the risk of unexpected downtime and ensure that the equipment remains fully functional over time.
Reliable corrosion protection for electrical cabinets and electronics
By using an emitter, a stable protective atmosphere is created that neutralises moisture and condensation without the need to use oil or grease. This results in a clean, dry and service-friendly protection that does not affect the conductivity or precision of the components. Cortec VCI-Emitter is supplied as:
Want to find out more about the type(s) of corrosion protection best suited to your business? Read more about how dry rust inhibitors work here.
How does VCI-Emitter work?
The technology is based on the ability of VCI molecules to work in the gas phase, creating a two-step proactive protection:
- Evaporation: VCI molecules are continuously released and dispersed in the enclosed space until the atmosphere is saturated.
- Condensation: The molecules adhere to all metal surfaces and form a molecular protective film.
For which applications are VCI emitters used?
Depending on your industry, VIC emitters offer specific benefits that secure your operations:
Industry / Sector | Usage | Specific benefits |
| Electric power & automation | Electrical cabinets and control cabinets | Protects circuit boards and relays without affecting conductivity. |
| Telecoms | Outdoor cabinets | Neutralises moisture and salt-saturated air in exposed environments. |
| Mechanical engineering | Pumps and gearboxes | Internal corrosion protection in closed systems during storage or downtime. |
| Export packaging | Containers and wooden crates | Acts as a booster that quickly saturates large volumes of air. |
See examples of all uses.
Frequently asked questions about rust protection
How do I choose the right size for my installation?
The right model is sized based on the total volume of the space (litres or cubic metres). We will be happy to help you with the calculation to ensure you get the optimised protection for your space.
How long does protection last for VCI emitters?
In a closed system, an emitter provides stable protection for up to 24 months. If the space is opened frequently for maintenance, we recommend an earlier replacement to ensure an unbroken protective atmosphere.
Can I combine different formats of VCI?
Yes. It is often effective to combine, for example, VCI cord in pipework with enclosures in electrical cabinets to create comprehensive protection for a complete machine unit.
What are the advantages compared to traditional methods?
Switching to a VCI-based approach directly streamlines maintenance work:
Total range
The gas also penetrates hidden areas behind wiring and in tight spaces that are difficult or impossible to reach manually.
Reduced costs
No need for sanitising or degreasing saves valuable time and materials during service and installation.
Autonomous protection
Once the emitter is installed, the corrosion protection works completely maintenance-free for up to 24 months.
Reliable start-up
As the metal surfaces remain dry, no preparation is required; the equipment can be put into operation immediately.
Quality assured technology
Fully nitrite-free solutions that fulfil international industry requirements according to MIL-STD-3010C and ASTM-D3950.
Want to know more about corrosion protection?
To explore Tribotec's full range of VCI emitters, please contact our experts for personalised advice on sizing and product selection for your specific needs. Click here to find out more see our range of VCI-Emitter and order today!
This article is fact-checked by Mats Gunnemyr, product manager corrosion protection at Tribotec.
