Rittal Modular Enclosures
Rittal modular enclosures provide everything required for even the most complex automation and power distribution systems to function reliably. The Rittal enclosures are scalable; they easily expand and contract with the systems they protect and organize. They are widely used in manufacturing, power distribution, and IT facilities. Control boards, servers, and other critical components are well housed and well protected.
The enclosures are available in a wide variety of forms. The basic model is the Rittal TS 8 unit, which is robust, accurate, and easy to integrate. In fact, the series from which TS 8 comes—the Rittal Modular System—represents the pinnacle of modular electrical enclosure technology. All of Rittal’s enclosures can be bayed together; they can also be used in tandem with another Rittal product line, the Rittal Terminal Boxes. All of the enclosures allow for assembly of power and control components; the enclosures route cables well, and they also house and protect fans and other components necessary for keeping the protected systems cool.
FAQs
What are Rittal modular enclosures used for?
Rittal modular enclosures are used to house and protect electrical, automation, and IT equipment in industrial and commercial environments where durability, organization, and scalability are essential.
What makes Rittal modular enclosures different from standard electrical enclosures?
Unlike fixed enclosures, Rittal modular enclosures feature a frame-based design that allows users to configure, expand, and customize multiple bays and accessories for evolving system needs.
Which Rittal modular enclosure series are most commonly used?
The Rittal TS 8 and VX25 series are the most widely used, offering superior strength, modularity, and flexibility for industrial control systems, power distribution, and automation networks.
Are Rittal modular enclosures suitable for harsh environments?
Yes. Many models meet NEMA and IP ratings for dust and water protection, making them suitable for harsh industrial environments, outdoor installations, and hazardous locations.
How easy is it to install and maintain Rittal modular enclosures?
Rittal modular enclosures are designed for quick assembly with tool-less accessory installation, removable panels, and accessible mounting rails that simplify wiring and maintenance.
Enclosure Selection Basics
Electrical enclosures are cabinets that are designed to house electrical components. Their main function is to protect the components, as well as to protect the operators from electrical hazards. Enclosures are typically made of solid plastics, fiberglass and metal materials, such as carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
One of the most important things to consider when selecting an electrical enclosure is the NEMA rating. NEMA stands for National Electrical Manufacturer Association. They have developed a rating system which determines the types of environments an electrical enclosure can be used in.
NEMA 1 and a NEMA 12 enclosures
Both of these enclosures are intended for indoor use only. They are both dust resistant. The NEMA 12 enclosure is rated for damp environments. The NEMA 1 is rated only for dry environments.
NEMA 4 and NEMA 4X enclosures
Both of these enclosures can be used indoors as well as outdoors. They are both dust resistant. They are also water resistant and corrosion resistant. NEMA 4X has an extra layer of corrosion resistance.
NEMA 7 enclosures
This is a more specific type of enclosure that is rated for use in hazardous environments. It is rated to contain an explosion within the enclosure and not cause any sort of external hazard.
Size
When selecting the size of an enclosure, it is important to consider the following: how much space will the electrical components occupy, how much space is needed around each component, is there enough room to run all of the wires and how much space is needed outside of the enclosure?
Temperature
When selecting an enclosure, it is important to consider both the ambient temperature and the temperature that is generated inside of the enclosure. When an enclosure is located outside in direct sunlight, that heat can be transferred inside the enclosure. Also, each component inside of the enclosure generates a certain amount of heat.