Electrical Enclosures
Electrical enclosures, also known as electrical cabinets or electrical boxes, are protective containers that house electrical components, and devices. These enclosures are used to protect electronic equipment and components from environmental hazards, such as dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, as well as to prevent unauthorized access to the electronic equipment.
Electrical enclosures can be made of a variety of materials, including carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and non-metallic materials. The choice of material will depend on various factors, such as the environmental conditions, the size and weight of the electrical equipment, and the level of protection required.
Electrical enclosures are designed to meet various safety and regulatory standards, such as the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards in the United States and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards internationally. These standards provide guidelines for the construction and testing of electrical enclosures to ensure their safety and reliability.
There are various types of electrical enclosures available, including wall-mounted enclosures, free-standing enclosures, and junction boxes. Wall-mounted enclosures are mounted on walls or other surfaces and are designed to house smaller electrical components, while free-standing enclosures are self-supporting and can house larger electrical equipment. Junction boxes are used to house and protect electrical connections and wiring.
Subcategories
More Information about Electrical Enclosures
Enclosure Materials
Steel Enclosures
Steel enclosures have a higher carbon content than stainless steel, which results in a relatively high yield strength, but lower tensile strength. It also requires additional finishing (paint or powder coating) to prevent corrosion. Steel enclosures tend to be more affordable than stainless steel enclosures.
Stainless Steel Enclosures
Stainless steel enclosures contain a higher chromium content than regular steel, which provides corrosion resistance. These enclosures are often found in many industrial setting due to their ability to protect against moisture, corrosion and extreme temperatures.
Non-Metallic Enclosures
Non-metallic enclosures are most commonly made of polycarbonate or ABS (a thermoplastic). These both provide chemical and corrosion resistance, impact protection, electrical insulation, and great strength to weight ratio.
Aluminum Enclosures
Aluminum Enclosures are made of an aluminum alloy that is naturally resistant to corrosion and is not reactive to magnetic force, which makes these enclosures able to shield against radio frequency interference and electromagnetic interference. Aluminum has high tensile strength and is lightweight compared to steel.
Enclosure Types
Wall Mount Enclosures
Wall mount enclosures are designed to be mounted on walls or other surfaces, and they are typically used to house smaller electrical controls or devices. They are designed with mounting holes and various mounting options, such as flanges or mounting brackets, to make installation easier and more secure.
Free-Standing Enclosures
Free-standing enclosures are self-supporting enclosures designed to house larger electrical equipment or electrical controls. They can be customized to meet specific requirements, including mounting optional panels, shelves, drawers, or other accessories.
Floor Mount Enclosures
Floor mount enclosures are self-supporting enclosures that are designed to house larger electrical components or equipment. They do not require wall mounting, which provides greater flexibility in the placement and installation of the enclosure.
Hazardous Location Enclosures
Hazardous location enclosures are designed to house electronic controls and equipment in areas where there is a risk of explosion or fire due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, dust, or fibers.
FAQs
What is a wiring trough used for?
A wiring trough is used to organize and protect electrical wiring and components, as well as to provide a safe and secure location for electrical connections. A wiring trough is often used in areas where there is a lot of electrical wiring or where the wiring needs to be organized and kept separate from other equipment. Wiring troughs typically have hinged covers that allow access to the wiring.
What is a drip shield used for?
A drip shield is a protective cover that is designed to prevent liquids, such as dripping water or chemicals, from falling onto electrical components or equipment.
Can non-metallic enclosures be used in outdoor applications?
Non-metallic enclosures may not be suitable for all outdoor applications. Factors such as temperature extremes, UV exposure, and physical impact can affect the performance and durability of non-metallic enclosures.
Are industrial environments harsh environments?
Industrial environments can be considered harsh environments because they often involve a range of challenging conditions and hazards. Industrial environments typically involve exposure to dust, dirt, moisture, and temperature extremes, as well as potential exposure to chemicals, vibrations, and physical impact.
What are IP ratings?
IP ratings, also known as Ingress Protection ratings, are used to define the degree of protection provided by an electrical enclosure against foreign objects and moisture. These ratings are commonly used in the electrical industry to specify the environmental protection provided by an enclosure.
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.