Stainless Steel Enclosures

More Information about Stainless Steel Enclosures

Stainless Steel Junction Boxes

A stainless steel junction box is a type of enclosure used to protect electrical connections and wiring. Clamps are used to secure the electrical wiring and connections inside the junction box. They hold the wires in place and prevent them from moving around or getting tangled, which can reduce the risk of electrical hazards. Some junction boxes feature a padlockable latch which is a type of locking mechanism that allows you to secure the junction box with a padlock. This can provide an additional layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to the electrical equipment inside.

A wall-mount junction box can be designed with a sloped lid that can help to protect the junction box from rain, snow, and other environmental factors. The sloped design allows water to run off the top of the box, rather than pooling on the lid, which can reduce the risk of water damage to the electrical equipment inside. A sloped lid is a common feature on wall mount enclosures.

 FAQs

Are all stainless steel enclosures NEMA 4X rated?

No, not all stainless steel enclosures have a NEMA rating of NEMA 4X. NEMA 4X is a specific rating that indicates an enclosure is designed to protect against corrosion, dust, and water. A NEMA 4X rating requires additional features such as gaskets, seals, and other design features to ensure that the enclosure provides a high level of protection against environmental factors. While many stainless steel enclosures are NEMA 4X, the specific rating will depend on its design and intended use.

Stainless Steel Enclosures: Type 304 vs 316

304 Stainless Steel

304 Stainless Steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It is the most widely used stainless steel within industrial applications. 304 stainless steel resists corrosion and oxidizing agents, which can cause rusting. However, it can tarnish. 304 stainless steel is very strong and can be bent without decreasing the strength, but it can be difficult to manipulate. Because of its corrosive resistance, 304 stainless steel enclosures are commonly used in dairy plants, mills, bakeries, and many other food processing industries. 

316 Stainless Steel

316 Stainless Steel is a much higher grade of stainless steel containing 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum, which significantly increases its resistance to pitting and cracking. It has increased corrosive resistance to chloride pollutants, such as salt. 316 stainless steel enclosures are ideal for areas there may have a high salt content, such as coastal areas and areas that use de-icing salts. This type of stainless steel is much more resistant to chemical environments that include sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid or many other chemicals. These types of stainless steel enclosures can be found in areas with high levels of corrosive agents, such as water, wastewater, chemical plants and fertilizer plants. Both 304 and 316 stainless steel enclosures have a NEMA rating of NEMA 4X because they are corrosion resistant, however it is important to remember to never use any chemicals that contain chlorine.