
Stainless Steel Enclosures

Electrical enclosures are designed to house industrial components and to protect them from the surrounding environment. They are also designed to protect operators from electric shock. They come in many different shapes, sizes and materials. Some things to consider when selecting the proper enclosure would be the number of components housed inside and what material and rating will provide the appropriate protection.
Stainless steel enclosures There are two types of stainless steel commonly found in the fabrication of enclosures. Type 304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. While it prevents corrosion in most conditions, it does not perform well in high saline environments. Type 316 stainless steel contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. This is a higher grade of stainless steel and withstands chemical and saline exposure.
Some of the advantages of using stainless steel for electrical enclosures are that they have a high resistance to corrosion and function well in extreme temperatures. They are also easy to fabricate and sanitize. Most stainless steel enclosures are NEMA 4X rated which indicates that they protect equipment from damaging environmental conditions such as rain, ice formation and dirt. Stainless steel enclosures are commonly found in water treatment facilities, marine environments, oil and gas industries and industrial food processing.
Stainless steel is an ideal material to fabricate NEMA Type 4X enclosures for use in the food and beverage industry because of the protection provided to the interior components during frequent washdowns, the longevity of the housing when exposed to potentially corrosive chemicals used in the production of some foods and drinks, and also because the superior hygienic properties of stainless steel makes for a cleaner manufacturing environment.
Stainless steel cabinets include both 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel. They provide corrosion resistance and can be NEMA Type 4X certified without any paint or surface treatment. 304 stainless steel is less expensive than 316 stainless steel, while 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum increasing its corrosion resistance to elements containing chlorides, such as sea water and de-icing salts.
Click here for more information comparing 304 stainless steel with 316 stainless steel.
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