Modular Enclosures
Modular enclosure systems can provide many benefits over traditional unibody enclosures. Both modular and unibody 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. A traditional unibody enclosure is formed from a single, molded unit while a modular enclosure is a combination of a frame, rails, panels, doors and accessories.
Frames and Racks consists of metal forms with with pre-drilled holes that are spaced at standardized units of measurement that will accommodate common accessories that can be added to the interior or exterior without drilling or welding. Modular frames can be joined to one another, creating the possibility of multiple configurations, and rails can be added to the frame making it possible to slide panels into and out of the enclosure from the front, rear or side openings.
Exterior components can easily be attached to modular enclosure frames. These components consist of top, back and side covers, bases, panels and doors. Modular frames provide a wide range of possibilities for door placement for easier access and options for modification in the future.
Interior components are easily added at any time to a modular enclosure. These include: shelves and sliding shelves, mounting panels, subpanels and drawers. The flexibility provided by a modular enclosure allows for easier installation and removal of internal components as needed.
Cable Entry Cabinets are a full-height, narrow cabinet that can be attached to the side of a modular enclosure frame that is specifically designed for a cable management system. Wire management rails with pre-drilled holes for wire tires or fasteners can be easily added to the cable entry cabinet.
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.