Enclosure Accessories
Enclosure air conditioners and fans are needed when equipment within the enclosure produces heat or the temperature outside affects the internal temperature. Enclosure air conditioners and fans are designed to maintain a set temperature within the enclosure.
Enclosure heaters protect equipment within an enclosure from freezing and moisture buildup which can result in corrosion or complete failure.
Cable management is vital when setting up or installing an electrical enclosure. Choosing the proper cable managers, ladder rack systems, wireways, etc. will ensure that everything is organized, easy to access and identify when it comes time to expand, modify or perform maintenance on the system.
Backplates, Windows, Doors and Shields are used to customize an enclosure to fit a specific application or environment. Backplates are used to install components to the walls enclosures, windows and doors provide easy visibility and access to the enclosure and shields protect enclosures from sun, rain or dripping chemicals.
Network cabinets and racks house communication, server, network and other IT equipment. They are designed to manage network cables easily, provide proper ventilation and open in the front and the back for easy access.
Subcategories
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.