Enclosure Hinges & Accessories
Enclosure hinges are vital components in the design and functionality of electrical enclosures and access panels. These hinges allow for easy access and easy removal of enclosure doors, a feature particularly important in maintenance and safety operations. Enclosure hinges come in various types to suit different applications and requirements.
Concealed hinges are popular in many enclosures, especially where a clean, unobtrusive look is desired. These hinges are installed in a way that keeps them hidden when the enclosure door is closed, offering a sleek appearance while still providing reliable functionality. External hinges, on the other hand, are mounted on the outside of the enclosure and are suitable for large enclosure doors or when the available space inside the enclosure is limited.
Materials like stainless steel and zinc-plated steel are commonly used in the manufacturing of enclosure hinges, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. This is crucial in environments where the enclosures might be exposed to harsh conditions. The choice of material also affects the hinge's strength and suitability for supporting the weight and size of different enclosure doors.
More Information about Enclosure Hinges and Accessories
The design of these hinges often includes features like hinge pins and hinge leaves, which are critical for the hinge's operation and reliability. Some hinges are designed for full-length installation on the door, providing added stability and security for larger doors. Special tools may be required for installing or adjusting these hinges, although many are designed for easy installation with standard tools.
Overall, enclosure hinges are manufactured in many different types to meet the diverse needs of electrical enclosures, ensuring easy access, security, and reliability of the doors. Their design takes into account factors like the weight of the door, the material of the enclosure, and the space constraints, ensuring that they are both functional and durable.
Maintaining NEMA 4 Rating When Making Enclosure Penetrations
Cutouts are very common when modifying enclosures for push buttons, indication lights, conduit entries or mounting hardware. Cutting into an enclosure runs the risk of eliminating the protective nature of the NEMA rated attributes. Proper steps must be followed in order to preserve the NEMA rating of an enclosure.
Devices mounted to the enclosure must have the same NEMA rating as the enclosure. This means that if the devices are installed to the manufacturer's specifications, they will be able to maintain the NEMA rating of the enclosure.
Water tight conduit hubs must be used when running wire through a cutout in an enclosure. There are many different types of conduit hubs that are used to secure conduit to an enclosure. However, only certain conduit hubs are rated for a watertight seal. By using water tight hubs, the NEMA rating of the enclosure is maintained.
Bonded washers are necessary when mounting hardware to an enclosure. If standard mounting hardware is used, the NEMA rating of the enclosure will no longer be maintained. Bonded washers have rubber gaskets that make a watertight seal around the drilled hole. It is also important to make sure the material used for the bonded washer matches the material of the enclosure. Stainless steel enclosures require stainless steel bonded washers.