Enclosure Inspection Windows
Inspection windows for enclosures are specialized components designed to allow visibility into an enclosure without compromising its integrity or protective capabilities. These windows are essential for monitoring and inspecting the components and equipment housed within an enclosure, facilitating easy access while maintaining safety and compliance with industry standards.
A key feature of an enclosure inspection window is the clear cover, typically made from robust materials like polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is chosen for its clarity, durability, and resistance to impact and environmental factors such as UV radiation and water. This ensures that the window remains clear and intact over time, providing a reliable view of the enclosure's interior.
More Information about Enclosure Inspection Windows
When it comes to the installation of inspection windows, window kits are commonly used. These kits usually include all the necessary mounting hardware, frames, and seals required for installation. The frame supports the window and is designed to fit securely into the enclosure, often requiring a cutout in the enclosure for placement. The mounting hardware ensures that the window is firmly and safely installed, maintaining the enclosure's protective qualities.
NEMA ratings are an important consideration when selecting an inspection window kit. These ratings indicate the level of protection provided by the enclosure against environmental factors like water and dust. For instance, a NEMA 4X rated inspection window is designed for use in harsh conditions, offering protection against corrosion, windblown dust, and rain.
The material and design of the inspection window are tailored to match the type and use of the enclosure. This includes considerations for the window's width, size, and the material's ability to withstand the specific environmental conditions in which the enclosure will be used.
In addition to standard sizes, inspection window kits often come in a variety of sizes and types to fit different enclosures. This variety ensures that there is a suitable window kit for enclosures of different dimensions and applications, from small control boxes to large industrial cabinets.
Maintain 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.