Enclosure Fasteners
Enclosure fasteners are essential components in the assembly and secure mounting of enclosures, ensuring that the contents are protected and the enclosure functions as intended. These fasteners come in various types, including machine screws, nuts, bolts, and specialized brackets, each designed to meet different mounting and securing needs. A machine screw, commonly made of durable materials like stainless steel, is used extensively for attaching components, mounting channels, or securing doors and access panels on the enclosure.
The choice of fasteners often depends on the specific requirements of the enclosure, such as the material, weight, and the environment in which it will be used. For instance, in environments prone to corrosion or moisture, stainless steel fasteners are preferred for their rust-resistant properties. When considering ergonomics and ease of use, features like easy-to-grip handles or screws with simple closing mechanisms can be important, especially for enclosures that require frequent access.
More Information about Enclosure Fasteners
In addition to standard fasteners, enclosures might also require more specialized hardware, such as hinges for doors, latches for secure closing, and gaskets for creating airtight seals. Kits containing a combination of these fasteners and accessories are often available, providing a comprehensive solution for enclosure installation and maintenance. These kits can include a variety of sizes and types of fasteners, catering to different dimensions and specifications of enclosures, from small digital printing equipment enclosures to larger industrial cabinets.
The mounting of enclosure fasteners also involves considering the frame, cutout dimensions, and the required strength to hold shelves or internal components securely. The selection of the right thread size, length, and type of fastener is crucial to ensure that the enclosure remains secure and functional under various conditions, be it mechanical stress, vibration, or environmental factors.
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.