Enclosure & Accessory Mounting
Enclosure mounting is a critical aspect in the installation of wall-mounted enclosures, particularly in settings where high quality components like circuit boards need protection from harsh environments. Mounting brackets are essential in this process, providing the necessary support to hold the enclosure securely against walls or other surfaces. These brackets come in various types and materials, including steel and aluminum, to suit different weights and sizes of enclosures.
For electrical enclosures, which house sensitive electrical equipment and components, mounting hardware is crucial to ensure stability and safety. In environments where enclosures are exposed to harsh conditions like outdoor weather, corrosion, dust, or dirt, the choice of material for both the enclosure and the mounting system is particularly important. Materials like polycarbonate, ABS, and stainless steel are often used for their durability and resistance to environmental factors.
More Information about Enclosure Mounting
Adjustable mounting systems offer flexibility in terms of height and width, accommodating enclosures of different dimensions and allowing for precise positioning. This adjustability is beneficial not only for achieving optimal placement but also for ease of access during maintenance or component installation.
Mounting systems for enclosures may include additional hardware like screws, washers, and rails, which assist in attaching and securing the enclosure. Specialized kits are also available, providing all necessary components for a complete mounting solution. These kits are designed to ensure that enclosures are mounted securely while considering factors like the weight of the enclosure, the type of wall or surface it is being mounted to, and the specific requirements of the application.
For industrial and commercial applications, the method of mounting can vary depending on the environment and the type of equipment housed inside the enclosure. From simple box-type enclosures to more complex designs with doors, panels, and switches, the mounting approach needs to be tailored to provide the required level of security and protection.
FAQs
What other environmental hazards can affect the type of features one looks for in enclosure mounting?
Environmental hazards such as extreme temperatures, both high and low, can necessitate the use of temperature-resistant materials in enclosure mounting to prevent warping or material degradation. Additionally, exposure to chemicals, oils, or corrosive substances may require mounts made of specially treated or non-reactive materials to ensure long-term stability and integrity of the enclosure system.
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.