Electrical Enclosures

 An electronic or electrical enclosure is primarily used to protect the users and the contents from the environment. They are boxes or cabinets which enclose electrical or electronic equipment. They are used to mount knobs, switches, and displays and also to prevent electrical shock to equipment users.

They are only a part of the equipment which may be seen by the users, and sometimes they are designed not only for their functional use but also for aesthetic purposes, especially if they are to be positioned in public places; so they must be pleasing to the eye and fit more comfortably in with the environment.

They are generally manufactured from metals such as aluminum or steel, rigid durable plastics, and may even be made from wood to accommodate any equipment for which they are used. Some enclosures may have punched out holes or knockouts that are removed thus allowing access for conduits, connectors, or cables.

Many companies supply electronic enclosures and some may even customize the product to meet any specific needs such as tapping, drilling punching, milling, painting, and powder coating to any color.

Many electrical enclosures have some type of weatherproofing, and the level to which an enclosure will protect any electrical items is covered by the enclosure's IP rating. IP stands for 'Ingress Protection' and the ratings are used to define the effectiveness of the sealing of the electrical enclosure against intrusion from foreign bodies ( dirt etc ) and moisture.

Weatherproof enclosures are extremely important, and the level of protection that is required depends on the type of anticipated weather.

If an electrical enclosure is to be located in a damp or rainy area, then anything from an IP66 would be suitable. If the weather is just dry and dusty then an IP65 would suffice.

Waterproof enclosures are waterproof. And an enclosure with an IP68 rating is required for prolonged immersion in water under pressure, or an IP67 rating for temporary immersion in water.

Other types of electrical enclosures include:

o Polyester/ GRP enclosures (Glass Reinforced Polyester)

o Polycarbonate/ ABS enclosures (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

o Steel enclosures and cabinets (Mild & Stainless steel)

o Handheld enclosures

o Aluminum enclosures

Closures are available in many different materials, and some fire-rated enclosures can withstand 950 degrees centigrade for up to three hours.

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