Industrial enclosures are often seen as a simple box that protects and houses all electrical equipment. It is easy to complain about the wrong design of an enclosure if there is an accident with the controls.
Some will point out inefficiency in cooling levels, insufficient security, or poor power distribution. You should remember that not all enclosures can be designed or built the same. It is your responsibility to select the best enclosure manufacturer in India .
You may have many questions about industrial enclosures, such as material options, cabinet management issues and internal design requirements. Continue reading to learn more.
10 Essentials for Industrial Enclosures
First, choose the right enclosure for you. You should choose an enclosure that will help you avoid mounting problems, flexibility issues, and wiring problems.
Here are 10 things to think about before you buy an industrial enclosure. This will help you choose the right one to protect your electrical equipment.
1. Materials used for industrial enclosures
The materials used to make enclosures include stainless steel, painted carbon, fibreglass and polycarbonate. Accessories and hardware can be made from clear zinc-plated, cast or sheet aluminum, nickel-alloy-plated steel and transparent acrylics. Safety glass is also available.
While there are many factors to consider when selecting enclosures for your home, let’s just focus on the most important ones.
Industrial Enclosure Materials
- Painted carbon steel
This steel can be used in many commercial and consumer applications. The higher carbon content makes the steel more malleable, tougher, and more heat-distributive.
This enclosure is an economical metal enclosure that can be used indoors.
For a durable, scratch-resistant surface, the paint finish consists of an outer layer with primer and an inner layer with powder coat. Metal can withstand solvents, alkalies and acids.
- Stainless Steel
Type 304 and Type 316 are the most commonly used types of stainless steel in enclosures. Type 316 is more resistant to corrosion and is suitable for marine and pharmaceutical environments. Type 304 is best for cleaning applications that are subject to washing down. Both types can be used indoors and outdoors.
- Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP)
Fibreglass is best for those who work in high temperatures and are exposed to corrosive substances. Fibreglass is light, strong, and waterproof. It will protect your contents even when the enclosure is submerged in water. This material is known for its smooth interior surface and seamless shapes.
- Polycarbonate
This durable plastic is made from thermoplastic polymers. It has greater resistance to UV light deterioration than fibreglass and is easy to cut out holes. This material is preferred because it lasts longer than fibreglass and has a better resistance to temperature changes. It’s small enough to fit in homes and junction boxes.
2. IEC compliance
Enclosures serve two main functions: to protect all electronic equipment and to provide safety and protection so that it does not cause damage to property or life.
iPanel manufactured exclusively by INTEGRA Engineering have been tested and certified to conform to industry standards. We strictly adhere to the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) guidelines. For the best enclosures, trust outdoor enclosure makers!
Scroll down to learn the IEC standards
1.IEC 60204-1
IEC 60204-1 is used to ensure the safety of equipment. These are the main points of the standard:
Electrical supply equipment
Requirements for electromagnetic compatibility
The equipment’s short circuit current rating can be determined.
Protection against electric shock
Symbols for actuators of control device.
Switching and incoming supply requirements, etc.
2.IEC 61439-1/2
IEC 61439-1/2 standards are low voltage switchgear. They provide extensive support in planning and verifying standardised Ri4Power switchesgear.
Extensive verification of enclosure design.
Switchgear manufacturers and their end users reap the benefits
Quality of low voltage switchgear
Protection category, mounting location, etc.
3. Security and Safety
Both indoor and outdoor enclosures must be protected by physical security. It should include padlocks, key locks handles, remote monitoring and remote access, as well as other security features.
No matter how careful you maintain your enclosure, accidents are bound to occur. Safety is the most important thing! Multipoint locks make your cabinet locker safer.
4. Panel Accessories
To ensure structural and mechanical strength, choose certified panel accessories such as door locks, hinges interchangeable and PU foam seal. PU foam protects your industrial enclosures while keeping them temperature resistant.
Accessories can help you achieve greater efficiency and productivity while preserving the functionality and quality of your equipment.
Already made your mind? Check out IPanel!
5. Your enclosures should be strong and large
Closures should be selected considering these two factors:
1.What will they be like?
2.How strong does it need to be?
There are many sizes and shapes of enclosures, which can take up valuable space in your industry. It is important to correctly size your equipment so it is easy to install. Metal enclosures can hold more weight than non-metallic ones. Protecting from weather and vandalism is best done with heavier carbon or stainless steel.
Ask these questions before you make a judgement:
Q.1. What is the equipment’s total weight?
Q.2) Do the enclosures need to be tamper resistant?
Q.3) Where is your enclosure located?
Q.4) Will it become accessible to everyone?
6. It can be saved from harsh climate
Closures are sensitive to temperature and it is important to protect them against various environmental conditions such as high temperatures, dirt, dust and solvents.
You can maintain the ideal temperature in your enclosures with climate control options such as enclosure heaters, liquid cooling and cooling units. These are the three main factors that affect enclosures.
- Ambient Temperature
An excessive internal temperature, which is affected by internal heat load, heat dissipation rate and external ambient temperature, can cause serious damage to the electrical enclosure. External factors such as high temperatures and pollutants can also make the enclosure less reliable and efficient, and decrease its lifespan.
You can adjust the temperature of the enclosure to compensate for changes in the surrounding temperature.
Heat is more dangerous than ice. Your operations can be affected by the formation of ice or condensation outside your enclosures. You may need to purchase an additional heating unit in order to avoid this.
- Wind and rain
Although wind is not a problem, dirt and dust can block your cooling or heating units and reduce their efficiency.
How can you avoid
=> fillers
=> Stainless steel and corrosion-resistant hardware
=> sealing gasket like ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)
- Human misconduct
Outdoor enclosures and cabinets are vulnerable to theft or vandalism. International standards are required for enclosures. They will provide safety and protection systems that are fully functional.
Security systems, alarms and remote controllers can help you protect your equipment.
Accessories such as fillers, thermostats and hygrostats will also be beneficial to extend the life of your equipment.
7. Upgrade your electronic equipment
You should look for unibody and flexible enclosures that can be used to mount new equipment or upgrades. To scale up your business, ensure that your equipment adheres to the established guidelines.
8. Doors that allow for easier access
Choose a door that is 180 0. This allows for easy mounting and/or addition of panels as needed. These enclosures are equipped with interchangeable hinges, which make them accessible for any type of activity.
9. Money speaks!
The cost of base materials is the only factor that determines the total cost of an enclosure. While many people are focused on saving money, they fail to consider the long-term implications of choosing the wrong enclosure.
The same goes for enclosures. They should be selected based on their strength, durability, environmental conditions and modification capabilities.
10. Power
Busbars are a popular choice because they provide safety and allow for high-current power distribution. This conductor connects the feeder and parallel. They provide greater enclosure space efficiency.
