With an almost limitless variety of enclosures on the market we want to help our customers specify the right one the first time around. Here are the 4 things to consider when choosing an electrical enclosure.
1. Environment
What kind of environment does your enclosure need to withstand? This is the most important question and will determine the longevity of your enclosure and the components inside. Is there rain, snow, dust, salt water, or solvents: all of these environmental threats correspond to a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) or International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) rating.
For example, a NEMA 4X (IP66) enclosure protects against rain, dust, salt spray, and offers corrosion resistant properties. However, if your application is less harsh, NEMA 1 enclosures are general purpose, economical, and ideal for indoor applications. NEMA 4 or 12 enclosures would suit most applications in between. NEMA 12 (indoor) provides protection from dust and dripping water while NEMA 4 (indoor/outdoor) can guard against hose directed water. The environment also determines what material the enclosure needs to be.
2. Material
Enclosures are made from a variety of materials including abs plastic, carbon steel, fiberglass, polycarbonate, and stainless steel. When choosing which material is best for your application you also need to consider factors like price, aesthetics, thermal issues, and weight.
304 Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a more costly option. Type 304 resists oxidation and provides protection from corrosive solvents, alkalis, and some acids making it ideal for wash down applications.
316 Stainless Steel
Type 316 has additional material properties compared to 304 that give it improved resistance against sulfates, bromides, chlorine, chlorides (de-icing salts & sea water), high temperatures, and some special acids.
ABS Plastic
ABS is lightweight, durable, scratch-resistant, easily machined, and has excellent electrical insulating properties. Also, one of the most cost-effective enclosure solutions on the market. Very good chemical resistance to diluted acids, diluted alkalis, and oils and greases.
Aluminum
Naturally resistant to corrosion, durable, and lightweight. Highly conductive making it an excellent choice to dissipate heat away from electronics and shields against EMI/RFI.
Carbon Steel
[CARBON STEEL CONTENT ]
Fiberglass
Fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP) exhibits high impact resistance, large temperature range, excellent dimensional stability and electrical properties. Can be easily punched, drilled, or cut compared to metal enclosures.
Polycarbonate
Can withstand up to 900 psi, giving it superior impact resistance. Easy-to-modify, aesthetically pleasing, non-conductive, and lightweight. Good corrosion resistance with some acids but not rated for use with organic solvents or alkalis. Does not block wireless signals.
3. Size
First you need to find out the length, width, and height of your project with all the components when mounted on a back panel. With that, you now know your minimum internal dimensions of the enclosure. Keep in mind pushbuttons, interfaces, and panel meters mounted on the cover will take up some of the depth. You can size up accordingly if heat dissipation is a factor or want to leave some space to make it easy for wiring. Lastly, if the enclosure is fitting into an existing footprint make sure to double check external dimensions.
4. Does it need Thermal Management?
Heat naturally dissipates from enclosures but in many cases natural cooling or heating is not enough for an application. For most electrical devices the temperature should not exceed 104 F (40 C). We recommend checking the specifications on the components manufacturers data sheet or manual for the operating temperature. Metallic enclosures conduct and dissipate heat better compared to non-metallic enclosures. This may not always suit your component's temperature requirements.
Thus, thermal management must be considered since overheating/freezing will damage or shorten the life of your devices. Vent kits, exhaust fans, and air conditioners can be used in conjunction with thermostats to regulate heat. Heaters and hygrostats can also be used to control condensation in damp environments.
We have over 18 years of experience selling electrical enclosures in various applications, including industrial control panels, power distribution, telecommunications, renewable energy, water and wastewater treatment, and medical equipment. If you have any questions on what enclosure is best for your application give us a call at (888) 886-8185 or send us an email.