The world of electrical enclosures can seem overwhelming at first glance. With a vast array of sizes, materials, and features to choose from, selecting the right one for your project can be a challenge.
At iLECSYS we understand the importance of getting it right. That's why we offer not only a vast selection of enclosures but also the expertise to assist you. Our comprehensive checklist provides a roadmap for navigating enclosure selection, and our knowledgeable staff are always happy to answer your questions and guide you towards the perfect enclosure for your needs.
Understanding the Role of Electrical Enclosures
Electrical enclosures serve a critical purpose: protecting sensitive electrical components from environmental hazards and ensuring user safety. They act as a physical barrier against dust, moisture, extreme temperatures, and even physical impact. By choosing the right enclosure, you can significantly reduce the risk of equipment failure, fire hazards, and electrical shock. Additionally, enclosures promote organisation and improve the overall aesthetics of your electrical system.
Step 1: Sizing Up Your Needs
The first step is determining the appropriate size for your enclosure. Consider two key factors:
- Available Space: Measure the available installation space to ensure the enclosure fits comfortably. Remember to account for clearance around the enclosure for maintenance and airflow.
- Internal Component Needs: Carefully assess the size and quantity of electrical components you plan to house within the enclosure. Leave ample space for wiring, & future additions, as undersized enclosures can lead to difficult assembly and potential overheating issues
While smaller enclosures offer a lower upfront cost, their cramped interiors can make installation and maintenance laborious. Opting for a more spacious enclosure provides easier accessibility, but may come at a higher price point. Modular enclosures could offer you the best of both worlds, allowing you the flexibility to expand upon your initial setup in the future.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Material
The ideal enclosure material depends heavily on the environment where it will be installed. Here's a breakdown of the most common enclosure materials and their ideal applications:
- Polycarbonate: This versatile material excels in outdoor applications due to its UV resistance and impressive impact strength (four times that of fibreglass enclosures). Polycarbonate is lightweight, easy to modify, and boasts a high-gloss finish. It's a popular choice for automotive, aircraft, industrial, and electrical applications and doesn't interfere with radio waves, making it suitable for wireless environments.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): A budget-friendly option ideal for indoor use. ABS enclosures are lightweight, impact-resistant, and come in a variety of colours. However, they are not UV stabilised & offer lower resistance to extreme conditions compared to other materials.
- GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester): These enclosures are known for their rigidity, chemical resistance, wide temperature tolerance, and non-conductive properties. GRP enclosures are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, particularly harsh environments with extreme temperatures, high salt concentrations, strong alkalis, acids, or organic solvents. Additionally, they perform well in continuously wet locations and are compatible with wireless applications.
- Aluminium: A lightweight option for general indoor and outdoor use. Aluminium enclosures offers good corrosion resistance, particularly against hydrogen sulphide, making them ideal for wastewater treatment applications.
- Mild Steel: The most cost-effective option for general use in environments where corrosion isn't a major concern.
- Stainless Steel: Renowned for its robust construction and exceptional corrosion resistance. Stainless steel enclosures are the go-to choice for food processing areas, dairies, breweries, or any wet areas, including marine environments.