Industrial enclosures 101

Without industrial enclosures, sensitive automation components wouldn’t stand a chance in the field. Shorn of protection, they would be exposed to moisture, heat, dust and other hazardous environmental conditions. In “How to choose an industrial enclosure,” an exclusive video interview from Control Engineering, Jody Kinney, product manager at AutomationDirect, walks viewers through the ins and outs of selecting the proper enclosure. As a supplement, Control Engineering has compiled a guide to the basics of industrial enclosures below.

What is an industrial enclosure?

An industrial enclosure is a protective housing used to protect electronic or mechanical equipment in industrial settings. These enclosures can be made of various materials, including plastic, aluminum, steel, and stainless steel, depending on the specific requirements of the application.

Industrial enclosures are typically designed to provide protection against various environmental factors, such as dust, moisture, extreme temperatures, and chemical exposure, which could damage or compromise the functionality of the equipment inside. They also serve as a safety measure by preventing accidental contact with live electrical parts and reducing the risk of electrical hazards.

Industrial enclosures come in different shapes and sizes, ranging from small boxes to large cabinets or rooms. Some enclosures are designed for outdoor use, while others are intended for indoor use. Some may have features such as ventilation systems, cooling fans, or heating elements to regulate the temperature inside.

Overall, industrial enclosures play a critical role in safeguarding sensitive equipment in harsh industrial environments, ensuring the smooth and reliable operation of the equipment and minimizing downtime due to damage or malfunctions.

What are the different types of industrial enclosures?

• Junction boxes: used to house electrical connections and wiring, providing a secure and organized way to distribute power and signal throughout a system.
• Control panels: used to house electronic controls and instrumentation, allowing operators to monitor and control various processes and equipment.
• Operator consoles: used to house operator interfaces, such as displays and control buttons, providing a user-friendly interface for controlling machinery and processes.
• Server racks: used to house servers and networking equipment in data centers and other IT settings, providing cooling and security for critical systems.

How should I select a material for my industrial enclosure?

Industrial enclosures can be made from a variety of materials, depending on the specific application and the level of protection required. Some common materials used to make industrial enclosures include:

• Metals: such as steel, aluminum, and stainless steel, are popular materials for industrial enclosures because of their durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion. These materials are often used in heavy-duty industrial applications where the enclosure needs to withstand harsh environments and frequent use.
• Plastics: such as polycarbonate, ABS, and PVC, are lightweight and durable materials that are often used in industrial enclosures for their resistance to impact, chemicals, and UV radiation. These materials are often used in applications where weight is a concern or where the enclosure needs to be resistant to corrosive chemicals. In addition, because it easier to make smaller custom molds from plastics, plastic enclosures are becoming increasingly common.
• Fiberglass: is a strong and lightweight material that is often used in industrial enclosures where the enclosure needs to be corrosion-resistant or where weight is a concern. Fiberglass is often used in outdoor applications or in applications where the enclosure needs to withstand extreme temperatures.
• Composites: are materials made from two or more different materials that are combined to create a material with specific properties. Composite materials, such as carbon fiber or Kevlar, are often used in industrial enclosures where the enclosure needs to be lightweight and strong.

The choice of material for an industrial enclosure depends on several factors, including the application, the environment, and the required level of protection. It’s important to choose the right material to ensure that the enclosure provides the necessary protection for the equipment inside.

What are the primary ratings systems in place for industrial enclosures?

In North America, the two primary rating systems used for industrial enclosures are NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) and IP (Ingress Protection).

NEMA ratings are a set of standards used to describe the level of protection that an industrial enclosure provides against different environmental factors. These ratings are important because they help to ensure that the enclosure is suitable for the specific application and environment.

There are several different NEMA ratings for industrial enclosures, each of which corresponds to a specific level of protection. Here are some of the most common NEMA ratings:

• NEMA 1: provides basic protection against dust, falling dirt, and non-corrosive liquids.
• NEMA 3 and 3R: provide protection against rain, sleet, and other outdoor elements. NEMA 3 is designed for use in outdoor environments, while NEMA 3R is designed for use in indoor environments.
• NEMA 4 and 4X: provide protection against water, corrosion, and other environmental factors. NEMA 4 is designed for use in indoor or outdoor environments, while NEMA 4X is designed for use in indoor or outdoor environments where the enclosure needs to be resistant to corrosion.
• NEMA 12: provides protection against dust, dirt, and non-corrosive liquids, as well as some protection against dripping or splashing water.
• NEMA 13: provides the same level of protection as NEMA 12, but with additional protection against spraying liquids and oil.

IP ratings are a set of standards used to describe the level of protection that an industrial enclosure provides against solids and liquids. IP ratings are important because they help to ensure that the enclosure is suitable for the specific application and environment.

The IP rating consists of two digits, each of which corresponds to a specific level of protection. The first digit represents the level of protection against solids, while the second digit represents the level of protection against liquids. Here are some of the most common IP ratings for industrial enclosures:

• IP65: provides protection against dust and water jets from any direction.
• IP66: provides protection against dust and powerful water jets from any direction.
• IP67: provides protection against dust and immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
• IP68: provides protection against dust and immersion in water beyond 1 meter for a specified time.

The specific level of protection provided by an IP rating depends on the combination of the two digits. For example, an IP65 rated enclosure provides a higher level of protection against water than an IP55 rated enclosure, but a lower level of protection against solids.

It’s important to choose an industrial enclosure with an IP and/or NEMA rating that is appropriate for the specific application and environment to ensure that the equipment inside is protected and safe.

Some FAQ content was compiled with the assistance of ChatGPT. Due to the limitations of AI tools, all content was edited and reviewed by our content team.

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our CFE Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.