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Applications

Electronic enclosures are essential in safeguarding a variety of electronic equipment from damage, contaminants, and interference. These enclosures not only shield their contents from pollutants and moisture but also protect the internal circuitry from electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can disrupt efficient performance. Given the sensitive and critical nature of electrical systems and wiring, electronic enclosures are a standard component in most industrial and manufacturing settings.

Often called electrical cabinets, electronic enclosures are essential in safeguarding equipment and instruments across various industries. They are prevalent in medical, automotive, and agricultural sectors but are equally crucial in virtually any electronic application.

Electronic Enclosures – Equipto Electronics Corporation

History

Electronic enclosures emerged soon after the advent of electricity, crafted by engineers to protect early switch types known as cut-outs. These cut-outs, featuring an insulated T-shaped hammer and copper bars, were initially mounted directly onto surfaces with fasteners like self-tapping screws or bolts, leaving their live wires dangerously exposed. Recognizing the hazards and potential damage to these live components, people began encasing them in wooden boxes, aptly named cut-out boxes. This innovation extended to switchboards, which also housed live copper parts, leading manufacturers to place them within wooden enclosures for enhanced safety and durability.

Wooden enclosures served their purpose for a time, but with the advent of electricity in homes, their limitations became evident. Homeowners soon discovered that these wooden structures couldn’t safely contain the electrical components. Overheating wires posed a significant fire risk, especially if one became loose. To address this danger, engineers abandoned wooden enclosures in favor of flame-retardant metal ones, ensuring greater safety and reliability in handling electrical currents.

Since the inception of enclosures, their uses have expanded dramatically, along with the innovative designs and diverse materials manufacturers employ. As our dependence on electronics persists, the prevalence of electronic enclosures is set to soar even higher.

Types

Mounted enclosures, also known as mounted cabinets, are highly sought after for their practicality and convenience. As the name suggests, these enclosures are designed to be attached to walls. They come equipped with strategically placed holes at the bottom or back, allowing users to easily secure them using fasteners like screws. This design ensures a stable and reliable installation, making them a popular choice in various settings.

Standardized rack mount enclosures are designed to house multiple 19-inch-wide equipment modules. These enclosures have protruding edges, allowing users to securely fasten individual modules to a frame. Typically constructed from steel or aluminum, the frames of these enclosures leverage the strength and load-bearing properties of these metals. The enclosures themselves are often made from plastic or metal, particularly steel and aluminum, chosen for their corrosion resistance and ability to protect contents from weather and vandalism. Many models feature a door that can be locked for added security. Rack mount enclosures are commonly used to store professional audio equipment, computer servers, and other electronic devices.

Computer enclosures are specially designed housings that protect and support computers, often doubling as rack mount enclosures. Crafted typically from steel or aluminum, these robust structures shield the internal components from environmental hazards. Although they are not naturally resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI), manufacturers can enhance their protective qualities by adding an EMI shield coating, ensuring the enclosed computers operate without disruption from external electronic noise.

Electronic instrument enclosures are meticulously crafted by manufacturers to house an array of electronic devices used in diverse environments. These enclosures are designed to be robust, capable of withstanding extreme conditions such as explosions, earthquakes, or tornadoes. Constructed from durable materials like die-cast iron or aluminum, they come in various shapes and sizes, from compact rectangular metal boxes to circular designs that safeguard head-mounted instruments.

NEMA enclosures are specialized protective housings certified by the National Electronic Manufacturers Association (NEMA). These enclosures come in thirteen distinct ratings, tailored to either hazardous or non-hazardous environments, and are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Each rating specifies the level of protection the enclosure provides against various elements and conditions that could affect electronic equipment. Among the most commonly used ratings are Type 1, Type 3R, Type 4, and Type 12, each offering different degrees of safeguarding for sensitive electronics.

Type 1 NEMA enclosures are ideal for indoor use in safe, non-hazardous settings. They primarily provide protection against dirt contamination, ensuring a cleaner and more secure environment for housed equipment.

Type 3R NEMA enclosures are ideal for non-hazardous environments, specifically crafted for outdoor use. These enclosures provide robust protection against various weather conditions, safeguarding against ice formation, snowfall, rainfall, and sleet, ensuring the durability and safety of the equipment inside.

Type 4 NEMA enclosures boast superior versatility compared to their predecessors. Designed for use in non-hazardous environments, these enclosures are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. They offer robust protection against a wide range of environmental threats, including exterior ice formation, snowfall, rainfall, sleet, windblown dust, splashing water, and even water from a hose.

Type 12 NEMA enclosures are designed for indoor use, offering robust protection for electrical and electronic components. These enclosures shield against falling solid foreign objects such as dirt, fibers, circulating dust, and lint. Additionally, they guard against non-corrosive dripping liquids, ensuring the safety and longevity of the enclosed equipment.

Project enclosures are versatile containers used by students and hobbyists to house their custom-made electrical and electronic creations.

Stainless steel enclosures provide exceptional protection due to their corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and durability. They are ideal for housing electrical components that generate excessive energy, acting as efficient heat exchangers. When exposed to high energy levels, the stainless steel absorbs and dissipates the heat, ensuring the components remain safe and functional.

Aluminum enclosures, typically crafted from diecast aluminum, bring a wealth of advantages. They are known for their malleability, durability, and excellent conductivity, both electrical and thermal. Additionally, their lightweight nature makes them an ideal choice for various applications. These enclosures are most frequently used indoors, where the risk of moisture exposure is minimal, as diecast aluminum is not especially resistant to moisture.

ABS enclosures, crafted from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, are prized for their impressive durability and versatility. This robust thermoplastic, commonly referred to as ABS, boasts remarkable impact resistance and shock absorbency, making it an ideal choice for protecting delicate electronics. Additionally, its excellent electrical insulation properties and lightweight nature contribute to its widespread use. Though suitable for various applications, ABS enclosures are particularly favored for housing handheld and pocket-sized electronic devices, offering a reliable shield in a sleek, portable form.

Polycarbonate enclosures, crafted from the versatile plastic polycarbonate, offer a significant advantage by insulating electronics from heat. This makes them ideal for electronics operating in low-temperature environments. Additionally, manufacturers can mold these enclosures into exceptionally compact and small forms, making them a popular choice for space-efficient electronic devices.

Fiberglass enclosures provide numerous benefits, including resistance to chemicals, heat, corrosion, and impacts. They also boast high tensile strength and excellent electrical properties. These enclosures are particularly favored by customers for environments with moisture, salt, and chemicals, as well as for general outdoor use due to their robust protective qualities.

Design and Customization

Electronic enclosures often take on a rectangular, box-like shape, though some designs are round or have sloping sides. They typically include one or more panels for easy access. These enclosures vary widely in size, from a compact one-square-inch unit for a simple push button assembly to expansive structures that can house entire rooms filled with large computer networks and intricate wiring.

Materials

Manufacturers typically craft electronic enclosures from sheet metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum. However, they often incorporate advanced materials like fiberglass composites and high-strength polymer plastics, offering enhanced durability and versatility.

Additionally, based on the specific application, manufacturers might construct the enclosure using thicker metal for the frame. They could also encase it in robust materials such as reinforced plastic, carbon fiber, or Kevlar for added durability.

Manufacturers select electronic enclosure materials by considering the specific requirements of each application. They look for qualities like corrosion resistance to protect against environmental damage, thermal insulation to maintain temperature stability, spark and explosion resistance for safety in volatile environments, low temperature resistance for performance in cold conditions, and overall durability and security to ensure the longevity and protection of the electronic components within.

Considerations and Customization

Manufacturers have the flexibility to create custom electrical enclosures tailored to exact specifications or to provide products from a vast array of existing standard designs. They frequently utilize advanced software tools, such as Protocase Designer, to conceptualize and draft their designs with precision and efficiency.

When crafting custom enclosure products, manufacturers must carefully determine the specifics, including the enclosure’s dimensions, the materials used for its construction, the type of mounting, whether it will be oriented vertically or horizontally, and the security features to be incorporated.

Enclosures, at their core, are simple boxes, yet their true potential lies in custom design. Manufacturers can craft these enclosures with a range of practical features. Handheld enclosures, for instance, might come with soft, ergonomic grips and convenient battery doors. While many enclosures are designed to snap together effortlessly, others employ lap joints or tongue and groove construction to ensure a tight seal, effectively keeping out dust and water.

Manufacturers have the flexibility to enhance their equipment with a variety of features. They can incorporate locking mechanisms for security, LCD screens for easy monitoring, and warning signs to alert others to the presence of sensitive and potentially hazardous equipment. Additionally, they can add ventilation fans to ensure proper airflow, lids and removable panels for convenient access, and various access points and vents. To further customize, recessed tops can be included to accommodate labels and keypads, among other potential enhancements.

Safety and Compliance Standards

When purchasing electronic enclosures, one crucial standard to consider is its NEMA type. This designation, given by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, signifies the enclosure’s specific grading and performance capabilities.

In the United States, key organizations responsible for establishing and enforcing safety and compliance standards for electronic enclosures include the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). On the global stage, significant standards are set by UL, a worldwide company based in the U.S., and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Additionally, many countries develop their own specific standards. To ensure your electronic enclosures meet the appropriate regulations, consult with industry leaders for guidance.

Things to Consider

If you need an electronic enclosure, we suggest reaching out to a reputable manufacturer who prioritizes your needs. To support your search, we’ve compiled a list of trusted electronic enclosure manufacturers, complete with their contact details and profiles. You can find this valuable information in the middle of the page, nestled between the informative sections.

We believe that one or more of these manufacturers will help you succeed. To find the perfect fit, start by listing all your specifications and requirements, including critical details like your budget, delivery deadline, and post-delivery support preferences. With this comprehensive list, you can easily identify which manufacturers can meet your needs. From our list, select three or four top contenders and reach out to them. Send a request for a quote or call them directly. During your conversations, use your specifications list to guide the discussion. After speaking with representatives from each supplier, compare the outcomes of your conversations, focusing on both pricing and customer service quality. Once you’ve identified the best candidate, contact them to get started. Good luck!