Modular Enclosures Information on GlobalSpec

Modular enclosures consist of smaller components that can be assembled to create custom enclosures, often for temporary or mobile systems. These modular components are available in standard sizes and allow modular enclosures to be used for a variety of purposes. Most modular enclosures are rectangular or T-shaped. Length, width, and height are important dimensions. Inside length, inside width, and inside height are also important considerations. Because some modular enclosures can be mounted in several different ways, suppliers recommend viewing product pictures or diagrams to determine which dimensions refers to length and which dimensions refer to width. For standard enclosures, the length or height is measured parallel to the hinge axis. For products with a screw-on or non-hinged cover, the length is the longer of the two dimensions. For enclosures that are rated by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the width is perpendicular to the hinge axis and the depth is the distance from the opening to the back.

NEMA ratings indicate whether modular enclosures are suitable for hazardous or non-hazardous locations and designed for indoor or outdoor use. All NEMA enclosures protect personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment. Types 1, 2, 12, 12K and 13 NEMA enclosures are rated for indoor use in non-hazardous locations. Types 3, 3R, 3S, 4, 4X, 5, 6, and 6P enclosures are rated for both indoor and outdoor use in non-hazardous locations. NFPA 70, a publication of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is the basis of several NEMA ratings for hazardous locations. Type 7 and Type 8 NEMA enclosures are designed for Class I; Division 1; Groups A, B, C or D hazardous locations. Type 7 enclosures are rated for indoor use. Type 8 enclosures are rated for outdoor use. Type 9 NEMA enclosures are designed for indoor use in hazardous locations classified as Class II; Division 1; Groups E, F, or G. Type 10 NEMA enclosures are designed to meet the requirements of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Type 11 NEMA enclosures are designed for immersing the enclosed equipment in oil.

The Ingress Protection (IP) ratings system from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) describes the degree to which modular enclosures provide protection against the ingress of foreign objects and moisture. There are six IP ratings that describe protection against foreign objects. Type 0 enclosures do not provide protection. Type 1 (>50 mm), Type 2 (>12 mm), Type 3 (>2.5 mm), and Type 4 (1 mm) enclosures provide protection against foreign objects of various sizes. Type 5 enclosures provide protection against dust. Type 6 enclosures are dust-tight. There are eight IP ratings for protection against moisture. Type 0 enclosures do not provide protection. Type 1 and Type 2 protect the enclosed equipment against dripping water. Terminal and junction boxes with Type 3 (spraying water), Type 4 (splashing water), Type 5 (water jets), Type 6 (heavy seas), Type 7 (immersion), and Type 8 (submersion) IP ratings are also available.

Selecting modular enclosures requires an analysis of construction materials and mounting styles. Most products are made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, plastic, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or polystyrene. End panels are often made of clear, infrared, solid, or transparent plastic and include cutouts for DB9 or DB25 connectors. Some devices are designed to sit atop desks or mount in freestanding cabinets or open-frame racks. Others are wall-mounted or fit standard DIN rails. Specialized products are flame retardant, impact resistant, explosion proof, or shielded from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). Modular enclosures with locks, keypads, and knockouts are also available.

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Products & Services Related to Modular Enclosures

Console and Consolet Enclosures

Console and consolet enclosures are freestanding structures with a sloped front or top for mounting electric or electronic control components. They protect sensitive equipment such as computer monitors in harsh, wet, dirty, or dusty environments.

Electronic and Instrument Enclosures

Electronic enclosures and instrument enclosures house electronic components and instruments. They are usually designed for handheld or desktop applications.

Industrial Enclosures

Industrial enclosures are used to house electronic components, equipment and devices. They are designed to protect personnel from accidental injury and to prevent the ingress of environmental contaminants.

NEMA and IP Enclosures

NEMA and IP enclosures are used to house and protect electrical devices and electronic components. NEMA enclosures are rated by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and designed for hazardous or non-hazardous locations and indoor or outdoor use. Ingress protection (IP) enclosures provide protection against foreign objects and moisture.

Operator Interface Enclosures

Operator interface enclosures are used to house industrial controls such as display screens, pushbuttons, keyboards, lights, and other operator control devices. They are usually mounted on suspension/pendant systems or pedestals.

PC Enclosures

PC enclosures are designed to protect personal computers (PCs) in industrial or office environments. They are designed to prevent the ingress of environmental contaminants such as dust and water and can be used to integrate a monitor, central processing unit (CPU), keyboard, and printer into one cabinet.

Rack Enclosures

Rack enclosures (rack cabinets, laboratory enclosures) are used to house standard 19 in. rack-mounted components or other standard-sized devices.

Engineering Web: Modular Enclosures - TechBriefs

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