Electrical enclosures are protective boxes that house and protect electrical equipment. These enclosures are key components of power distribution and control systems, adding durability and minimising the risk of electrical hazards.
With a variety of enclosures available in the market, it can be hard to find the perfect electrical enclosure to fit your current system. In this guide, we explore the basics of enclosures, including its different types and characteristics to look out for.
Why Electrical Enclosures Are Important
Electrical enclosures provide a layer of protection to sensitive electrical components. They are built to withstand high temperatures and are weather-resistant, preventing any damage to the components within. Enclosures help maintain the optimal operating conditions for electrical components by limiting exposure to temperature extremes and electromagnetic interference.
Aside from protection against the elements, electrical enclosures also protect against physical tampering, which is crucial in public spaces. It also provides a safe, organised mounting position to keep cables in place and protect against electrical hazards.
Types of Electrical Enclosures
There are many different enclosure types, with varying sizes and materials for specific applications. Here are some of the most common types:
Material Based Enclosures
- Metal Enclosures
Metal enclosures are designed for heavy-duty, industrial environment. They are made from durable material, such as aluminium, mild steel, or stainless steel. Thanks to its physical properties, it provides excellent protection against tampering and the environment.
IPD offers Stainless Steel Enclosures and Terminal Boxes built with high-specification material that can withstand harsh environments, such as those in the food or healthcare industries.
- Plastic Enclosures
Compared to its metal counterparts, plastic enclosures are much more lightweight. They are typically made with polycarbonate, ABS, or fibreglass impregnated material that make them easy to install.
Plastic enclosures can be used in outdoor applications, such as residential and office buildings, and even construction sites. This is due to the corrosion resistance properties of the plastic, enabling long-term reliability and protection against the elements which is crucial for electrical systems.
Application-Specific Enclosures
- Junction Boxes
Junction boxes are smaller enclosures that are particularly used for wiring connections and terminations. Junction boxes protect the connections from accidental contact and the environment, especially those with vulnerable terminations, such as wire splices or connectors.
These can be used with accessories such as cable glands for an added layer of protection. Other accessories such as mounting plates are available as well.
What to Know When Choosing an Electrical Enclosure
When choosing the right electrical enclosure for your electrical systems, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Ensure Compliance with Standards
To ensure that the enclosure can effectively protect electrical systems against its intended environment, make sure that it complies with standards such as IP or NEMA ratings. These standards categorise the protection rating of the enclosures for specific purposes, indicating how much exposure to the elements it can withstand.
Enclosures with high IP ratings, such as IPD’s Mild Steel and Stainless Steel Enclosures, ensure strong protection against the elements.
- Consider the Mounting Position
Some enclosure types can be mounted in different ways. Wall-mounted enclosures are typically used for smaller, low-powered applications. Floor-mounted enclosures, on the other hand, can be used for more complex applications and are better suited for indoor use. Outdoor floor mounted enclosures are available as well.
- Consider the Size and Material Needed
Electrical enclosures come in different sizes and materials. Many electrical enclosures offer a variety of size options depending on the site-specific and board design requirements. Some even come in a modular design such as the Elsteel’s Techno range available from IPD. The enclosure material will also indicate which environment it is best suited for.
Explore IPD’s Range of Electrical Enclosures
Whether for industrial or commercial applications, IPD offers a selection of electrical enclosures designed to protect your assets from hazards and the elements. Enclosures are essential to maintain the longevity of vital equipment, and to mitigate hazardous risks.
To learn more about our enclosure solutions, contact us on 1300 556 187 or visit our website https://www.ipd.com.au/enclosures-and-climate-control/enclosures