Panel enclosures do one thing — protect sensitive equipment from environmental hazards. This protection allows the equipment to operate safety and in a reliable fashion. Simple enough, right? However, no two panel enclosures are the same. What’s more, should the incorrect enclosure be chosen for an application, it could put valuable goods, equipment/machinery, and personnel safety at risk.
First and foremost, it is important to ask the most basic question — what is a panel enclosure? At their core, they are durable boxes designed to protect different types of components from environmental factors like dust, water, chemicals, and even physical impact. They are available in a variety of sizes and materials, the latter of consequence when it comes to certain applications and environments.
Are there certain standards that pertain to enclosure design and manufacturing? It should come as no surprise that yes, there are standards galore. Panel enclosures need to comply with a slew of industry standards. Major standards that are of note include National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). IP (Ingress Protection) code specifies the degree of protection against dust and liquids.
What is the right material for a panel enclosure? It all comes down to the application and environmental conditions. Common materials include stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, and fiberglass.
How does ventilation and cooling factor into the process? Enclosures without proper ventilation and cooling are likely to overheat. This excess heat can cause major damage to sensitive components. Therefore, it is important to consider cooling & ventilation interventions of varying degrees. This includes:
Is it possible to have effective cable management within panel enclosures? Effective cable management is important to maintain organization inside of all manner of equipment & machinery. Keeping things organized does a few things: 1) it makes maintenance easier; 2) clear labeling keeps workflow steady, reducing downtime; and 3) safety is ensured because maintenance teams are not working blindly in often dangerous environments. Panel enclosures are no different. Facilities operating with panel enclosures should work with a best practices that includes:
Panel enclosure mounting options — are there common types?
Panel enclosures can be mounted in various ways. Common mounting options include:
How does maintenance work for panel enclosures?
Panel enclosures are an investment. As such, it is important that regular maintenance & inspections take place to ensure the longevity and reliability of panel enclosures. Facilities and personnel should monitor the following:
In short, panel enclosures are more important than one might have imagined at first glance. This also means that finding the right manufacturer of these items is vital from the start. LoDan Electronics, Inc. in Chicago has been a trusted name since 1967. The list of capabilities and services we offer has grown with our clientele over the decades & shows no signs of slowing down.
Trust your panel enclosures & other custom products to LoDan Electronics, Inc. Call us today.