| An electronic or electrical enclosure is primarily | | | | covered by the enclosures IP rating. IP stands for |
| used to protect the users and the contents from | | | | 'Ingress Protection' and the ratings are used to |
| the environment. They are boxes or cabinets | | | | define the effectiveness of the sealing of the |
| which enclose electrical or electronic equipment. | | | | electrical enclosure against intrusion from foreign |
| They are used to mount knobs, switches and | | | | bodies ( dirt etc ) and moisture. |
| displays and also to prevent electrical shock to | | | | Weatherproof enclosures are extremely |
| equipment users. | | | | important, and the level of protection that is |
| They are only a part of the equipment which | | | | required depends on the type of anticipated |
| may be seen by the users, and sometimes they | | | | weather. |
| are designed not only for their functional use, but | | | | If an electrical enclosure is to be located in a |
| also for aesthetic purposes, especially if they are | | | | damp or rainy area, then anything from an IP66 |
| to be positioned in public places; so it is important | | | | would be suitable. If the weather is just dry and |
| that they are pleasing to the eye, and fit more | | | | dusty then an IP65 would suffice. |
| comfortably in with the environment. | | | | Waterproof enclosures are totally waterproof. |
| They are generally manufactured from metals | | | | And an enclosure with an IP68 rating is required |
| such as aluminium or steel, rigid durable plastics, | | | | for prolonged immersion in water under pressure, |
| and may even be made from wood to | | | | or an IP67 rating for temporary immersion in |
| accommodate any equipment for which they are | | | | water. |
| used. Some enclosures may have punched out | | | | |
| holes or knockouts that are removed thus | | | | Other types of electrical enclosures include:o |
| allowing access for conduits, connectors or cables. | | | | Polyester/ GRP enclosures (Glass Reinforced |
| There are many companies that supply electronic | | | | Polyester)o Polycarbonate/ ABS enclosures |
| enclosures and some may even customise the | | | | (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)o Steel enclosures |
| product to meet any specific needs such as, | | | | and cabinets (Mild & Stainless steel)o Hand |
| tapping, drilling punching, milling, painting and | | | | held enclosureso Aluminum enclosures |
| powder coating to any colour. | | | | Closures are available in many different materials, |
| Many electrical enclosures have some type of | | | | and some fire rated enclosures can withstand 950 |
| weatherproofing, and the level to which an | | | | degrees centigrade for up to three hours. |
| enclosure will protect any electrical items is | | | | |