Each quarter, Control Design's editors pull together the latest online tools and resources that we can find in a specific topic area, and present them here. In this installment, the topic is Housings and Enclosures.
(Enclosures: Think Outside the Box)
For whatever your industrial needs, it's important to choose the right electrical enclosure. The Spec Zone Specifier Handbook provides a good, non-commercial rundown of the information you'll need to consider to help you make that choice. It details the various standards organizations throughout the world and what you'll need to secure compliance, discusses corrosion resistance, explains the differences between traditional and European/contemporary styles, and helps you write your enclosure specifications.
Hammond Manufacturing
A standard set by the Electronic Industries Assn. (EIA), the "U" or "rack unit" sets system spacing, mounting, bezel clearance, and placement of mounting holes in the mounting flange for cabinets, racks, panels and other associated equipment. An online calculator makes it simple to convert from U values to inches or from inches to U values.
Crenlo
It used to be that specifying an enclosure was relatively simple: order the right sized gray box, install sensitive electronic equipment and hope the enclosure withstands its surroundings. Today, choices have increased exponentially, and the decision has become more complicated. This white paper will help you specify the right enclosure material with explanations and a series of worksheets to walk you through environment considerations, modifications, price, aesthetics, thermal issues, weight considerations and more.
Hoffman
Anytime you need to tackle product specifications for one component or another, it can often be helpful to have a good glossary on hand. For housings and enclosures, one helpful resource can be found at Stahlin Enclosure's glossary library. In addition to defining everything from "arc resistance" to “water absorption,” it provides information about various industry associations as well.
Stahlin Enclosures
The Increased Safety "Exe" Principle is intended for products in which arcs and sparks do not occur in normal service nor under fault conditions, and in which surface temperatures are controlled below incendive values. This guide explains more about what Increased Safety is, and provides details about where it falls within National Electric Code Article 505 and Europe's CENELEC.
Adalet
When choosing a cooling method for your enclosure, you essentially have two choices: maintain a NEMA rating or don’t maintain a NEMA rating. "Environmental Management of Enclosures" is a document that steps you through the components you'll need for each option, explains how to determine the correct method for cooling your project, and additional tips.
AutomationDirect
