Electrical Enclosures- Types, Models, and Benefits

ByErntec

Most people don’t understand the importance of having electrical enclosures for their electric and electronic equipment. Just randomly getting a box to house the equipment is not enough. It is crucial to purchase the right size and material of enclosures to protect your expensive equipment from wear and tear, or else you would end up wasting money.

Enclosures have to face the harshness of the weather, dust, and other harmful substances, and therefore the choice of material has to be made carefully. You need to understand when to use steel enclosures and when to get plastic ones for your equipment. In this discussion, we will take a detailed look at electrical equipment enclosures to help you develop a better understanding.

What Are Enclosures?

Enclosures housing panels used to safeguard electrical equipment from direct contact. They stop overheating, keep the equipment safe from wear and tear, and improve the overall lifespan of your electrical equipment. Apart from equipment safety, enclosures also avoid accidents by keeping people from coming in direct contact.

Benefits of Having Enclosures

There are several benefits of having enclosures for your electrical equipment. However, the three major benefits are as follows,

  • Improves Equipment Lifespan: Enclosures are primarily used to keep the equipment safe. They offer safety from natural wear and tear, dust deposits, pest-infestations and also regulate the heat produced within the equipment. Electrical equipment that is protected by an enclosure is less likely to get damaged frequently. Thus, the use of enclosures improves the lifespan of your expensive equipment.
  • Avoids Accidents: In industrial settings where a lot of machinery and electrical equipment is used, open equipment can cause accidents. The employees may be subjected to higher temperatures that can cause numerous health issues over the long run. In the worst-case scenario, an employee may get an electric shock, or a short circuit may cause a fire breakout if the equipment is completely unprotected. Enclosures act as a barrier between the users and the equipment, ensuring safety and avoid accidents at your workplace or home.
  • Keeps the Equipment Organized: At industrial places, there are numerous pieces of equipment, and keeping them open makes them unorganized and difficult to handle. The wires may get tangled, confusing the employees and increasing the possibilities of a mishap. When all the equipment is kept in enclosures, it keeps the workplace tidy and well-managed, allowing the employees to work peacefully in safety.

Types of Enclosures

Enclosures are usually available in steel and plastic. Both these materials are durable, but steel is surely tougher and lasts longer in unfavourable circumstances. On the other hand, plastic enclosures are suitable for smaller indoor equipment that doesn’t heat up frequently and for equipment that requires frequent access. Plastic enclosures are lighter than steel, allowing the user to mount them on walls or use them as hand-held enclosures.

However, when it comes to safety for larger equipment, steel enclosures are surely the ones to choose. Let’s look at some of the benefits of steel-based enclosures.

Benefits of Steel-based Enclosures

  • Toughness- Enclosures made of steel are very durable compared to plastic and therefore more suitable for rough conditions. They are resistant to corrosion, fire, heat, and pests, making them ideal for outdoor equipment. Unlike wooden enclosures, steel doesn’t require any weather treatment.
  • Eco-Friendly- Enclosures made of steel last long and therefore reduce waste. Plastic enclosures, on the other hand, may get damaged in rough conditions. Plastics being non-biodegradable can’t be considered eco-friendly. Steel models don’t require any treatment with pesticides and harmful chemicals as well; therefore, they are environment-friendly enclosures.
  • Cost-effective- In the long run, steel models are highly cost-effective. They last longer and require minimal to no maintenance at all. They also provide a higher level of safety to your equipment. Thus, steel models of enclosures save money for you in the long run.
  • Top Quality- As mentioned above, steel is durable and tough. However, steel models of enclosures also look classy on your property. So, when you buy steel-based enclosures, you get better quality at an affordable price.

Where to Get Enclosures From?

Never buy enclosures from inexperienced sellers. You can search online to locate the best enclosure providers in your area and order your enclosures from them. Before making an order, you must not forget to check the amount of experience the company has. Choose a service provider who offers a wider range of sizes and types of electrical enclosures so that you get the power to choose.

Conclusion

From the above discussion, it is clear that enclosures are highly essential for your electric equipment. And for outdoor use, where the conditions are rougher, the best decision would be to get steel enclosures for best safety.

So, don’t delay anymore. Contact your nearest service provider and get your enclosures now and safeguard your equipment and the family members at the same time.