Enclosures come with an array of accessories to ensure their proper and efficient function. In this comprehensive list of electrical enclosure accessories, you’ll find everything about them explained. These range from basic parts like mounting hardware to more complex components such as ventilation systems.
Electrical Enclosure Accessories
Electrical enclosure accessories refer to the various add-ons and parts that help complete an electrical enclosure. These can include anything from ventilation systems to more complex components like heating and cooling units.
Enclosure accessories will also be different for different types of enclosures. For example, wall-mounted enclosures will need different accessories than floor-standing ones
To help you understand everything about enclosure accessories, we’ve put together this comprehensive list. Note that this is not an exhaustive list, but it covers the most common and important accessories.
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Types of Electrical Accessories
Enclosure accessories can be broadly classified into two categories: those that are essential for the proper functioning of the enclosure and those that enhance its performance. Below is a list of these accessories along with their functions.
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1. Electrical Enclosure DIN Rail
The enclosure DIN rail is used to mount electrical components inside the enclosure. These include items like circuit breakers, contactors, and relays. Electrical enclosure DIN rails come in different sizes and lengths, so it’s important to choose the right one for your enclosure.
An enclosure with din rail will use one of these types: top hat, mini top hat, C-rails, and G-profile. The rails can also be
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2. Electrical Enclosure Backplate
The electrical enclosure back plate serves as a base for mounting electrical components inside and outside the enclosure. Usually, the same material used for the enclosure itself is used for the back plate. This ensures that the back plate is durable and can withstand the same environmental conditions as the enclosure material.
3. Electrical Enclosure Hole Plugs
These enclosure accessories are used to plug unused or unneeded holes in an enclosure. This helps to prevent the ingress of dust and water into the enclosure. Electrical enclosure hole plugs are available in different sizes to fit different types of holes, but are mostly round.
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4. Electrical Enclosure Gasket
An enclosure gasket is a seal that is used to prevent the ingress of dust and water into the enclosure cabinet or box. The electrical enclosure gasket can be made using different materials, including neoprene, silicone, and EPDM rubber.
5. Electrical Enclosure Cooling System
An electrical enclosure cooling unit helps to remove heat from inside the enclosure and keep the temperature down. These are usually used in enclosures that house sensitive electrical components that can be damaged by heat. There are different types of cooling systems for enclosures.
Electrical Enclosure Fans
These are used to circulate air inside the enclosure and remove heat. Electrical enclosure fans come in different sizes, and the type of fan you choose will depend on the size of the enclosure.
Electrical Enclosure Air Conditioners
These work by removing heat from the air inside the enclosure and circulating cooler air. They come in different sizes, from micro air conditioners for small enclosures to large units for large cabinets.
Electrical Enclosure Heat sink
Another option for cooling enclosures is to use heat sinks. These dissipate heat away from electrical components. An enclosure heat sink can be used in conjunction with fans or air conditioners to provide a more effective cooling system.
6. Electrical Enclosure Ventilation
Electrical enclosure vents help to prevent the build-up of heat inside. They work by facilitating the circulation of air inside the enclosure and keeping the temperature down. There are two main options for enclosure ventilation systems: forced and natural.
Forced ventilation is where air is actively pushed into the enclosure, while natural ventilation relies on the movement of air to circulate it. To prevent dust and water from entering the enclosure, the vents must be fitted with filters.
7. Electrical Enclosure Heater
An electrical enclosure heater helps prevent the formation of condensation inside the enclosure. Condensation can occur when there is a difference in temperature between the air inside the enclosure and the air outside.
8. Electrical Enclosure Lighting System
An electrical enclosure lighting system is used to provide illumination inside the enclosure. This is important for safety as well as for being able to see inside the enclosure. There are two types of these electrical enclosure accessories:
- Fluorescent Lighting: These are used to provide general illumination inside the enclosure
- LED Lighting: LEDs provide a more focused and brighter light and are often used for their durability and easy installation.
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9. Enclosure Windows
An electrical enclosure window is used to allow visibility into the enclosure without opening it. This is important for safety as well as for being able to see what’s going on inside the enclosure. Enclosure windows are available in different sizes and shapes, and can be made from different materials like glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate.
10. Electrical Enclosure Cable Entry
An electrical enclosure cable entry system is used to route cables into and out of the enclosure. This helps to keep the cables tidy and organized, and prevents them from being damaged. Cable entry systems are available in different sizes and shapes that include frames and grommets.
11. Enclosure Racks
Shelves are used to store items inside the enclosure. These electrical enclosure accessories are available in as sliding or fixed, and in different materials. Electrical enclosure racks must be able to support the weight of the items that will be stored on them.
12. Electrical Enclosure Latches
Enclosure latches help to fasten or close the enclosure shut. These enclosure accessories help to secure your enclosure but without necessarily locking it. As such, they do not prevent unauthorized persons from gaining entry into the cabinet. Electrical enclosure latches can be different styles.
13. Electrical Enclosure Door Locks
Electrical enclosure door locks are used to secure the enclosure door. These locks help to prevent unauthorized access to the enclosure as they can only be opened with a key. Different types of enclosure locks can be used to secure various installations, such as latch and cam locks.
14. Electrical Enclosure Hinges
Enclosure hinges are used to attach the enclosure door to the enclosure body. They are also made in many different designs, and may be light or heavy duty, depending on the application. Common styles include piano, continuous, butt, and spring. Electrical enclosure hinges must be able to support the weight of the door
15. Electrical Enclosure Handles
Electrical enclosure handles provide a convenient way to open and close the enclosure door. Just like most other accessories, handles come in different shapes, sizes, and materials to meet the specific needs of your application.
16. Electrical Enclosure Rain Canopy
A rain canopy is used to keep the enclosure dry in wet weather conditions. These electrical enclosure accessories are available in different sizes and materials, and may be attached to the side of the enclosure or placed over it.
17. Electrical Enclosure Sun Shield
In order to keep the enclosure cool in hot weather conditions, a sun shield can be used. The electrical enclosure sun shield blocks the sun’s rays from entering the enclosure, and is available in different sizes and materials.
18. Electrical Enclosure Data Pocket
A data pocket is used to store documents inside the enclosure. This helps to keep the documents organized and protected. The enclosure data pocket also ensures the required information about the enclosure and its contents is readily available.
19. Electrical Enclosure Insulation
The electrical enclosure insulation helps to keep the enclosure cool in hot weather conditions and prevent condensation in cold weather conditions. In other words, it regulates the transfer of heat into or out of the enclosure.
Enclosure insulation is available in different materials such as polyurethane, and polyisocyanurate. It also comes in different thicknesses to meet the specific needs of your application.
20. Enclosure Wall Mount
An enclosure wall mount or mounting bracket is used to attach the enclosure to a wall. This helps to save space and keep the enclosure out of the way. Wall mounts are available in different sizes to attach different electrical enclosure sizes and sturdiness for different enclosure weights.
21. Electrical Enclosure Grounding Busbar
The enclosure grounding busbar is used to provide a path for electrical current to flow to the earth. This helps to protect against electric shocks and other dangers. The grounding busbar is made of copper or aluminum, and is available in different sizes.
Conclusion
The list of electrical enclosure accessories is quite long, but this should give you a good idea of the different types that are available. When choosing the right accessories for your enclosure, it is important to consider the specific needs of your application. Remember, using the right enclosure accessories will help ensure that your electrical enclosure works properly and meets specific safety requirements.
