Electrical Panel Enclosure

Introduction to Electrical Panel Enclosure

An electrical panel is an enclosure, usually a metal box, that houses critical electrical components that control and monitor a variety of mechanical operations. These are live systems that require maintenance, with condition-based monitoring and planned preventive maintenance being the most successful techniques. Electrical workers need access to control panels to diagnose problems, make changes and test for electrical safety. Operators will communicate with the panel controls to operate and manage the plant and process. The components of the panel will facilitate a variety of functions, such as monitoring the pressure or flow of a pipe and signalling when to open or close a valve. They are common and essential in most industries.

In its simplest form, an electrical panel is a collection of electrical components that use electricity to control the many mechanical operations of large machinery or industrial equipment. Panel structure and electrical components are the two main categories of an electrical panel. 

Electrical enclosures may not seem like a big deal. However, these precisely designed boxes are essential for protecting electronics in a wide range of sectors, including telecommunications, IT systems, utilities and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Given the pace at which modern technology is evolving, inventive electrical enclosures are more important than ever. Choosing the right type of electrical enclosure can not only save lives, but also save billions of dollars in equipment and operating costs. It is therefore the responsibility of equipment designers and electricians to select and use the appropriate electrical enclosures to protect the intricate networks of electrical conductors, connectors, receptacles and devices that make up today's electrical systems from the many environmental conditions that can damage them.

PANEL STRUCTURE OF ELECTRICAL CONTROL PANELS

The structure of an electrical panel consists of a rear panel and an enclosure, similar to a fuse box in a house or office.

Different Sizes of Electrical Panel Enclosure

There are no known international standards for electrical enclosure sizes, although manufacturers often use specific designs.

However, the standards that do exist are more concerned with the safety of electrical enclosures and the level of protection.

These include UL listing, RoHS, NFPA, CE, NEMA rating, IP rating and so on.

For example, the dimensions of an electrical enclosure can range from 75 x 125 x 35 to 300 x 600 x 136 mm.

It will vary depending on the exact requirements of the customer.

However, the size of the electrical enclosure should allow both secure mounting of components and unrestricted airflow for ventilation.

Manufacturers usually offer bespoke sizes of electrical enclosures.

Types of Electrical Panel Enclosure

NEMA Type 1

The least protective type of NEMA-rated enclosure is the Type 1 enclosure, which is intended for indoor use. These enclosures provide some protection against microscopic dust, dirt and accidental contact with electrical equipment.

Despite their lack of protection, NEMA 1 enclosures are often used in a variety of industries to house indoor electrical equipment, such as variable frequency drives, which are typically located indoors.

NEMA 3 Electrical Enclosures

NEMA 3 Enclosures are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. However, they are most commonly used as outdoor electrical enclosures.

This is because NEMA 3 enclosures provide protection against falling dirt, rain, snow, sleet and external ice formation. Although not suitable for extreme weather conditions, these enclosures can be used as outdoor electrical junction boxes to protect electrical connections and cables.

NEMA 4 Enclosures 

Offer greater protection against harsh weather conditions than NEMA 3R enclosures. Most importantly, they are waterproof, making them suitable for industrial applications such as protecting outdoor electrical systems, wire splices, circuit breakers and mounted telecommunications equipment.

The difference between a NEMA 3R weatherproof enclosure and a NEMA 4 waterproof enclosure is significant. Unlike Type 3 and 3R enclosures, NEMA 4 enclosures provide some protection against splashing and hose-directed water.

Another key difference between the two types of electrical enclosures is the enclosure's protective gasket. Gaskets on a NEMA 4 enclosure provide a watertight seal to prevent water ingress.

NEMA 4X Enclosure

The same level of protection as NEMA 4 is provided by NEMA 4X, but corrosion protection is improved. As a result, these weatherproof electrical boxes are frequently used in environments that are overly humid, heavily sprayed with water, or exposed to corrosive chemicals.

When there is an abundance of moisture present, corrosion is a prevalent issue in electrical systems. Because NEMA 4X enclosures are impermeable, moisture won't harm delicate electrical components.

Uses of Electrical Panel Enclosure

An electrical enclosure is a housing for electrical or electronic equipment used to install switches, knobs and displays, to protect the contents from the environment and to prevent electrical shock to users of the equipment. Users can only view the enclosure when using the equipment.

Top Manufacturers and Suppliers of Electrical Panel Enclosure

Here’s a list of top manufacturers and suppliers of electrical panel enclosure- 

• INTEGRA Engineering India Limited.
• Rittal India Private Limited.
• Fibox India Private Limited.
• BCH Electric Limited.
• RR India.
• Suvire Electric Private Limited.
• Allied Moulded Enclosure Products (India) Private Limited.
• PRK Fabricators Private Limited.