Equally important – and often overlooked – are flexibility, efficiency, maintenance, and appearance.
High priority needs to be given to the enclosure environment, both internal and external. Here, the international IP ratings are indispensable and very specific in terms of protections against solids (first digit), with 6 being the highest, signalling complete protection from the entry of particles such as dust.
The second digit refers to fluid protection, with 8 denoting the enclosure can be completely and continuously submerged. Equally pertinent are IK ratings denoting impact protection in industrial settings, impact by other equipment being the most common.
All reputable enclosure manufacturers will specify IP and IK ratings and not hide behind terms like “splashproof” and “rugged”.
The ambient temperature range of the enclosure location needs careful thought, especially with normal seasonal temperatures being exceeded on a frequent basis.
Read the full article in DPA's May issue