If we said this short article was about enclosures, you are probably already wetting your finger in readiness to turn the page. But before you do, give a thought to the poor old enclosure. It may not be awe inspiring enough to appear on any recent expense claim forms but it does serve a purpose of immense responsibility. Enclosures are structures similar to a box whose principle role is to provide vital protection for any electrical or electronic equipment housed inside from its surrounding environment. The enclosure is also usually the only part of the equipment which is seen by users and so should be chosen not only for its utilitarian requirements, but also so that it is aesthetically pleasing.
Today a general purpose enclosure normally ranges in size from around 50mm square up to a maximum height of around 2,400 mm and if the enclosure environment is benign then it is not difficult to find one to suit the purpose. However, if its surroundings are dusty, dirty or contain explosive vapours or gases, then minute particles could quickly penetrate the enclosure and cause a fault or as with a combustible ambient contaminant, trigger a fire or explosion. In these types of situation the enclosure would need to be carefully selected so that it can provide resistance from any of these elements which could cause costly damage. Therefore it is important to consider which standards the enclosure has been tested to in order for the enclosure to operate effectively.
Enclosures, when first built were very basic shapes with squared off edges and doors with glued on foam seals. Today, enclosures are constantly breaking new ground with new designs, higher protection ratings and increasingly being constructed from new innovative materials. It is through innovation that enclosures can now be heat or UV resistant, offer protection against water as well as dust and even protect against extreme factors such as explosions and highly toxic chemicals. The definition of the word ‘innovation’ means a new way of doing something which leads to a positive change; with the latest innovations and technology thinking now being applied to the electrical enclosure packaging field, maybe the humble enclosure is awe-inspiring after all?