Electronic Enclosures Manufacturers and Suppliers

Electronic Enclosures

Electrical enclosures are protective housings designed to safeguard electronic components, including conduits, connections, and switches, from environmental exposure and unauthorized access.

The History of Electronic Enclosures

Electronic enclosures emerged out of necessity to protect early switches, known as cut-outs. These cut-outs consisted of copper bars and an insulated "T" handle designed for manual operation. They were mounted onto surfaces such as slate, wood, or mica using screws or bolts, with exposed live components that were both visible and accessible. Similarly, switchboards were installed on vertical boards, featuring open copper busbars and unshielded live parts. Over time, the risks associated with this setup became evident, leading manufacturers to enclose them within wooden cut-out boxes to safeguard users from electrical hazards.

For a time, these wooden enclosures effectively protected users. When electrical power was introduced into homes, the same approach was adopted, with live electrical components housed in wooden cabinets. However, as electricity usage expanded and additional taps were added to the system, homeowners experienced issues with overheating and loose connections, which sometimes led to fires. To address this safety concern, manufacturers transitioned from wooden cabinets to flame-retardant metal enclosures.

Since their inception, electronic enclosures have evolved alongside advancements in technology and materials. While early enclosures were primarily constructed from sheet metal like stainless steel, modern enclosures are just as commonly made from thermoplastics and composite materials that were nonexistent a century ago. As the demand for more powerful and sophisticated electronics continues to grow, electronic enclosures remain crucial for safety and functionality, with no signs of diminishing importance in the foreseeable future.

Enclosure Benefits

Electronic enclosures are not just beneficial—they are indispensable. Without them, both people and equipment would face continuous risks, with systems vulnerable to failures caused by factors such as water exposure or electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Fortunately, manufacturers offer a wide range of materials and designs, ensuring that there is a suitable enclosure for every application. Additionally, enclosures are available at various price points, making them accessible for different budgets and requirements.

Electronic Enclosure Design and Customization

When designing electronic enclosures, manufacturers must make decisions regarding material and configuration.

Material Design

Manufacturers must carefully choose materials that provide the necessary protection and functionality for electronic enclosures. Some of the most commonly used materials include stainless steel sheet, aluminum sheet, fiberglass, Kevlar, high-strength polymer plastics, and composites. The selection process is guided by the material’s ability to safeguard internal electronics while preventing unauthorized access or environmental intrusion.

Key material considerations include resistance to vandalism, weather, and corrosion. Additional factors such as thermal insulation and heat dissipation, compliance with environmental demands (e.g., explosion-proof enclosures for mining applications), durability, aesthetic appeal, and cost must also be evaluated. The durability of an enclosure largely depends on its installation location. For example, a plastic enclosure may be considered durable in a controlled indoor environment but unsuitable for extreme outdoor conditions. When outdoor durability is the primary concern, sheet metal fabrication is generally the best option.

Size and Shape

Electronic enclosures vary greatly in size, from compact units as small as a square inch to large-scale enclosures as big as an entire room. While most enclosures are rectangular and box-like, they can also feature sloping sides, rounded edges, or circular designs. The choice of size and shape is dictated by the application. Some enclosures house small push-button assemblies, while others accommodate extensive computer networks and wiring. Certain designs, such as circular enclosures, are necessary for protecting head-mounted instruments and specialized equipment.

Features and Customization

Manufacturers can customize enclosures with a variety of features tailored to specific applications. For enhanced security, they may integrate locking mechanisms. To manage heat, enclosures can be fitted with ventilation fans. Other custom enclosures include lids, removable panels, access points, vents, and recessed tops for labels and keypads.

Enclosures can also be precisely sized to fit unique spaces. While many standard enclosures snap together, manufacturers can provide stronger, more impermeable seals through lap joint or tongue-and-groove construction, ensuring greater protection against environmental factors.

Electronic Enclosures Images, Diagrams and Visual Concepts

Types of Electronic Enclosures

Aluminum Enclosure

Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, typically made from diecast aluminum. This material balances durability with lightweight malleability, making it an ideal choice for enclosures. While best suited for indoor use where moisture exposure is minimal, aluminum enclosures provide strong protection while remaining easy to work with.

Stainless Steel Enclosure

Highly durable and resistant to corrosion, similar to aluminum. When electrical components generate excess energy and require efficient heat dissipation, stainless steel enclosures provide the best solution. Their strength and resilience make them well-suited for demanding environments.

Computer Enclosure

Specifically designed to house computer components, these enclosures are commonly made from aluminum or steel. While these metals allow electromagnetic interference (EMI) to pass through, a special coating can be applied to shield the contents from harmful radiation.

Polycarbonate Enclosure

Ideal for reducing heat interference, polycarbonate enclosures perform particularly well in environments with low exterior temperatures. These molded plastic enclosures are typically small and intricate, providing strong protection while maintaining a lightweight structure.

ABS Enclosure

Constructed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a widely used thermoplastic, these enclosures are popular for pocket-sized and handheld devices. Known for their superior electrical insulation, impact resistance, and shock absorption, ABS enclosures are a preferred choice for many applications requiring lightweight durability.

Mounted Enclosure

Designed for secure mounting, these enclosures are installed using screws or fasteners through designated holes in the back or bottom of the housing. Their stability and accessibility make them a practical choice for fixed installations.

NEMA Enclosure

Certified by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, these enclosures are rated from Type 1 to 13, indicating their suitability for indoor or outdoor use, protection against hazardous conditions, and resistance to various environmental factors.

Fiberglass Enclosure

Exceptional resistance to heat, impact, chemicals, and corrosion. These enclosures also possess excellent electrical insulation properties and can withstand high tensile loads. Fiberglass enclosures are highly effective in outdoor, corrosive, saltwater, and continuously wet environments.

Rack Mount Enclosure

Designed to hold multiple equipment modules measuring 19 inches in width. These enclosures feature protruding edges that allow secure attachment to a steel or aluminum frame, ensuring strong load-bearing capacity. Commonly used for housing professional audio equipment, computer servers, and other electronic systems, many rack mount enclosures include reinforced plastic casings and lockable doors for added security.

EMI Enclosures

Specifically engineered to protect electronic devices from electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can disrupt circuits and signals. These enclosures provide insulation against electromagnetic fields and radiation, safeguarding sensitive equipment from performance degradation or damage.

Electronic Enclosure Applications

Because of their delicate circuitry, electronic products such as wiring must be safeguarded from dirt, water, and accidental contact. To ensure their protection, electronic enclosures have become a standard feature in industrial and manufacturing environments.

Encasing electronic components prevents the intrusion of solid foreign objects and, to some extent, liquids. Beyond shielding against pollutants and moisture, these enclosures also protect internal equipment from electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can disrupt functionality.

Often referred to as "electrical cabinets" or "electronic instrument enclosures," these protective housings are widely used in industries such as medical, communication, automotive, and agriculture. However, their applications extend to virtually any electronic component, making them a common sight in public spaces like street corners and parks, as well as in private buildings and residences.

Standards and Specifications for Electric Enclosures

Ensure that your electronic enclosure is NEMA certified, as this guarantees that it meets industry standards for safety and performance. NEMA certification helps manufacturers and distributors obtain enclosures that provide the necessary protection, ensuring that the electronics inside function reliably under specific conditions.

Selecting the appropriate NEMA rating is essential, as different types offer varying levels of protection. Type 1 enclosures are designed for general indoor use, primarily to prevent accidental contact with internal components. Type 4X enclosures can be used both indoors and outdoors, offering protection against corrosion, windblown dust, rain, sleet, snow, splashing or hose-directed water, and ice formation. Type 12 enclosures are intended for industrial indoor use, safeguarding equipment from lint, dust, dirt, fibers, dripping or seeping liquids, and non-corrosive fluids. These enclosures are built without knockouts or openings, except for oil- and dust-tight gasket mechanisms, ensuring complete environmental protection.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Enclosure

When choosing an electronic enclosure, several factors must be taken into account, including application, size, construction materials, mounting options, security features, and NEMA rating.

Additional considerations include control of liquid water movement, heat flow, strength and rigidity, water vapor flow, and air circulation to ensure the enclosure provides adequate protection in its intended environment.

To ensure durability and functionality, an enclosure should offer protection against impact shock, static interference, heat, dirt, dust, and electromagnetic fields. Here’s a closer look at these key features:

Impact Shielding

Modern electronic equipment is far more compact than its bulky predecessors, making it more susceptible to damage from physical impact. A well-designed enclosure must include impact shock shielding to protect internal components from vibrations or sudden impacts that could compromise their performance.

Static Shielding

Some electrical components are highly sensitive to static electricity, which can cause malfunctions or permanent damage. Static shielding is essential for preventing external static currents from interfering with enclosed devices. Additionally, this feature helps protect against electrical surges and unexpected charge interferences.

Heat Shielding

As electricity flows through components, heat dissipation occurs, and most electronic equipment is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. An effective enclosure should incorporate heat shielding to prevent overheating. Some enclosures feature built-in heat sinks, which efficiently dissipate heat by directing it outside the enclosure. While heat sinks are typically used for specialized applications, ensuring your enclosure has proper thermal management is crucial for maintaining equipment efficiency.

Dirt and Waterproofing

Electrical components require protection from dirt and moisture to function reliably. Before purchasing an enclosure, evaluate your specific environmental requirements to ensure the enclosure meets them. Some enclosures offer resistance to airborne dust, while others provide full protection against windblown dirt and contaminants. Similarly, water-resistant enclosures may range from models that withstand light moisture to those that prevent ice and heavy water exposure.

Magnetic Shielding

Electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) and interference can significantly disrupt sensitive electronic components. Though EMPs are rare, magnetic shielding remains an essential feature to protect against electromagnetic radiation that could interfere with device functionality.

Electronic Enclosures Terms

Attenuation

A decrease in signal strength, which can occur naturally during transmission or be intentionally introduced using a device to control signal levels.

Bounding Surface

The exterior layer of an electrical enclosure that serves as a protective barrier.

Instrument Cabinet

A term often used interchangeably with "enclosure" or "rack," referring to a structure designed to house electrical or process equipment.

Cable Glands

Sealing components that prevent the entry of water, dust, and other contaminants where cables pass through the enclosure wall, typically installed via a gland plate.

EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) Emission

The unintended release of electromagnetic energy from electrical or electronic sources, which can interfere with other systems.

Flame Retardancy

The capability of a material to resist ignition, sparking, sputtering, or dripping when exposed to an open flame. Not all enclosures have flame-retardant properties.

Gear Tray

Also known as a "mounting plate" or "mounting pan," this shelf allows for the secure installation of equipment inside an enclosure. Typically positioned at the rear, some designs allow for adjustable placement.

Gland Plate

A removable section of an enclosure, usually located at the bottom, that facilitates the installation of cable glands for secure cable entry.

Permeability

 The degree to which a material can be magnetized, impacting its effectiveness in electromagnetic shielding.

Plinth

 A structural base designed to support floor-mounted enclosures, available in various styles.

Shielded Cables

 Cables wrapped in protective layers, such as braids or foils, to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) from affecting the signal within or escaping from the cable.

Rated Current

 The input current level specified by the manufacturer for safe and effective equipment operation.

Shielding Vents

Vents designed for HVAC or general ventilation in shielded enclosures, rooms, or cabinets. Some shielding vents also provide air filtration or high-level electromagnetic shielding.

Shielded Windows

 Transparent shielding applied to glass using a thin conductive film, fine-wire mesh, or metalized open-mesh textiles to prevent electromagnetic interference.

Shielding Gasket

A material placed across seams or gaps in an electronic enclosure to maintain effective electromagnetic shielding.

Type 1

 A NEMA-rated enclosure for indoor, non-hazardous locations, primarily providing protection against limited exposure to falling dirt.

Type 3R

A NEMA-rated enclosure designed for outdoor, non-hazardous locations, offering protection against falling rain and external ice formation.

Type 4

 A NEMA-rated enclosure suitable for indoor or outdoor use in non-hazardous environments, providing protection against splashing or hose-directed water, windblown dust or rain, and damage from external ice formation.

Type 12

A NEMA-rated enclosure intended for indoor, non-hazardous environments, offering protection against falling dirt, circulating dust, and dripping, non-corrosive liquids.