Stainless Steel Enclosures

Stainless Steel Enclosures

Stainless steel enclosures are able to protect their contents from solid foreign objects like dirt as well as water, liquids and dust. Some enclosures are certified for outdoor usage and can withstand rain, sleet, snow and external ice formation. The size and shape of stainless steel enclosures varies; some are small, rounded boxes made of unfinished stainless steel that protect electrical connections while others are large cabinets with a powder coating that house circuit breakers. Stainless steel enclosures may be small enough to fit in an open hand or so large that they can hold 2,000 pounds of professional audio and video equipment on a single rack mount. Enclosures are found in every industry where electricity is used.

Generally, stainless steel is used for enclosures that need to support a lot of weight or survive in tough environments. Plastic is usually preferred for handheld or portable enclosures because it is lighter than steel and can be molded into complex shapes. Cabinets and rack mounts, however, are most commonly made from cold rolled stainless steel. The sheet metal is cut and welded to form a continuous seam. The accessories and parts of a stainless steel enclosure vary; enclosures may have a lid that is fastened on or a hinged door that easily opens unless locked. Internal gaskets create a dust and watertight seal, though a simpler design may use a continuous flange or tongue in groove construction. Some enclosures have recesses in the surface if a label or membrane keypad is required. The presence and necessity of knockouts, vents, transparent windows, internal compartments and mounting hardware depends on the intended use. To ensure quality and performance, certain standards have been put into place by NEMA, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. Enclosures that are able to withstand certain conditions are members of a type; for example, NEMA Type 12 is a one-piece enclosure certified for industrial use indoors and is able to protect the electrical components from lint, dust, dirt, seeping water and dripping non-corrosive liquids.