For almost 4 decades, ITSENCLOSURES has been engineering and fabricating computer, printer, monitor, and electronic enclosures to keep vital systems, in any industrial setting, running smoothly. The IceStation Desktop TITAN continues a long tradition of enclosing a monitor, keyboard, and computer in a manufacturing environment. The NEMA 12 desktop enclosure will protect electronics and defend against dust, dirt, grease, splashing fluids and other harsh contaminants. It measures 31-inches high by 30-inches wide by 30-inches deep.

For a quick and easy installation, the Desktop TITAN can be placed on a desk, workspace, table (bolts may be necessary), or mounted on a mobile or bolt down pedestal. The standard features for the 12-gauge steel enclosure, include: an adjustable monitor shelf with a VESA mount (75mm x 75mm & 100mm x 100mm), an integrated ergonomic keyboard/mouse drawer (optional lock can be added), a removable sloped work surface with pencil/pen tray, and a tempered safety glass viewing window designed to accommodate a 24-inch monitor, with the option to remove the front door and add a window to accommodate a 27-inch screen. The back door provides access to equipment in the rear of the enclosure. The door has an opening of 25.86-inches high by 25.45-inches wide. A cable entry cutout with waterproof gasket is included at the bottom of the rear door.

“Our NEMA 12, NEMA 4, and NEMA 4X IceStation TITAN products continue to be our best- selling enclosures across the board. We receive the most quote requests and phone calls about our TITANS. The Desktop TITAN is perfect for customers that do not need a free- standing/stand-up enclosure, but still want to protect a monitor, computer, and keyboard,” according to JT Spangler, Owner/CEO of ITSENCLOSURES, “We have been around since 1985 and continue to produce new products that are innovative and unique to the enclosure market. Above all, our products are heavy duty and always built to last.”

To help extend the life span of the electronics, multiple thermal management options are available as accessories, including a filtered fan system, which creates positive pressure inside of the enclosure and will eliminate damaging dirt and dust entry. For more extreme hot or cold factories, plants or warehouses, a NEMA 12 heat exchanger, air conditioners (1,000 or 1,800 BTU), heaters, or a stainless steel vortex cooling unit are available to help create the perfect temperature in many different environments. As with most IceStation enclosures, products are available in their very own color – IceStation blue or dark gray. ITSENCLOSURES can also powder coat any enclosure with a custom color found on the RAL color chart – for an added charge.

ITSENCLOSURES designs and builds the most heavy-duty computer enclosures on the market and always ships every product completely assembled and ready to use upon delivery. For more information on ITSENCLOSURES and their large array of state-of-the-art products, please visit ITSENCLOSURES.com, email info@itsenclosures.com, jump on a live chat during regular business hours, or call 1-800-423-9911 to talk to an ITSENCLOSURES representative.

For more information, visit the NEMA 12 Desktop TITAN product page!

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For almost four decades, ITSENCLOSURES (Integration Technology Systems) has been designing and building the most rugged enclosures on the enclosure marketplace. ITSENCLOSURES is proud to feature the NEMA 04 IceStation TITAN, one of the most popular freestanding computer enclosures in the TITAN product line. The TITAN, with its NEMA 04 rating, will protect against dust, dirt, grease, and hose directed water in an industrial setting. The enclosure can be installed both indoors and outdoors.

The NEMA 04 TITAN is constructed out of 14-gauge welded steel with 12-gauge doors, and stands at 60” high by 28” wide by 27” deep. The enclosure finish is a polyester powder paint and is available in blue, gray, or any custom RAL color (additional charge). The viewing window (hinged at the bottom) folds down and accepts up to a 24-inch monitor (tempered safety glass or polycarbonate viewing windows are available). An adjustable monitor shelf is standard for quick monitor installation. The shelf can also be tilted up (at a 90-degree angle) to install a monitor with the included VESA mounting holes. The doors feature quarter turn, knob-style compression latches and dual durometer EPDM gasket for additional protection from harsh elements. All doors have lift-off hinges for effortless removal. The rear door measures 51” high and is ideal for accessing the back of electronics stored in the enclosure.

“The NEMA 04 TITAN is a strong selling product in our popular TITAN family, which continues to be our best-selling enclosure line. All of our IceStation TITANs will protect customers’ vital electronics and provide a comfortable and efficient workstation for factory and plant workers,” said JT Spangler, Owner of ITSENCLOSURES. “After almost 40 years, we are still designing and fabricating the most heavy-duty enclosures around.”

A work surface provides room for documents, folders, and writing utensils. A retractable keyboard drawer, below the work surface, is the perfect place to store and protect a keyboard, mouse, or hula point. When fully extended, the front of the drawer can easily fold down to provide an ergonomic wrist rest. The drawer measures 22.7” wide x 9” deep.

The bottom portion of the IceStation TITAN offers space to house a computer, printer, UPS, power supply, and additional vital electronics. The enclosure has adjustable shelf, attached to uni-strut, for easy placement of electronics, or sliding shelf brackets can be added to the shelf to slide out a printer or computer. Heavy-duty, swivel casters are a standard feature. When the enclosure is in its desired location, the 2 front casters lock into place. Bolt down legs or sanitary, stainless steel legs are also available as an add-on accessory.

The NEMA 04 TITAN can be customized with various accessories including rack mount rails, a sealed cable entry gland, 6 outlet power strip, industrial keyboards, industrial mouse, or various thermal management options, such as a heat exchanger, air conditioners, or an outdoor filtered fan system with thermostat and filters.

ITSENCLOSURES fabricates the most durable electronics enclosures on the market and ships every product completely assembled and ready to use upon delivery. For more information on ITSENCLOSURES and their wide array of state-of-the-art enclosures, please visit www.ITSENCLOSURES.com, send an email to info@itsenclosures.com, or call 1-800-423-9911 to talk to an ITSENCLOSURES representative.

For more information, visit the NEMA 4 TITAN product page!

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Mt. Pleasant, PA (February 28, 2023) – With almost four decades of industrial enclosure engineering and expertise under its belt, ITSENCLOSURES is happy to spotlight the NEMA 4X PB20 stainless steel printer enclosure. This state-of-the-art enclosure is designed specifically for the protection of barcode printers on a harsh factory floor. The PB20-4X enclosure is fabricated out of 304 stainless steel and measures 20” High by 20” Wide by 24” Deep.

The NEMA 4X printer enclosure boxes will protect against dirt, dust, hose directed fluids, and corrosive liquids, which are often in abundance in industrial and factory settings. On the interior of the enclosure, the PB20-4X offers an adjustable 20-inch extended sliding shelf, which provides easy access to the printer and media/labels. The sliding shelf can support printers weighing up to 80 pounds. A stainless steel hinged printer door, to retrieve printed materials, is available on the front door. Both doors provide waterproof gasketing and quarter turn compression latches.

JT Spangler, CEO/Owner of ITSENCLOSURES, is passionate about the company’s stainless steel enclosure offerings, “In the last 8 or so years, we have had great success with our NEMA 12 printer enclosure, which holds various brands of label printers, including Zebra, Brother, Sato, Dymo, and Rollo. We knew that a NEMA 4X version would also do quite well in the marketplace. The stainless steel printer box enclosure is a natural fit in our best-selling printer enclosure product line. We also knew that the NEMA 4X PB20 would be perfect for the pharmaceutical, beverage, and food industries.”

Based on the printing application, ITSENCLOSURES’ offers printer enclosures available in NEMA 12, NEMA 4 and NEMA 4X ratings. A customer can customize the printer enclosures with stationary or mobile pedestals at varying heights. Plus, various thermal management options are available, including a filtered fan system or vortex cooling unit. For a fee, a sealed cable entry gland can be installed in the rear of the enclosure for dust tight, waterproof wiring and cabling. A polycarbonate window can also be added in place of the hinged printer door.

“Our enclosures are tough and built to last. We take pride in the quality and sturdiness of each and every product that leaves our facility. I have visited factories that have been using the same IceStation enclosures for over 25 years. To me, that speaks volumes about our company and our heavy duty products,” added Mr. Spangler.

ITSENCLOSURES fabricates the most durable electronics enclosures on the market and ships every product completely assembled and ready to use upon delivery. For more information on ITSENCLOSURES and their wide array of state-of-the-art enclosures, please visit www.ITSENCLOSURES.com, send an email to info@itsenclosures.com, or call 1-800-423-9911 to talk to an ITSENCLOSURES representative.

For more information, visit the PB20-4X product page

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Mt. Pleasant, PA (December 2, 2022) – With almost four decades of expertise in the industrial enclosure market, ITSENCLOSURES is pleased to showcase one of their popular rack enclosures: the NEMA 12 IceStation IR72-12. This heavy-duty rack enclosure is designed to enclose various electronics and rack mount equipment. The IR72 enclosure measures 72” high x 24” wide x 38” deep and is constructed out of heavy-duty 12-gauge steel with 16-gauge steel side panels. In order to bolt together multiple units, the enclosure’s side panels (sealed with gasket) can be removed.

For rack mounting applications, the IR72 comes with 19-inch wide adjustable, mounting rails; customize with square punched or tapped rails. The IR72 has 38U of interior rack mount space and the rails attach to the rack enclosure’s built in uni-strut. The rack mounts rails are installed in the front and rear of the cabinet and feature an adjustable depth to allow proper equipment positioning. Dust-tight split panels are located on the top and bottom of the enclosure to run cables, cords, and wires of varying sizes.

The IR72’s front and rear doors can be locked – for security – with key locking 3-point latches. The full view window (on the front door) is ideal for equipment monitoring and offered in tempered safety glass or Lexan polycarbonate. The front and rear doors feature reversible hinges to increase placement flexibility.

JT Spangler, Owner of ITSENCLOSURES, discusses ITSENCLOSURES’ industrial enclosures, “Our goal has always been to supply our customers with tough, protective enclosures for any harsh environment. Our NEMA 12 enclosures will protect your essential electronics from dust, dirt, grease, lint, fibers, and splashing fluids. Each and every day, we continue to design, tweak, and fabricate innovative enclosure solutions as electronics, computers, printers and monitors evolve. ‘Forever and a day’ is the standard that we have set for ourselves since the very early days of ITSENCLOSURES. This will never change.”

Easily transport the rack mount enclosure around the factory floor with the included industrial grade casters. The front casters are lockable and the rear casters swivel. Lifting eyes, mounted on the top of the rack enclosure, can also be used to move the enclosure. For those companies that require the enclosure to be stationary, anti-tip legs or bolt down legs are available.

Thermal management options include a 200 CFM filtered fan system (2 complete systems can be installed easily), which will keep air flowing throughout the enclosure. The fan and exhaust will create a positive pressure, which eliminates damaging dust and dirt from entering the enclosure. Other thermal management options include different sizes of air conditioners, a vortex cooling unit, or a NEMA 12 heat exchanger.

ITSENCLOSURES designs and builds the most durable rack enclosures on the market and ships all of their innovative products completely assembled and ready to use upon delivery.

For more information on ITSENCLOSURES and their large array of industrial products, visit www.ITSENCLOSURES.com, send an email to info@itsenclosures.com, or call 1-800-423-9911 to talk to an ITSENCLOSURES sales representative.

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When storing vital servers and network equipment, rack enclosures (NEMA rated or vented) are a must for large companies and IT departments. A vented rack enclosure provides functionality, proper arrangement, passive cooling, and, above all, security. In the beginning of the purchasing process, a customer or end-user should ask various questions to find the perfect vented enclosure solution.

Questions to Find the Best Vented Rack Enclosures

1. How much equipment will be stored?
Prior to installing electronics, it is crucial to assess the quantity of equipment that will be placed within the enclosure. This evaluation is essential in determining the overall size of the ventilated enclosure or the total rack mount space (each U representing a height of 1.75 inches) required. In order to accommodate a significant amount of network or electronic equipment, it is possible to combine and secure multiple enclosures together.

2. What type of cable management is necessary?
If a large amount of cables (wires or cords) are needed within the vented enclosure, effective cable management is required for organizing the cables and maintaining proper connectivity. With differing accessories, cables may be positioned vertically or horizontally. To facilitate the entry of cables, split panels, metal or plastic conduit, sleeves, or small openings should be provided. Additionally, these items help prevent cables from getting pinched or cut when closing the enclosure door.

3. Does the equipment need a lock?
A vented enclosure, along with internal electronics, may require security measures, namely being locked and kept private. When opting for an enclosure which needs to be safeguarded, it is advisable to select one equipped with key locking latches on all doors and side panels. This allows for convenient accessibility, while ensuring the protection of the enclosed equipment.

4. What type of add-ons are needed?
When buying a vented server or network enclosure, it’s important to think about useful accessories. These include air circulating fans (often available in single, double, or quadruple options), rack mountable surge protectors, power cords, drawers, shelves (both stationary and sliding), filler panels, levelers, bolt down legs, and industrial grade castors. These accessories help create an organized and easily manageable environment within the vented enclosure.

Carefully consider each question, or your vented enclosure choice may not be the ideal solution. Before purchasing an enclosure, always create a list of everything that is needed. The correct enclosure is will keep electronics safe and secure for many years in the future. This will save money and prevent unnecessary downtime.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

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Mt. Pleasant, PA (August 18, 2022) – For almost 40 years, ITSENCLOSURES has been engineering heavy-duty, industrial enclosures, like the IceStation brand of products – the leader in computer, printer, and monitor enclosures. ITSENCLOSURES’ monitor enclosure line includes the IO28 monitor enclosure, available in both NEMA 4 and NEMA 4X versions.

The NEMA 4 IO28 enclosure is constructed out of carbon steel (14/12 gauge CRS welded construction), can be deployed outdoors or indoors, and is designed to protect a wide screen monitor (up to 22 inches) and a thin client computer. Ideal for areas with limited space, the enclosure measures 28” high x 26” wide x 8” deep. The durable NEMA 4 rated is offered in blue, gray, or any custom RAL color (for additional charge).

The NEMA 4X IO28 enclosure is fabricated out of type 304 stainless steel (14/12 gauge) and is the perfect fit for the food & beverage and/or pharmaceutical industries. The IO28-4X features a sloped top – for wash down applications – which prevents water from pooling.

Both IO28 enclosure doors feature a padlock staple and a viewing window (19.25” wide X 12.25” high and 22.8″ diagonal) which is available in polycarbonate or tempered safety glass. The enclosure door is opened with two quarter-turn, flathead screwdriver style latches. Key locking latches are also available as an upgrade.

“We continue to be the leader in built-to-last, industrial enclosures. Whether it is indoors or outdoors, monitor enclosures are ideal for deploying computers/monitors in harsh manufacturing environments. Like many of our IceStation products, these enclosures evolved from a need to use electronics in a place where they would not survive unless properly protected,” said JT Spangler, President/Owner of ITSENCLOSURES. “This product has been on the market for many years and continues to sell to new and returning customers.”

Both enclosures include an integrated VESA mount, which eliminates the need to utilize the monitor stand. For access behind the monitor, the VESA bracket tips forward to provide space to house a small form PC and surge protector. For proper airflow, the VESA support has a built-in 100 CFM fan. ITSENCLOSURES offers additional thermal management options, including a closed loop heat exchanger, outdoor filtered fan system, and a vortex cooling unit (requires compressed air).

The IO28 enclosures can be customized to include a fixed or fold down keyboard tray or roll-out keyboard drawer (folds down to offer an ergonomic wrist rest). The monitor enclosures can be mounted to a wall or pole using a universal mounting bracket, bolt-down pedestal, or mobile pedestal. A waterproof, cable entry gland can be installed to route cables into the enclosure.

Mr. Spangled added, “We provide effective enclosures, for any operating environment, to protect vital electronics from dirt, dust, fluids, grease, lint, fibers, and corrosive materials.”

ITSENCLOSURES is always adding more exciting enclosure products to the marketplace. IceStation enclosures are shipped fully assembled and ready to use upon arrival and  Always Made in the USA!

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HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU!
CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

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What Is an Enclosure Gasket and Why Is It Important?

Gaskets are used on computer and electrical enclosures to create a seal between the enclosure body and its doors. Strong, heavy-duty enclosure gasket is critical to the protection of sensitive electronics housed inside of the enclosure. 

Gasket is primarily used to prevent the external (often harsh) environment from entering an industrial enclosure. Some of the most harmful elements can be dust, dirt, lint, grease, and water.

The gasket is an important part of the enclosure’s overall sealing system and should be properly selected, installed, and maintained for the conditions where the enclosure will operate.

How Do You Choose the Right Enclosure Gasket?

To support proper performance, it is important to select gasket material designed and rated for the installation environment.

Important factors can include operating temperature, indoor or outdoor use, water exposure, chemicals, UV exposure, and other environmental conditions.

According to Peter Taraborelli, in his blog, Best Rubber Gasket Materials for Weather Resistance, “The location of a gasket is of utmost importance, especially if it is going to be exposed to the elements. For this reason, it’s imperative to choose top quality weather resistant materials to enhance the longevity and performance of outdoor gaskets. There are several important factors to think about in regard to weather resistance including sunlight, temperature, ozone, and inclement weather conditions (rain, hail, sleet, snow, etc.).”

Types of Enclosure Gaskets

The three main types of gasket applied to computer enclosures are strip (most widely used gasket), foam in place, and die cut. 

Manufacturers can select the material width and thickness for each gasket application, as well as adhesive type, for a simple direct application to an enclosure. Enclosure gasket can be made of a variety of materials which offer varying temperature ranges, chemical resistance, and other important characteristics.

Strip, Foam-in-Place, and Die-Cut Gaskets

Strip gaskets, foam-in-place gaskets, and die-cut gaskets describe different gasket forms or application methods. The appropriate option depends on the enclosure design, sealing requirements, and application.

Common Enclosure Gasket Materials

Common enclosure gasket materials include polyurethane, neoprene, and silicone. Each material offers different temperature capabilities and environmental resistance, making the appropriate choice dependent on the enclosure’s operating conditions.

How Do Polyurethane, Neoprene, and Silicone Gaskets Compare?

*Temperature ranges and application suitability should be confirmed for the specific gasket material and enclosure application.

Inspecting and Maintaining Enclosure Gaskets

Regular enclosure gasket maintenance will ensure optimal performance! 

Even gasket material that is properly specified for an application should be inspected regularly for signs of damage or deterioration. During inspection, look for conditions such as tears, gouges, cracking, compression, deterioration, or areas where the gasket no longer creates the intended seal.

 In some cases, it may be more beneficial to replace the entire door vs. just the gasket. This will ensure that UL and NEMA ratings are still maintained. Gaskets perform a critical job in keeping particulate matter outside of the enclosure. 

Selecting the Right Gasket for an Industrial Enclosure

The right enclosure gasket depends on more than the material alone. Temperature, moisture, chemicals, UV exposure, enclosure design, and required environmental protection should all be considered when selecting an enclosure for a specific application. Regular inspection can also help identify gasket damage before the enclosure’s seal is compromised.

Need help selecting an enclosure for a demanding industrial environment? Explore our industrial computer enclosures or contact ITSENCLOSURES to discuss your application.

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When it comes to maintaining sanitary equipment in the food and beverage industry, operators should be proactive about the overall cleanliness of their facility. In 2011, President Barack Obama signed into law the biggest overhaul of American food safety laws since the 1930s. “The legislation gives the federal Food and Drug Administration the authority to impose new rules to prevent contamination and allows the agency to order, rather than simply suggest, the recall of tainted foods. It also authorizes the creation of a food tracking system to quickly pinpoint the source of outbreaks.”

Food and beverage manufacturing requires very strict cleanliness action plans to prevent catastrophic food problems. Computer systems that operate conveyors and tools/utensils, that are in direct contact with food products, are at high risk for contamination. Food recalls are not a new occurrence, but they can be prevented with well-planned and sanitary practices. Keeping surfaces clean in a plant that produces products for human consumption is extremely imperative.

Being proactive about sanitation can eliminate a potential headache in the future. Building a clean production line starts with sourcing a NEMA 4X computer, printer, electrical, or monitor enclosure that is perfectly designed for wash down applications. Peter Wood, in his article, “Improving Hygiene and Sanitation of Food-Grade Conveyors,“ discussed the importance of NEMA 4X enclosures and equipment, “Food processors require different degrees of sanitation, with meat and dairy processors often relying on the most stringent high pressure wash downs that use caustic cleaning agents that minimize the risk of bacterial growth. To withstand high pressure wash downs, the equipment should feature NEMA 4X- or IP 66-rated electrical enclosures and components while wipe-down sanitation routines demand less water ingress protection.”

What is the most hygienic workstation a manufacturing plant can use?

Choose a NEMA 4X enclosure solution that will not harbor microbial contaminants during the sanitation process. The enclosure should feature a sloped top and clean edges to allow for excessive water runoff. Sanitary leg kits are also a popular feature for ensuring that water does not collect under the enclosure, while providing clearance between the NEMA 4X enclosure and the floor. Other popular features include lift off hinges and a minimum of 304 stainless steel construction (316 stainless steel may also be required). Additional considerations include water temperature and chemical mixes and rinses that are used during the wash down process. These items can impact various components that are installed on the computer enclosure, such as gaskets, locks, and window materials.

If feasible, it is recommended that a manufacturing facility make the necessary upgrades to their production line to keep everything sanitary and safe from harm and contamination. It can be detrimental if one area lacks the cleanliness over another. If installing the correct NEMA 4X enclosure, food contamination or a safety recall can be avoided.

Not sure where to start? Speak with an enclosure expert that has experience deploying electronics in a wash down environment.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

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Using a computer outdoors exposes sensitive electronics to conditions they typically aren’t designed to withstand, including rain, dust, humidity, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures. An appropriately rated outdoor computer enclosure can help protect the equipment while providing the environmental protection and thermal management required for reliable operation.

When deploying computer enclosures in outdoor environments, the installation will present a unique set of challenges. The risk of equipment failure requires computer equipment to withstand solar heat, rain, snow, sleet, and extreme temperatures. In addition to environmental concerns, one must consider the technical aspects involved in installing electronics outdoors. To be effective, the internal assembly must be designed to withstand harsh conditions and offer the necessary security to protect equipment.

What Should You Consider Before Installing a Computer Outdoors?

Before installing a computer or other sensitive electronics outdoors, consider temperature extremes, environmental exposure, the required NEMA rating, and how power and data cables will enter the enclosure. Each of these factors can affect the enclosure’s ability to protect the equipment inside.

1. Temperature Extremes and Outdoor Computer Cooling
   If the proper heating and cooling are not incorporated into the system, computer enclosures – deployed in extreme warm or cold environments – will not fare well. Natural convection cooling is not an option for all-weather, outdoor enclosures. 

A closed loop cooling or internal heating system is vital for keeping outside elements away from the internal electronics, while maintaining the appropriate operating temperatures. Heat exchangers, vortex cooling units, and outdoor rated air conditioners are all feasible closed loop cooling systems. 

The appropriate solution depends on factors such as the equipment’s heat load, allowable operating temperature, ambient outdoor temperature, and enclosure specifications.

Heat build-up from direct sunlight may require insulation inside of the enclosure. Prior to installing the cabinet, consult an enclosure expert for a thermal management recommendation.

2. Protecting Outdoor Computers From Rain, Moisture, Dust, and Dirt
   Electronics and liquids do not mix! Water can negatively affect the exterior and interior of an enclosure. If the correct enclosure is not specified, liquid can enter the enclosure through inferior gaskets or door openings. 

Additionally, differences in ambient air temperatures can cause condensation to form on the inside of the enclosure. Condensation may form as the temperature cools at night or when the equipment is powered down during off hours. Moisture will most likely lead to corrosion that will affect the lifespan of the electronics. 

Temperature changes and humidity should therefore be considered alongside direct exposure to rain or snow when planning an outdoor computer installation.

In addition, unwanted dust and dirt – within an enclosure – drastically increases the chance that electronics will overheat or cause a failure.

3. Choosing the Right NEMA Rating for an Outdoor Computer Enclosure
   If utilizing an enclosure in demanding environments, a NEMA 4 enclosure should be selected. NEMA 4 computer enclosures (powder coated steel) protect against most weather conditions (rain, sleet, snow), and damaging dirt and dust. 

If the enclosure will be exposed to corrosive materials (salt air, heavy washdown, harsh chemicals), the protection of a stainless steel NEMA 4X cabinet may be necessary.

The enclosure’s NEMA rating should be selected based on the specific environmental conditions and exposures present at the installation location. 

In addition, a NEMA 4X enclosure will absorb and conduct heat more efficiently than other materials – stainless steel enclosures are especially advantageous in a direct sunlight application. NEMA 4/4X enclosures feature heavy-duty gasket, hinges, and latches to eliminate points of entry for water, oil, dirt, and dust.

4. Maintaining Protected Cable Access Outdoors

How the enclosure will receive power is often an oversight when installing a NEMA 4 or 4X enclosure. Because these enclosures almost never feature any type of split panels or general openings for cable pass through, a sealed cable entry gland – that will maintain the NEMA rating – is a must! 

NEMA 4X rated cable glands will prevent dust, dirt, and water from entering the enclosure through even the smallest hole. Failure to pay attention to cable access will jeopardize the enclosure system.

Any modification or cable entry should be designed so it does not compromise the environmental protection required for the application.

Planning an Outdoor Computer Enclosure Installation

When planning a waterproof, computer enclosure deployment, failing to take these considerations into account will lead to unwanted, and often costly, problems. 

If you need to install a computer outdoors, ITSENCLOSURES can help you evaluate the equipment, environment, NEMA rating, and thermal management requirements to identify an appropriate enclosure solution.

Explore our industrial computer enclosures or contact ITSENCLOSURES for help choosing the right enclosure and thermal management for your equipment and environment.

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NEMA 4X enclosure cooling requires balancing temperature control with the environmental protection required for the enclosure. Depending on the application, cooling options can include heat exchangers, vortex coolers, and air conditioners designed for the enclosure and operating environment.

Understanding NEMA 4X Enclosure Cooling 

When deploying enclosures in an environment with extreme temperatures, thermal management is critical. It is necessary for maintaining the optimum performance of electronics and for keeping a computer system protected from elevated levels of heat.

Because NEMA 4X enclosures are designed to protect against water and other environmental exposures, cooling the equipment inside can present additional challenges.

Because NEMA 4X enclosures are designed to provide environmental protection, adding vents, fans, or other cooling equipment requires careful consideration of how those components affect the enclosure’s protection. Thermal management equipment should be appropriately rated and installed for the enclosure and application.

Can You Put a Fan or Vent in a NEMA 4X Enclosure?

Fans and vents can affect an enclosure’s environmental protection because they create additional openings and pathways for airflow. If ventilation or cooling equipment is added to a NEMA 4X enclosure, the components and installation should be appropriate for the required enclosure rating and operating environment.

3 Common Cooling Methods for NEMA 4X Enclosures

Heat Exchanger

A heat exchanger can be used to transfer heat from the inside of the cabinet to the outside to help keep internal electronic components within appropriate operating temperatures.

When does it make sense? Heat exchangers may be appropriate when the required internal enclosure temperature can remain above the external ambient temperature.

Vortex Cooler

Vortex cooling units produce cool air using clean, dry compressed air.

These units do not have refrigerants or moving parts, so they can be useful in demanding environments.

When does it make sense? A vortex cooler may be considered when compressed air is available and the application requires active enclosure cooling without a conventional refrigeration system.

Air Conditioners

A NEMA 4X-rated air conditioner can be installed in an environment where the electronics inside of the enclosure need to be cooled at or below the ambient external temperature.

When does it make sense? An enclosure air conditioner may be appropriate when the required internal temperature cannot be maintained using methods that depend on ambient temperature alone.

Air conditioners also require routine maintenance to support proper performance. Maintenance requirements should follow the cooling-system manufacturer’s recommendations and the conditions of the operating environment.

How Do NEMA 4X Enclosure Cooling Methods Compare?

What to Know Before Choosing a Cooling System

Prior to deploying a NEMA 4X computer or printer enclosure, perform research and conduct a thorough examination of the installation environment. 

Compile a list of all electronics which will be installed inside of the enclosure. The list should include the average heat load and operating temperatures. 

Before selecting a cooling method, gather information about:

• Equipment installed inside the enclosure
• Total equipment heat load
• Maximum allowable internal temperature
• Minimum and maximum ambient temperatures
• Humidity and moisture exposure
• Water, dust, chemicals, and other contaminants
• Available electrical power or compressed air
• Required enclosure rating

This information can help determine which thermal management method is appropriate for the enclosure, equipment, and operating environment.

Choosing the Right Cooling Solution for a NEMA 4X Enclosure

The right NEMA 4X enclosure cooling solution depends on the heat generated inside the enclosure, ambient conditions, required internal temperature, environmental exposure, and available utilities. Selecting thermal management alongside the enclosure, not after equipment is already overheating, can help reduce heat-related equipment problems and unplanned downtime.

Need help calculating your enclosure cooling requirements? Complete the Cooling Requirement Worksheet and talk with an ITSENCLOSURES specialist about your application.

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