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 in the outdoors. To be effective, the internal assembly must be designed to withstand harsh conditions and offer the necessary security to protect equipment.

These items should be considered prior to installing environmentally protected computer enclosures:

Temperature Extremes
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. 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.

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

NEMA Rating
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. 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.

Cable Access
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.

When planning a waterproof, computer enclosure deployment, failing to take these considerations into account will lead to unwanted, and often costly, problems. Guarantee performance, quality, reliability, and the maximum life span of electronics with a ‘built-to-last’ enclosure solution. Research, completed at the beginning of the process, will lead to a solution that will protect for many years into the future!

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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Industrial enclosures for computers, printers, and electronics come in a variety of colors, sizes, and materials. When searching for the best fitting enclosure for a specific environment, it is paramount to consider what material the enclosure will be fabricated out of and how it will perform under severe conditions. A buyer or end user should also analyze the enclosure’s NEMA rating because it will determine if the enclosure can withstand harsh circumstances, such as dust, dirt, grease, oil, hose directed fluids and corrosive materials.

3 Strong and Reliable Materials

Carbon/Mild Steel
Heavy-duty mild steel (low carbon steel) is commonly used for NEMA 12 and NEMA 4 computer, printer, and rack mount enclosures. The website, Fractory, describes the versatility of mild steel, “Due to its excellent properties, mild steel has become an in-demand material in various industries. It has unparalleled weldability and machinability, which has led to an exponential increase in its usage…. It is the most common type of metal used around us.” Most mild steel enclosures are produced from hot or cold rolled steel. Mild steel enclosures can be deployed both indoors and outdoors but will not withstand corrosive environments. A powder coated finish will improve the overall durability and longevity of an enclosure constructed out of mild steel.

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel computer, monitor, and printer enclosures are popular for corrosive industrial environments (pharmaceutical, food, and beverage industry). Type 304 stainless steel is the industry standard for NEMA 4X enclosures. However, Type 316 stainless steel may be desirable for its higher grade, which includes 10% nickel. Nickel provides increased corrosion resistance to chlorides and other commonly used harsh chemicals in washdown atmospheres. Super Steel Fabrication, out of Eugene, Oregon, breaks down the real advantage of stainless steel, “Stainless steel is a low carbon steel that must have a minimum of 10% chromium. The addition of chromium to the steel causes the formation of a chromium-oxide film which gives stainless steel its unique properties such as its resistance to corrosion and its ability to heal itself when in the presence of oxygen.” The one downside — stainless steel can cost upwards of 2-3 times as much as mild steel enclosures.

Non-Metallic
A non-metallic material is commonly used in junction boxes or electrical style enclosures. These enclosures are easily modified on job sites and weigh far less than carbon/mild and stainless steel enclosures. Non-metallic enclosures made of fiberglass are commonly used in various sectors of industry. According to Structural Fiberglass, Inc. in Bedford, Pennsylvania, fiberglass has many advantages, including: high impact strength, non-conducive, low maintenance, easy to assemble, corrosion resistant, chemical resistant, and fire resistant. It is often a more cost-effective solution compared to stainless steel enclosures in corrosive environments.

When deciding what enclosure will work best in a specific environment, one other important consideration is weight. Depending on the application, a lightweight enclosure may be preferable when mounting to a pole, ceiling, or wall. For example, an object that weighs around 2 pounds when made of aluminum can weigh 6.5 pounds if fabricated from steel.

The overall material of the enclosure should be one of the first factors to consider when finding a new enclosure solution. There are many design factors that arise when determining the type of enclosure material that is best for a project.

Once the enclosure material is decided upon, everything else should fall into place.

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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Looking for a desktop computer enclosure that can house a monitor (up to 24-inches or 27-inches with window modification), computer, keyboard, and mouse? Introducing the NEMA 12 IceStation Desktop TITAN by ITSENCLOSURES!

Measuring 31-inches high by 30-inches wide by 30-inches deep, the 14-gauge steel, half-height TITAN is a heavy-duty, industrial enclosure that will protect your valuable electronics against dust, dirt, lint, grease, and light/splashing fluids.

Out of the box, the Desktop TITAN includes the following:

• Adjustable monitor shelf with built-in VESA mount
• Integrated keyboard drawer with ergonomic wrist rest
• Viewing window: 24-inch tempered safety glass for 24-inch monitor
  • Polycarbonate window available (special request)
  • Option to upgrade the enclosure window to accommodate 27-inch monitor
• Sloped work surface for documents, data sheets, drawings, folders, tablet, and pencils

Additional accessories to create the ‘perfect’ Desktop TITAN:

Bolt Down Pedestal – A bolt down pedestal can create a freestanding computer enclosure workstation for end users. The steel pedestal (black powder coated) creates stability and is adjustable vertically (33 to 43-inches in 1-inch increments) to create a proper height for most workers and personnel.

Mobile Pedestal – If the computer enclosure needs to be relocated and positioned in various locations on a factory/manufacturing floor, the desktop TITAN can be fitted on a mobile pedestal. The pedestal is 11-gauge material, black powder coated, cold rolled steel. The four casters have a 3.5-inch wheel diameter, and the front castors are lockable, while the rear swivel.

Either pedestal can be powder coated any RAL color for an additional charge.

ROX Cable Entry Gland – To easily run cables into the computer enclosure, a sealed cable entry gland can be installed to provide power to the enclosed electronics. Cables can be routed through close-fitting modules, which will protect against dust and water entry. The modules peel away (like an onion) to allow for varying cable diameters. Modules are installed around the cables and a compression unit is tightened for a compact seal.

Surge Protector/Power Cord – All Desktop TITAN enclosures require power and adding a 6-outlet surge protector and 10-foot power cord to the inside of the computer enclosure will enable a user to plug in up to six electronic units, including a monitor and a computer.

Thermal Management – A filtered fan system with thermostat, air conditioner (1,000 BTU or 1,800 BTU), heat exchanger (NEMA 12), vortex cooling unit, and various small heaters can be added to the Desktop TITAN. If unsure which system will work best for your specific needs, consult an ITSENCLOSURES representative for a cooling (or heating) recommendation.

The IceStation half-height TITAN is available in Blue, Gray, or any custom RAL color of your choice – for an additional charge. If you need an enclosure (in an industrial setting) for a desk, table, or countertop, then the desktop TITAN is the perfect choice.

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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4 important factors to consider for the perfect solution:

1. Environment  

Knowing about the overall installation environment is critical to choosing the right enclosure. If the enclosure will be installed near water, dust, dirt, grease, or any type of contaminants, be familiar with the NEMA (or IP) rating that will provide the appropriate level of protection. Excessive heat is also an area of concern. Internal components need to have ample room to ‘breathe’ inside of an electrical enclosure.

2. Electronics

Make a list of the internal components that will be installed on the inside of the enclosure. Understand the amount of heat (wattage) the electronics will produce, as well as the required minimum and maximum operating temperatures. It is important to know if the selected enclosure will be able to dissipate the heat load. Thermal management should be considered for most environments, as proper airflow is vital to keeping electronics ‘cooled down.’ For a recommendation, ask an enclosure specialist to provide a thermal management worksheet. Based on the data provided, a recommendation can be made for cooling and/or heating the enclosure.

3. Accessibility

Will you need to access different sides of the enclosure to reach components? For instance, will there be enough space to reach a pertinent wire? Consider how cables or conduit will enter/exit the enclosure and be mindful of the maintenance personnel that will service the electrical enclosure. If the electronics are placed too close together, a routine procedure can turn into an arduous task. Always account for the proper amount of internal space – this will provide room for the proper airflow and access for a technician’s hands. Also, be aware of any obstacles that will reside on the sides, front, top, bottom, or back of the electrical enclosure. This information is also helpful in determining the swing or span of the door.

4. Room to Grow

The smallest or least expensive electrical enclosure is not always the best solution. Although space equates to a lower cost, consider the long-term sustainability and reliability of the equipment. Electronics are ever changing. Does the enclosure provide room to grow?  Do not choose a size that provides just enough space to house the current list of electronics. Consider any potential future components that may need to be installed. Remember, if the enclosure is not an adequate size to install a control, the entire system will need to be replaced later. It is never an easy task to change out an enclosure once the components have been installed, so make sure it is correct on the initial installation!

Consider all options for deploying enclosures at your factory or manufacturing facility. Obviously, before installation, weigh all pros and cons. It cannot be stressed enough: homework and research, at the beginning, will greatly decrease the need to replace or repair electronics down the road. Find a solution that will protect and secure your valuable equipment. In turn, purchasing a “cheap” or substandard enclosure can mean downtime and lost money!

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 the process for selecting a NEMA rated industrial enclosure for a manufacturing environment? Purchasing an enclosure from a ‘big-name’ supplier does not mean that the enclosure is the best fit for the equipment or the end users that will be using the enclosure system. From a functionality standpoint, the enclosure’s worth may far exceed the original purchase price. If the electronics are difficult to install or if there is a considerable amount of installation time, then the purchase price of the enclosure alone is not reflective of the overall ’real cost’ of the installation.

The following steps will help manufacturers or integrators determine the ‘real cost’ of doing business with an enclosure supplier and help assist in the project timeline.

1. Hidden Costs

Buyer beware! Every company, small or large, is looking for ways to save a few dollars. Upon receiving the initial quote(s), consider the total cost of ownership for the enclosure system. If the industrial enclosure does not come assembled, recognize the amount of time and energy that will be required to build each individual system. Additionally, consider the time needed to install the wide-ranging electronics. Also, understand what accessories are standard versus add-ons/upcharges that will increase the overall enclosure price.

2. Customization

Prior to shipping, custom doors and knockouts (for push buttons) provided by the enclosure manufacturer will save the end user or system integrator a significant amount of time during large deployments. Pre-cut panel monitor doors – built specifically for an HMI or industrial touchscreen – eliminate the need to make the cutouts on site, which saves time and money. Also, consider printer access doors, bolt-down legs, sliding shelves, power supplies, locks/hinges, and rack mount rails. These are popular customization features that will enhance the enclosure functionality.

3. Think Ahead

Avoid choosing the industrial enclosure that is the lowest price on the marketplace. The old saying still rings true, “you get what you pay for.” The cheapest product is probably the lowest price for a reason. It is critical to think at least 5-10 years into the future. Will the enclosure withstand the installation environment (harsh as it may be) and will it accommodate the everchanging sizes and styles of electronics in the future? Thermal management should also be considered, if the electronics, being housed in the enclosure, produce a large amount of heat.

4. Knowledgeable Sales Reps/Engineers

The sales department is, most likely, the first contact a system integrator will have with an enclosure supplier. A sales rep should be friendly and willing to help design the best solution for your application. If you need help configuring a system, the rep should ask general questions to narrow down the enclosure request. For highly customized projects, request access from the engineering department. Choosing an industrial enclosure manufacturer that is willing to answer your questions intelligently will bear the most fruit.

5. Warranty

Inquire with the industrial enclosure company on the warranty. Ask a very simple question: theoretically, how long should the products last? Also, what is the process for submitting a claim if something would need to be serviced or replaced altogether? Companies that offer a limited warranty or no warranty at all may already know that the product is going to fail. Invest in an industrial enclosure solution that is built to withstand a rugged manufacturing environment.

When it comes to a manufacturing or factory setting, many options exist for industrial enclosures. Before purchasing equipment, consult with other knowledgeable business partners or associates that have experience in deploying industrial enclosures. Always consider variables like cost, materials, construction, and warranty before a purchasing choice is made for the deployment. The lead time for delivery should also be clearly conveyed from the first quote to the purchase order.

Do not make the mistake of specifying a product that will perform well below expectations.

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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Alternative options for installing non-hazardous area electronics include using a computer enclosure with a purge control. According to the Daisy Data (purge system provider) website, “Purge controls are used in hazardous work areas to quickly force out hazardous or combustible compounds from hazardous computers, creating a positive pressure inside the purged enclosure.”

Purged computer enclosures offer a safe, temperature-regulated, and pressurized environment for vital electronics. The purge system is often regulated by a low-maintenance vortex cooling unit, which utilizes clean air and creates an “office-like” environment on the inside of the enclosure.

What does a purged enclosure require?

Considerations for Purged Computer Enclosures

1. Enclosure Construction: Purged computer enclosures require a certain level of protection that can be afforded in either a NEMA 4X or NEMA 4 cabinet. Stainless steel enclosure material (usually 12-14 gauge), which can resist corrosives, may be required. For less extreme environments, a painted/powder coated steel NEMA 4 enclosure design may be satisfactory. Modifications, such as custom purge latches or heavy-duty gasket to ensure a tight seal, may be required by the enclosure manufacturer.
2. Input Devices: Many providers of purge systems will offer devices such as keyboards and pointing devices (hula point pointing device may be integrated into the keyboard or as a standalone option) that are available with intrinsically safe or non-incendive ratings. These peripherals are designed for harsh or hazardous working conditions and combine the required ruggedness with the feel of a standard desktop keyboard. The requirements for the area’s classification and division will dictate if an intrinsically safe or non-incendive device will be necessary. These units are connected – via barriers – in the protected/purged enclosure.
3. Maintenance: Accessing the electronics inside of a purged enclosure is inevitable. Maintenance personnel and/or end users need to be aware that they simply cannot open the enclosure without taking certain safety precautions. It is always imperative for personnel to check the area to determine if hazardous gases are present. If hazardous gases exist, the system operator must shut down the equipment, before accessing electronics inside of the computer enclosure.

As a system designer, the best practices for specifying electronics and computer enclosures in hazardous environments include checking the systems overall rating (classification and division), as well as researching the manufacturer providing the system solution. Always choose a manufacturer that has an extensive experience of how to safely enclosing electronics in a hazardous area.

It’s important to note – if a company chooses the wrong solution, the results can be disastrous.

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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