Electronic Enclosures Types and Terms
Types of Electronic Enclosures
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are housings made specifically for computers. Computer enclosures are
usually made of metal and are used to protect the inner electronics
from dust and moisture damage.
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are made to the detailed specifications of the customer. The sizes
can vary to enclose a range of equipment, from a fuse box to a number
of electronic devices and cables housed in a separate room, referred
to as network racks.
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have an inner wall that is isolated from the outer wall with the exception
of the region where the power-line filters and coaxial connectors
penetrate. Double shielded enclosures can also be rooms.
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are filters designed to protect electronic parts from damage caused
by dirt, oil, dust and moisture. Electronic cabinets, used in virtually
every industry, give electronic components a plane of operation that
improves their efficiency.
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(http://www.emi-shielding.net)
involves using materials, such as filters, gaskets and coatings to block,
absorb or redirect electromagnetic waves, in order to prevent electromagnetic
interference (EMI) from harming sensitive equipment. These materials
are attached to the metal surface of such enclosures.
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are a type of enclosure used specifically for wiring and the connecting
of wiring to a larger unit and are often constructed with metal material.
Junction boxes must have a cover plate and should be easily accessible.
- are metal enclosures that protect electronics.
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are typically made of either aluminum or sheet metal. Metal enclosures
are being replaced by enclosures made of lighter, more durable composites.
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are a specific type of electronic enclosure that is certified by the
National Electronic Manufacturers Association (NEMA), which rates the
enclosures bases on the type of application for which they are used.
NEMA enclosures are typically made from carbon or stainless steel and
can range in size from a pushbutton panel to a room-sized panel.
- are plastic housings that protect electronics.
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are either rectangular or wedge-shaped. Pushbutton enclosures have cutouts
for surrounding and securing pushbuttons and can be mounted to a wall,
pedestal or suspension system.
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are similar to junction boxes and are used for the housing and protection
of a connection point between two different types of wire.
Electronic Enclosures Terms
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A reduction in signal strength. Attenuation can occur naturally during
normal signal transmission, or it may be produced intentionally by inserting
a device in the path of the signal to reduce signal strength.
- The outer
surface of the electrical enclosure.
- Often used interchangeably
with either enclosure or rack. It is a piece of equipment designed to
house or enclose something, such as electrical or process equipment.
- Seals that prevent
water, dust, etc. from entering the enclosure at the point at which the
cable is brought through the enclosure wall. Often, cable glands are installed
via a gland plate.
- The unintentional or undesired exiting of potentially interfering
electromagnetic energy from electrical/electronic sources.
- The ability
of a material to resist burning, sparking, sputtering or dripping when
brought into contact with a naked flame. Not all enclosures are flame
retardant.
- Also called a "mounting
plate" or "mounting pan," it is a shelf that allows
the mounting of equipment inside the enclosure. Gear trays are typically
located at the rear of the enclosure, though some may be movable.
- Removable section
of the enclosure, usually located on the bottom. The gland plate can be
removed to allow the easy fitting of cable glands.
- The extent to
which a material can be magnetized.
- Term used to describe
various styles of mounting bases for floor-mounted enclosures.
- Cables that
have shields, such as braids or foils, to prevent EMI from entering
or exiting the cable.
- The input current
of the equipment as declared by the manufacturer.
- Vents that
are used for HVAC or simple ventilation of shielded products, such as
cabinets, rooms or enclosures. Some shielding vents also provide high
shielding or air filtering.
- Shielding
consisting of a thin conductive film on the glass or a fine-wire mesh
or metalized open-mesh textile.
- A material
that maintains shielding effectiveness across a seam or gap in an electronic
enclosure.
- A NEMA rating indicating
that the enclosures are intended for indoor, non-hazardous locations.
Type 1 enclosures are mainly used to provide protection against limited
amounts of falling dirt.
- A NEMA rating indicating
that the enclosures are intended for use in outdoor, non-hazardous locations.
Type 3R enclosures are mainly used to provide protection against falling
rain and external ice formation.
- A NEMA rating indicating
that the enclosures are intended for indoor or outdoor use in non-hazardous
locations. Type 4 enclosures are mainly used to provide protection against
splashing or hose-directed water, damage from external ice formation and
windblown dust or rain.
- A NEMA rating indicating
that the enclosures are intended for indoor use in non-hazardous locations.
Type 12 enclosures are mainly used to provide protection against dripping,
non-corrosive liquids, circulating dust and falling dirt.