Enclosure Mounting, Hardware & Fasteners

More Information about Enclosure Mounting, Hardware and Fasteners

The hardware aspect covers a wide array of items like hinges, locks, latches, and handles. These components not only secure the enclosure but also provide ease of access for maintenance and inspection. Locks and latches are especially important in applications where security and restricted access are priorities. Hinges and handles, on the other hand, contribute to the usability and ergonomics of the enclosure, allowing for smooth opening and closing.

Fasteners, including screws, bolts, nuts, and washers, play a pivotal role in assembling and securing the components of an enclosure. They come in various sizes and materials, catering to different requirements in terms of strength, corrosion resistance, and environmental compatibility. For example, stainless steel fasteners are commonly used in outdoor or harsh environments due to their rust-resistant properties.

In addition to these, there are specialized hardware and fasteners designed for specific types of enclosures. These may include sealing gaskets for waterproof or dustproof enclosures, grounding kits for electrical safety, and thermal management accessories for regulating the internal temperature of the enclosure.

The choice of mounting, hardware, and fasteners is crucial and depends on factors such as the enclosure’s size, weight, the environment it will be placed in, and the level of accessibility required. Using appropriate and high-quality components in these areas is essential to ensure the longevity, safety, and functionality of the enclosure system.

Maintaining NEMA 4 Rating When Making Enclosure Penetrations

Cutouts are very common when modifying enclosures for push buttons, indication lights, conduit entries or mounting hardware. Cutting into an enclosure runs the risk of eliminating the protective nature of the NEMA rated attributes. Proper steps must be followed in order to preserve the NEMA rating of an enclosure.

Devices mounted to the enclosure must have the same NEMA rating as the enclosure. This means that if the devices are installed to the manufacturer's specifications, they will be able to maintain the NEMA rating of the enclosure. 

Water tight conduit hubs must be used when running wire through a cutout in an enclosure. There are many different types of conduit hubs that are used to secure conduit to an enclosure. However, only certain conduit hubs are rated for a watertight seal. By using water tight hubs, the NEMA rating of the enclosure is maintained.

Bonded washers are necessary when mounting hardware to an enclosure. If standard mounting hardware is used, the NEMA rating of the enclosure will no longer be maintained. Bonded washers have rubber gaskets that make a watertight seal around the drilled hole. It is also important to make sure the material used for the bonded washer matches the material of the enclosure. Stainless steel enclosures require stainless steel bonded washers.