NEMA enclosures have been in the industry for quite some time now and is commonly used in electronics industry. But what has been the most consistent challenge engineers face today is choosing the right electronics enclosure for certain applications and industries. Because of the intricacy of each application and material to be used in manufacturing for the enclosures, engineers are still having the most difficult time. 

What makes it more difficult is when engineers arrive at a wrong decision a company can face possible serious consequences. A NEMA rated electrical enclosure that is not suitable for a certain use can result in a serious amount of damage to any electrical equipment. Choosing the right enclosure is as important as having one. 

One of the most commonly used enclosure for outdoor applications is NEMA 3R. In this article, we will tackle the advantage and disadvantages of using one. 

NEMA 3R Enclosure Defined. 

Basing from the NEMA standards for electrical enclosures, NEMA 3R can provide the following degree of protection: 

• Protection against foreign ingress of solid objects 
• Provides protection from hazardous environments 

• Protection from water ingress  
• Protection from external ice formation 

In a hindsight, this might be an adequate feature if you are looking for an enclosure to protect your equipment from outside applications – but this depends on case to case basis. For example, in case of extreme weather, heavy amount of water can be directly forced into your enclosure thus requiring your enclosure to withstand enormous amount of pressure. 

However, NEMA 3R are still commonly used to protect switchgear, electrical junctions, lighting and any other equipment company uses for any outdoor applications. 3R enclosures can come in variety of material, styles, and sizes. Stainless steel, aluminum, and polycarbonate alloy can be used to manufacture NEMA 3R enclosures. 

Is NEMA 3R Electrical Enclosures Sufficient Enough? 

By NEMA standards, a 3R type enclosure can protect against rain. But how much rain can the enclosure withstand? What if a rainstorm is accompanied by heavy winds? 

Questions such as these can make choosing a NEMA 3R enclosure for your outdoor application difficult. Below, we’ll discuss a few of the pros and cons of NEMA 3R enclosures for outdoor applications. 

Questions such as this makes it hard for engineers choose 3R enclosures for their outdoor application. However, 3R exists for a good reason and can be best suitable for certain applications. Where it will be used depends on the engineer’s judgment and discernment. In this article, we will thoroughly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of NEMA 3R enclosures. 

Pros of NEMA 3R Enclosures for Outdoor Applications 

Any applications require specific design and material for electrical enclosures, however NEMA 3R enclosures can be a very good choice for system & design engineers. This enclosure is considered to be cost-effective and it can tolerate certain weather conditions that can be present in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. 

In addition to this, NEMA 3R enclosures are commonly used in wide variety of applications. NEMA 3R are proven to effectively protect electricity switches in homes and apartments and it can also contain house electronics that has mobile power distribution system. 

Whatever marine application it may be – on ship, or in the bayport – electrical enclosures should have the features that can help protect companies’ electrical equipments. Usually, the electrical enclosures used for marine offshore applications are weatherproof. It usually has safety features that prevents leak or water ingress and provides overall protection. However, for any type of marine applications, the enclosure should not only protect the electrical equipments inside but it should be designed and built to also withstand on its own. Sometimes, there are need for submerging electrical enclosures totally in water. 

In addition to this, some of the enclosures that requires temporary submersion in sea water are made from polycarbonate composition. This simply means that the enclosure can be used in wet environments and has high anti-corrosion properties that makes it almost nearly impossible to happen. It is important to note that overtime, all metal enclosures still has the possibility and tendency to corrode when frequently submerged in water. That is why it is important to choose the material wisely in building enclosures because it can help in protecting any electrical equipment or cargo when put out to sea. 

Ideally, any enclosure used for marine applications should pass the following tests and requirements: 

• Designed according to international NEMA or IP standards of enclosures performance 
• Can withstand strong impacts 

• Can stand chemical reactions – with high resistance 
• UV properties 

When approaching an electrical enclosure manufacturing company, a good comprehensive understanding of where and how it will be used is important. Especially for offshore marine applications where there might be a need for lightweight enclosures. Aside from polycarbonate steels, 5052 Aluminum is also a widely accepted steel material for offshore enclosures. It has anti-corrosive properties and is a lightweight steel. Weight will never be an issue with aluminum enclosures. However, overtime this type of aluminum can show signs of corrosion because of prolonged exposure to salt water environment or any corrosive environments. 

But there is a common practice for manufacturers to reduce or even minimize the risk of possible corrosion by anodizing the enclosure. This method greatly increases surface hardness, helps the enclosure to improve corrosion resistance by increasing it and is totally non-conductive. In addiiton to this, anodized coatings can make the enclosure withstand 80 degrees celsius. Exposure to high temperature environments can make the finishes crack but it will certainly not peel. 

Another material you can choose from is Stainless Steel. The types of stainless steel widely used for this type of application are 304L and 316L grades. The chromium and nickel content in stainless steel helps it to be corrosion-resistant but the downside is it can make the stainless steel heavier than the aluminum. If weight is not an issue, you can opt to use Stainless Steel. Between 304L and 316L, the later has a higher corrosion resistant properties because of higher nickel content with the addition of molybdenum for added protection. However, 316L Stainless Steel grade is not a suitable material in making the hardwares for the enclsoure such as nuts, bolts, and fasteners. It is best used in constructing the body of the enclosure. 304L stainless steel on the other hand is stronger and has a higher wear resistance than 316L grade because of higher chromium content. It cost lower compare to 316L and it is the best choice for enclosure that will be subjected to extreme environments. 

NEMA 12 General Reference Applications 

NEMACO technology manufactures NEMA 12 enclosures which are designed primarily for any indoor, industrial, manufacture and machining uses and applications. NEMA 12 electrical enclosures are engineered to protect equipment from dust, dirt, and non-corrosive liquids, oils or any lubricants. Rest assured that NEMACO follows the NEMA standards to give the customers the quality electrical enclosures to suit any industrial applications. Our company produces NEMA 12 enclosures using carbon steel material to ensure the quality and efficiency of the product. 

NEMACO NEMA 12 Electrical Enclosures – General Features: 

• Built for industrial use – indoor or outdoor 
• It gives protection for electrical equipment from dust, dirt, and any hazardous liquids 

• It keeps the equipment from being exposed to non-corrosive liquids, oils or any lubricants. 
• Damages are avoided because it keeps the electrical equipment from being damaged because of exposure to noncorrosive liquids 
• We manufacture NEMA 12 enclosures with oil-resistant gaskets 
• NEMACO manufactures NEMA 12 enclosures with pre-punched holes, latches or locks, insulation, cutouts, lift-off hinges. 

NEMACO NEMA 12 Additional Features 

In our company, we have available NEMA 12 enclosures available with front door and two quarter turn latches. In addition to this, NEMA 12 has the door open with continuous seals inside the enclosure door. Our NEMA 12 enclosures are made with a good seal to avoid dust ingress and it gives water protection from unexpected water drippings. Our technology produces designs that obliterate most of the foreign objects or dust from ruining your electric equipment. 

NEMACO NEMA 12 Enclosure Types 

Nemaco Technology offers NEMA 12 Enclosures & Cabinets: 

• Temperature Controlled AC Cooling (1,000 to 10,000 BTU) 
• Powder Coated & Tough Marine Epoxy Coatings 

• Lightweight & Strong Aluminum Alloys (5052, etc) 
• Corrosion Resistant Stainless Steel (304, 316) 
• INDOOR – NEMA 12 – DUST RESISTANT – ENCLOSURES & CABINETS 

Nemaco – Wall Mounted – Electrical Enclosures & Cabinets 

• NEMA 12 Enclosures, Removable Cover, JIC 
• NEMA 12 Enclosures, Hinged Cover, JIC 
• NEMA 12 Enclosures, Hinged Dual Cover (front & back sides), JIC 
• Nemaco – Floor Mounted – 19 inch EIA Rackmount Enclosures & Cabinets 

• NEMA 12 Cabinets, Single Door 
• NEMA 12 Cabinets, Double Doors (front doors) 
• NEMA 12 Cabinets, Double Doors (front & back) 
• INDOOR – NEMA 12 – DUST RESISTANT – SERVER RACKS – AC COOLING 

Nemaco – Wall Mounted – 19 inch EIA Rackmount Enclosure & Cabinet Products 

• NEMA 12 Server Enclosure, Removable Cover, JIC 
• NEMA 12 Server Enclosure, Hinged Cover, JIC 

• NEMA 12 Server Enclosure, Hinged Dual Cover (front & back sides), JIC 
• Nemaco – Floor Mounted – 19 inch EIA Rackmount Enclosures & Cabinets 

• NEMA 12 Server Cabinet, Single Door 
• NEMA 12 Server Cabinet, Double Doors (front doors) 

• NEMA 12 Server Cabinet, Double Doors (front & back) 

NEMA 12 Materials 

With this in mind, NEMACO manufactures most of NEMA 12 enclosures from carbon steel materials (such as sheet metal, hinges) and we also provide an option to do overall powder coats on entire enclosures’ surfaces uniformly. After which the powder coating is finished (totally cured and dry), then we finally set and assemble the other remaining parts that complete and finishes the enclosure – such as foam seals, handles, latches, etc. Our company can offer you a wide variety of power coat & paint colours that will suit your industrial applications and business needs. When your NEMA 12 electrical enclosure is done and finished, we will ship the product to your preferred freight company. 

Carbon Steel 

Carbon steel compared to other raw material steels has a higher carbon content, including iron and manganese. Carbon steel as an electrical enclosure material is considered to be one of the widely and known used material steel because compared to other steels available, it has many functions and advantages that includes in its efficiency. Carbon steel is malleable, therefore it can be melted and can be turned into different specific shapes. 

There are generally four types of carbon steel according to these categories: low or mild steel, medium steel, high steel, and ultra high steel. 

Low steel contains lower content of carbon among all other types of carbon steel. This type of carbon steel is easier to form a shape and this is the most affordable compared to other types of metals. It is commonly used in manufacturing equipment for construction purposes. Despite the advantages, it has low strength and durability because of the lower carbon content. 

Medium steel is another type of carbon steel which is resistant to longer use or wear and tear. Compared to low steel, this is more durable and stronger. Medium steel is commonly used in producing large metal structures and automotive accessories such as axles, shafts, couplings and other materials applicable to this industry. 

High steel is one of the strongest carbon steel ever known because it has a high steel variety. It is generally used in producing high strength springs and wires. 

Ultra high steel is a carbon steel type which is very formal, but strong recommended to use in manufacturing knives and axles. These types of carbon steel, metals are used in the production of various types of industrial tools and machines. Ultra high steel carbons are used extensively in producing different cutting tools, drill bits, and knives because these types of tools require strong but very flexible material. 

NEMA 12 Accessories  

All of our NEMA 12 industrial 19″ rackmount electrical server enclosures & cabinets can be made with the following options: adjustable rack rails, clear Lexan windows, temperature controlled AC cooling, double doors, grounding studs, padlock provisions, sub-panels (powder coated carbon steel & aluminum), single shelf, adjustable shelves, custom cut-outs and many custom colors (light computer gray, industrial gray, royal blue, sunny orange, super black magic). 

NEMA 12 Indoor Lab Application 

NEMA 12 is commonly used indoor lab application: most of the companies use NEMA 12 enclosures for indoor applications made from a metal box. This is made to protect electrical controls inside a laboratory or any indoor dry environment which is susceptible to dripping pipes but there is not rain evidently. Most of the time, this type of NEMA 12 electrical enclosure has an average manufacturing cost because of the materials used and powder coatings applied.  

NEMA 12 Automated Factory Application 

Usual NEMA 12 electrical computer enclosure in factory uses and applications: the majority of the factories belonging to the computer & electronics industry use electric systems for automation of manufacturing processes. Our NEMA 12 enclosures prevent the ingress of dust from your electrics and PLC’S (programmable logic controllers) to ensure smooth manufacturing processes and keep delays in your operations.  

In addition to this, NEMACO provides air conditioning units to keep the electronics from heating up inside the enclosure. Please also note that most of the factories have an abundance of dust and there are many pipes existing almost everywhere, therefore NEMA 12 is the perfect solution to keep your factory running efficiently without hindrances. 

NEMA 4X Definition with General Reference Applications

This enclosure is suitable for any indoor and outdoor use, gives protection to the people using the equipment because of exposure to harmful parts. NEMA 4X also provides a degree of protection from ingress of foreign objects such as dust, ingress of water (rain, sleet, snow) and it also protects the equipment from splashing water or hose-directed water. It also protects any electrical equipment from corrosion and any equipment housed in the NEMA 4X will be protected against ice formation because of extreme weather.

NEMA 4X Quality Test

With this in mind, NEMA 4X enclosures are being subjected to different quality tests to make sure that it will pass many and several corrosion tests to measure its efficiency. One of which includes long exposure of the enclosure (estimated 1200 hours) to corrosion-inducing places where there is moist air containing carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Both compounds are known to hasten oxidation thus resulting corrosion to any metals exposed to it. NEMA 4X should also pass water spray tests for 800 hours – this test includes exposing the enclosure to salt spray which mimics rainwater which is also known for causing corrosion to a majority of metals.

NEMA 4X Electrical Enclosures – General Features:

Suitable for any indoor and outdoor application

Provides protection from moisture and water ingress

Provides protection for electrical equipment from incidental contact.

Intrusion and ingress of foreign objects

Built with tight-seal ingress

Nemaco Offers Several Types of NEMA 4X Electrical Enclosures:

Nemaco Wall Mount Electrical Enclosures, Boxes & Cabinets

NEMA 4X Enclosure, Removable Cover, JIC

NEMA 4X Enclosure, Hinged Cover, JIC

NEMA 4X Enclosure, Hinged Dual Cover (front & back sides), JIC

NEMA 4X Junction & Pull Box, JIC (for electrical wiring)

Nemaco Floor Mount Electrical Enclosures & Cabinets

NEMA 4X Cabinet, Single Door

NEMA 4X Cabinet, Double Doors (front doors)

NEMA 4X Cabinet, Double Doors (front & back)

Nemaco 19″ Rack Mount Electrical Enclosures & Cabinets with Wall Brackets & Floor Footing

NEMA 4X Enclosure, Hinged Cover, JIC

NEMA 4X Enclosure, Hinged Dual Cover (front & back sides), JIC

NEMA 4X Price Compared to NEMA 4

It is important to note that NEMA 4X enclosures, boxes and cabinets are generally more expensive than most of the other NEMA 4 enclosures because of the cost of materials used in manufacturing NEMA 4X. NEMACO uses stainless steel materials that have nickel and chrome for added corrosion protection. With the NEMA 4X enclosures, cabinets, and boxes, it offers better longevity of use, and corrosion protection compare to NEMA 4 enclosure (carbon steel and plastic) enclosures.

General Information about Stainless Steel NEMA 4X for Corrosion Resistance

Stainless steel is the generic term used to call a number of steels used in making metals used for manufacturing different sorts of products, especially electrical enclosures. Because of the mixture of metals, this produces a raw material that provides protection from oxidation resulting to corrosion. Generally, all stainless steel is composed of a minimum percentage of 10.5% chromium. This element is widely known for prevention of corrosion – but the other elements, especially nickel and molybdenum are also added to stainless steel to improve corrosion resistance. A good advantage determines the success of any metal. The chromium component in stainless steel is proven to react best with oxygen, and this element provides a film of chromium oxide on the molecular level -usually on the surface.

Nemaco Technology offers the following types of NEMA 4X enclosures:

boxes and cabinets in (both 304 & 316), stainless steel and 5052 aluminium:

NEMA 4X Application

NEMA 4X enclosures are generally manufactured from stainless steel or plastic. These enclosures are best suited for applications where there is an exposure to harsher and extreme environments than the standard NEMA 4 electrical enclosures. The type of uses where there is an existence of corrosive materials (hazardous fluids, rainwater, etc) and caustic cleaners makes it necessary for companies to use NEMA 4X enclosures.

NEMA 4X Summary

Any application that requires exposure to worst and harsh environments calls for the use of NEMA 4X enclosures. This enclosure is available in several sizes, from small wall mounts to two-door models. Our company produces these enclosures from 304 & 316 stainless steel. In addition to this, we manufacture NEMA 4X available with continuous hinges, mounting feet and sometimes padlock hasps. For customisation needs, don’t hesitate to contact us and we will surely help you.

NEMA enclosures have been in the industry for quite some time now and is commonly used in electronics industry. But what has been the most consistent challenge engineers face today is choosing the right electronics enclosure for certain applications and industries. Because of the intricacy of each application and material to be used in manufacturing for the enclosures, engineers are still having the most difficult time. 

What makes it more difficult is when engineers arrive at a wrong decision a company can face possible serious consequences. A NEMA rated electrical enclosure that is not suitable for a certain use can result in a serious amount of damage to any electrical equipment. Choosing the right enclosure is as important as having one. 

One of the most commonly used enclosure for outdoor applications is NEMA 3R. In this article, we will tackle the advantage and disadvantages of using one. 

NEMA 3R Enclosure Defined. 

Basing from the NEMA standards for electrical enclosures, NEMA 3R can provide the following degree of protection: 

• Protection against foreign ingress of solid objects 
• Provides protection from hazardous environments 
• Protection from water ingress  

• Protection from external ice formation 

In a hindsight, this might be an adequate feature if you are looking for an enclosure to protect your equipment from outside applications – but this depends on case to case basis. For example, in case of extreme weather, heavy amount of water can be directly forced into your enclosure thus requiring your enclosure to withstand enormous amount of pressure. 

However, NEMA 3R are still commonly used to protect switchgear, electrical junctions, lighting and any other equipment company uses for any outdoor applications. 3R enclosures can come in variety of material, styles, and sizes. Stainless steel, aluminum, and polycarbonate alloy can be used to manufacture NEMA 3R enclosures. 

Is NEMA 3R Electrical Enclosures Sufficient Enough? 

By NEMA standards, a 3R type enclosure can protect against rain. But how much rain can the enclosure withstand? What if a rainstorm is accompanied by heavy winds? 

Questions such as these can make choosing a NEMA 3R enclosure for your outdoor application difficult. Below, we’ll discuss a few of the pros and cons of NEMA 3R enclosures for outdoor applications. 

Questions such as this makes it hard for engineers choose 3R enclosures for their outdoor application. However, 3R exists for a good reason and can be best suitable for certain applications. Where it will be used depends on the engineer’s judgment and discernment. In this article, we will thoroughly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of NEMA 3R enclosures. 

Pros of NEMA 3R Enclosures for Outdoor Applications 

Any applications require specific design and material for electrical enclosures, however NEMA 3R enclosures can be a very good choice for system & design engineers. This enclosure is considered to be cost-effective and it can tolerate certain weather conditions that can be present in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. 

In addition to this, NEMA 3R enclosures are commonly used in wide variety of applications. NEMA 3R are proven to effectively protect electricity switches in homes and apartments and it can also contain house electronics that has mobile power distribution system.

Design engineers from various industries prefer stainless steel because of its durability, longevity, and its features that are helpful in medical uses. From kitchen to hospital use, it is a common metal used in different industries. With this in mind, stainless steel are widely used and it is a very attractive material to different manufacturers. 

Stainless steel is an alloy known for its corrosion-resistant properties and pitting which makes it easier to maintain and clean. Many alloys can be called stainless steel despite of different compositions but each should at least have a 10.5% chromium by mass. The additional chromium in the alloy improves stainless steel’s durability and its corrosion-resistant properties that adds to the value of the alloy. 

With this in mind, what are the usual applications customers use stainless steel for? The answer will be explained in several features below: 

Stainless Steel Electrical Enclosures 

Stainless steel is commonly used to manufacture electrical enclosures that protects fuse and junction boxes for certain industrial applications. Stainless steel’s brilliant high temperature tolerance and corrosion-resistant properties makes any enclosure have good durability and longevity. Making it the best material to be used for enclosures used in hazardous environments. 

Most of the time, junction and fuse boxes are used in environments where there are moisture, dirt, and high temperature and these are major concerns for any electrical equipment. Stainless steel enclosures can give the highest form of protection against these potential damages. This alloy conducts heat very poorly and it has anti-corrosion properties. Making it suitable for environments where there are high risk of having temperature swings and moisture. In addition to this, junction and fuse boxes are commonly submerged in water that’s why these are needed to be protected inside the stainless steel boxes. 

Stainless Steel Equipment Control Panels 

The equipment that needs control boxes are robotic equipment systems, handling equipment, and machining tools. Control Panels are used for housing and protecting company’s important and sensitive equipment. Potential damages to these equipment can cost companies a lot of money and it can delay any production processes.  

With this in mind, stainless steel is the perfect steel alloy to be used in manufacturing control panels that houses this sensitive equipment. Because of stainless steel’s durability and longevity, it makes a perfect material for control boxes. Stainless control boxes are easier to clean and can resist high temperature environments protecting some of the sensitive equipment. Because of some production processes, some of the machinery equipment can generate buildup of dirt easily and it can jeopardize this equipment. Because of stainless steel easy to clean feature, dirt can be easily removed and it can speed up processing time. 

Stainless Steel Security Systems 

Stainless steel alloy is also a perfect material in manufacturing security system housings. Because alarm systems needed to be protected from high temperature and from any attempts to unauthorized access. Stainless steel is the perfect material because of its durability and longevity. It can also have a special locking mechanism that can make the housings highly tamper-resistant. 

In case you need an enclosure for any indoor and outdoor applications, aside from stainless steel and aluminum enclosures, engineers can opt to using polycarbonate enclosure. It is lightweight, incredibly versatile and rugged enclosures can can fit to many possible company applications.

To take a closer look, here are the benefits, features, and common applications for polycarbonate enclosures:

What are the benefits of polycarbonate enclosures?

1. Durable – polycarbonate enclosures are made of a material which is designed to withstand high temperature applications. Aside from that, it is UV resistant and can also resist other possible chemical reactions. Because of this, this is very ideal for outdoor applications and purposes.
2. Lightweight – polycarbonate enclosures are lightweight and it is easy to carry them around
3. Customizable – polycarbonate enclosures are durable and it can handle different customizations and it is easy to add cutouts
4. Cost-efficient – aside from the fact that they are durable and strong material for enclosures, compare to its metal counterparts, polycarbonate are an affordable material for enclosures.
5. Protection from ingress and corrosion – polycarbonate enclosures can protect equipment from any kind of ingress (water, dust, rain) and it prevents corrosion from forming.

Common Applications for Polycarbonate Enclosures

Aside from being a very versatile enclosure, it can fit to several applications. From wastewater plants to paper manufacturing plants, engineers can use this enclosure to wide variety of applications:

1. Wastewater treatment plants – these companies use electronic equipment that use signals to transmit data and information from the machinery to the main data center. Polycarbonate enclosures are a perfect fit for this type of application because it blocks UV rays and allows transmission of signals. It can protect the equipment from moisture and it is lightweight. Enabling the engineers to modify the enclosures depending on different type of needs.
2. Solar Power Plants – Because of their ability to withstand and have high tolerance for high temperature environments, polycarbonate enclosures are a perfect fit for this application. Aside from this, it can also withstand UV radiation as well as blowing dust and ingress of dirt and rain.
3. Marine offshore applications – since polycarbonate enclosures can precent corrosion and is lightweight, it can also be used for marine offshore applications. Since in this industry, processes are done near sea side, it is important to have enclosures that can protect equipment from any possible damage. Polycarbonate enclosures can also be submerged temporarily in water.
4. Manufacturing Plants – in this industry, enclosure should be corrosion and heat resistant. In for example pulp and paper plants, chemicals and mechanical processes can make the environment extremely hot and moist. This can damage the equipment if not protected properly by an enclosure. In this environment, corrosion can happen anytime thus it is crucial that the material used can prevent corrosion.

In conclusion, polycarbonate materials is a perfect alternative if companies want a cost-efficient and effective enclosure. But it cannot be said that these type of enclosures can replace stainless steel and aluminum ones. There are pros and cons in using polycarbonate enclosures and proper knowledge about this can equip design engineers when making their decision.

What is the NEMA 3R Rating?

Electrical Enclosures: What is the NEMA 3R Rating?

NEMA 3R Definition with General Reference Applications

NEMA 3R enclosures are widely used for outdoor applications for industrial uses, such as protecting electrical wiring and junction boxes. NEMA 3R enclosures protect electrical equipment from water ingresses such as falling rain, sleet, snow and external ice formation caused by extremely cold weather. And NEMA 3R enclosures are compatible with both outdoor and indoor use and applications. NEMA 3R enclosures can also be used for indoor applications to protect electrical equipment or wiring from unexpected water dripping from water pipes or a leaking roof that needs repair.

NEMA 3R Electrical Enclosures – General Features:

• Outdoor protection from rain, ice formation, and foreign substances.
• Indoor protection from falling dirt and dripping water from pipes
• Provides protection for electrical equipment from incidental contact.

NEMACO™ Offers Several Types of NEMA 3R Electrical Enclosures

• Indoor & Outdoor Floor Mounted Cabinets
• Indoor & Outdoor Wall Mounted Enclosures
• Indoor& Outdoor Electrical Wiring Boxes, Junction Boxes and Pull Boxes
• Electrical Wiring Trough Enclosures

Additional NEMA 3R Information

NEMACO™ offers NEMA 3R enclosures for industrial applications that can be used for protecting and housing electrical components such as switchgear, power distribution controls, and electrical wiring. NEMACO™sells NEMA 3R electrical enclosures that are manufactured to NEMA and industrial standards that ensure quality to our customers.

We manufacture electrical enclosures from top-grade carbon steel and we can customize enclosures according to a customer’s specifications.

Alternate Materials for NEMA 3R Enclosures

NEMACO™ manufactures NEMA 3R enclosures primarily with quality grades of carbon steel. But NEMACO™ can offer stainless steel and aluminum materials as an option for many applications. Each of the ferrous and non-ferrous raw materials has specific and unique qualities that make an enclosure optimum based on the application. The different materials show several characters and capabilities that make NEMA 3R enclosures unique and specifically suited for certain environments and applications. Call NEMACO™for suggestions about materials selection for your application.

• Powder Coated Carbon Steel (HR / CRS) – Strong & Durable
• Powder Coated Aluminum (5052, 6061) – Low Weight
• Stainless Steel (Material Grades 304/316) – Strong, Durable, Corrosion Resistant

Carbon Steel used for Enclosures

Most forms of carbon steel are malleable, therefore it can be easily formed, shaped, cut and welded. Typically, cold rolled carbon steel (CRS) are common grades of steel of low or medium carbon content in the steel.

CRS in flat sheet format is commonly used as an electrical enclosure and cabinet material since it has structural strength and rigidity when formed(folded) into enclosure sides and other related enclosure parts. Of course, CRScost less than stainless steel and it has many functions and advantages but it does not have the corrosion resistance properties of stainless steel.

Powder coated CRS is ideal for many NEMA 3R Enclosures products generally due to the materials lower cost, overall strength and weldability.

Different Types of Custom Metal Enclosures for Electrical Equipment

Any company who needs custom electrical enclosures for their equipment can be provided by any enclosure manufacturing company. They just have to be specific to the design that they want to achieve. This also includes the type of steel material they would like to have, such as – aluminum, stainless and carbon steel. Lead times may also vary so a good communication about what is needed to be achieved is important.

Also, there is an option for an enclosure to be customized – via silkscreen or engraving. In addition to this, a clear understanding of the NEMA or IP rating needed for the specific enclosure will be helpful in communicating to a certain manufacturing company of the enclosures needed to be designed.

Enclosure types

There are several types of customization a company can choose from wall mount, free-standing, floor mount, JIC and through. It is important to note that the size of these enclosures is not limited, they can be built according to the needed size for the electrical equipment. One of the most common ones is the free-standing portable enclosures.

Additional assembly

In regards to the parts of the electrical enclosure, a company can request for an adjustable swing door assembly. This provides an extra space for the inside and the outside for the enclosure for the specific electrical equipment. This will allow the company to easily assemble the electrical equipment inside the enclosure. Doors can be made of solid metal, a feature window, and cutouts or mounting holes. Different applications call for different customization needs. There are also clamps, latches, turn handles, and lock options if you would like an added security for your electrical enclosure. For other seal options, there are strips, die-cut, and bulb extrusion. This enables the enclosure to protect your electrical equipment inside. Communication is the key, let your manufacturer know of what other types of features that you would need.

Other Features

The other feature that you can add is studs and nuts. It can be placed on the back panel of the enclosure of wherever you need them for an efficient installation. There will be no need to drill or tap mounting holes and this will also save your company resources and time. Additionally, there can also be gland plates that can be placed through custom cuts and holes. This can be placed on either side or top/bottom part of the electrical enclosure.

Different customizations for different applications are needed. Some of the companies manufacture electrical enclosure for different industries, such as fire protection, food and beverage, water treatment, power generation, communication/telecom companies, transportation, chemical, wastewater management, petrochemical, and oil and gas. One should note however that there are companies that only specialize for specific types of industries. Message the manufacturing companies to know more.

Conclusion

Lastly, do not forget to be specific about the different protection you need for your electrical enclosures. Most of the common protections enclosures can have are corrosion-resistant, water and dust ingress, hose-water resistance. There are also submersible enclosures for marine offshore companies.