When it comes to electrical and electronic appliances and instrumentations, safety is the first factor to consider. And this is where electrical enclosures step in. In general, an electrical enclosure is a cabinet like apparatus that is specifically designed to mount equipment like switches, displays, and knobs. Most of the time, they are designed for operational convenience, but these settings are also fashioned to look pleasant on the eye. There are so many varieties of enclosures to choose from - the type and size of electrical enclosure you need mostly depends on its function.

On a larger scale, electrical enclosures have wider potentials for utility - they play a key role in the functions of protection against electrostatic discharge, heat dissipation, commercial restraints, and waves and frequency interference. When it comes to residential usage, these enclosures play a crucial role in the electrical system of the building. Also known as electrical boxes, these are used to organize outlets, wires, ceiling fixtures, and switches.

Electrical Boxes and Electrical Enclosures 

When it comes to these two components, the major difference is the variation in size. electrical boxes are comparatively smaller in size - they come in 5" x 5" or similar sizes. Electrical enclosures, on the other hand, are employed in larger sizes, like 18" x 16". Also, electrical boxes sometimes come with transparent covers. But mostly, the application of the appliance will decide between the two.

Enclosures and electrical boxes have long been used in both industrial and residential places. They play a vital role in keeping the electrical components of a building safe and secure. Enclosures offer safety from any environmental conditions. The most important function of these cabinets is to safeguard the combination of electrical components from extreme temperature, humidity, and moisture. They also keep you safe from electric shocks.

Types of Enclosures - Based on Material

The protection offered by the enclosure will depend on the material from which it is manufactured. Generally, an electrical box installed for indoor usage and utilization is made of polycarbonate or fiberglass material. A few other materials employed are stainless steel, carbonate steel, and aluminum. In recent times, the application of polycarbonate enclosures is on the rise due to its impressive benefits.

Polycarbonate Enclosures - Benefits

Be it indoor or outdoor enclosure, polycarbonate is a good choice if you are looking for a material that is versatile. Cabinets made of this material are lightweight, durable, and are available at a reasonable cost. Take a look at some of its benefits.

• Sensitive and vulnerable electronic and electrical instrumentations gain protection from all types of hindrances, including extreme weather.

• Proven to safeguard the components from rust, moisture, high temperature, dust, etc.

• Easily movable - very light in weight, so these boxes can be transported smoothly.

• High temperature and heat resistance. Perfect for outdoor utilization.

• Resistance against chemicals and UV rays.

• Cheaper compared to enclosures and electrical boxes made of metals.

• Highly functional and can be remodeled when in need.

Polycarbonate and fiberglass are the materials that are preferred over their metal counterparts. This is chalked down to their versatility and excellent operation. Some enclosures made of these materials are even shatterproof and scratch-resistant. They offer several other functionalities besides the basic operations, so they are favored by industries and manufacturers.

Enclosures in your House

Not only does an electrical box house the various modules, but it also protects them from any damage that could occur due to external conditions. There are countless options to choose from - based on material, shape, size, and utility, you can find a lot of choices. As per the operations and requirements, one should select an electronic cabinet for commercial, industrial, or residential use. 

The most common type of electrical enclosure used in residential buildings is NEMA Type 1. This offers the basic protection for electrical components - safeguards the elements from air, dust, and debris. They are widely employed in indoor commercial and residential uses because of their fundamental protection levels. 

A few features of the NEMA Type 1 enclosure are stated below.

• Cost-effective - provides a solution that offers protection of dangerous electrical equipment from outside access.

• Specifically designed for indoor purposes - a perfect solution for residential buildings.

• Security against dust, dirt, and unwanted contact with electrical components.

Installing a filtered fan can act as both an accessory that keeps away dust and debris and eliminates extensive heating due to overworking of the switches and junctions. To ensure enclosure cooling, you can opt for naturally ventilated apparatus or choose uniquely designed enclosure air conditioners.

Natural lighting is often sufficient to take a look inside the box. But if you feel it isn't enough, you could go for a cob strip, thus illuminating the box from inside.

The Importance of Installing an Electrical Enclosure

If you are still wondering why you need to install an electrical enclosure in your house, then consider these points.

• The wiring, the switchboard, or other electrical and electronic components are exposed to fluids.

• Unknowingly, someone touches the circuits and experiences an electric shock.

• The dirt from the outside is affecting the electrical components significantly.

• The radio waves from the electronic appliance are high and it is showing visible effects.

• Overheating leading to an accident in an electrical circuit or appliance.

All of the above situations are quite scary. Nobody wants to experience these, be it in their home or their workplace. So, what can be done in order to avoid these troubles? 

Installation of an electrical enclosure is the one-stop solution for all these problems. They act as two-way protection - one can avoid getting in contact with electrical equipment that are dangerous, and at the same time, the components and instruments are safeguarded from any external factor. 

The Bottom Line:

From power supplies to routers to wiring, an enclosure box will house a wide variety of units. The lifetime of these units withers down substantially when they are open to moisture and dust. So, these enclosures are a necessary part of any household.

An electrical box/enclosure is an item that you should not neglect installing in your house. Exposure to moisture or too much heat can lead to the failure of electrical components, or worse, an electric shock occurring to the users. So, don't ignore the warnings and skip out on making a necessary setting up of this cabinet!