FEATURE ENCLOSURES
Cabinet and enclosure hardware developments
By Andy Billingham, managing director – EMKA (UK)
reinforced polyamide was introduced as the industry developed slim, strong handle designs alongside stainless steel variants in AISI 304 or 316. These reinforced machine grade plastics proved extremely capable such that robust anti- vandal designs were possible in these and zinc die – often complimented by low profile escutcheons and inset handles for sealing and anti-tamper purposes. Just resisting unauthorised access or
M
uch has happened since the Millennium where the feedback
over those years from developing products to keep pace with industrial needs has driven the development of ubiquitous items like quarter-turn locks and latches, now forming a core range with companies such as EMKA (UK). In the 1990’s a typical quarter turn lock was IP54 rated in simple die casting without additional sealing. Firstly flat seals were introduced, then ‘O’ rings, and finally PUR injected seals leading to sealing now commonly available up to IP69. An early requirement was to look at
new materials where leading companies developed capability with reinforced polyamide – for reasons of cost and corrosion resistance as well as stainless steel, which added exceptionally rugged characteristics and corrosion resistance suitable to wash-down areas and marine environments. As plastics technologies developed, greater strength and rigidity were possible so that slim-line polyamide cams could be produced, offering cost benefits and reducing paint damage to cabinets. At that time simple back nut fixing was the norm but was time consuming where multiple panels were being assembled, so EMKA designed a range of ‘quick-fit’ products which push-in and clip-fix. The humble quarter turn latch lock was
8 JULY/AUGUST 2018 | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
changing incrementally with customer demand for smooth, cavity-free designs suited to food processing plants and high sealing to withstand regular pressure washing. At the other end of the scale outdoor environments and rail, or other transport vehicles, have their needs met with high speed dust cap retention and colour coded open/closed indicators. Perhaps the biggest change in the
world of quarter turn locks and latches has been the spread of compression function products. These now offer vibration resistance to prevent nuisance door opening, as well as more complete gasket pull-down and consistently higher IP sealings. Pre-2000 traditional L and T handles were being challenged by relatively new styles of pop-out swinghandles in simple die-cast zinc. These handles offered lower profiles to minimise damage and clothing hazards, while providing convenient, comfortable operation for the user. Parallel developments took place
comparable to quarter turn locks – it is amazing how usage has changed in those years and how products have changed to meet those needs. For similar reasons – enhanced environmental requirements, cost and user friendliness – swinghandles are now produced with ‘O’ rings and PUR seals, giving excellent sealing for all applications. Glass
simple damage however was not enough – in those years we have seen the flowering of the internet and the growth of big data, vulnerable to physical theft. Enter Electronic Locking developed by EMKA to protect server cabinets and industrial electronic control systems from unauthorised access. Simple electronically verified swinghandle based protection soon developed into networked systems that could be remotely monitored and authorised. The Agent E stand-alone wireless system was one approach for single or small numbers of cabinets. For larger installations where building access and complete physical access control is required, right down to the individual cabinet or compartment, then biometric systems have arisen with integrated locking, electronic monitoring of access logs and cabinet environment, full reporting and control over the internet, fully encrypted giving world- wide connectivity. The addition of the EMKA BioLock, with integral fingerprint reader to the ELM program offers a superior level of security for protection of valuable data - in compliance with PCI, SOX, SSAE 16 and HIPAA in support of EN 50600 – with unique, personal identification and traceability. The use of biometric access control also gives the possibility of an operator designating specific alarm fingers, which both opens the system and sets off a remote alarm to warn of an operator under threat, enhancing personal safety. The BioLock, in conjunction with PIN codes and RFID access cards, provides an extremely high 3 level security protection that may be applied on an individual cabinet or on a designated block of cabinets with, for example, a group controller supplemented with separate cabinet release protocols. Multiple releases of separate panels on individual cabinets are catered for by means of linked ELock slave units. BioLock management is handled by
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