Cases & enclosures
buildings. This ranges from Category 1 residential dwellings through to Category 4 tower blocks above 18m, including the highest EN 12845 standard. Even Grifen’s sprinkler systems for individual residences are electronically controlled by an industrial PLC, with logic control and software functions authored in-house. At the other end of the scale, Grifen’s fire sprinkler systems for Category 4 commercial properties include remotely controlled testing on a weekly basis. This optimises safety by providing more regular tests than the regulations require and reduces the resources necessary for on-site inspection.
AUTOMATION ENHANCES SAFETY The system’s electronics need a high level of protection. In the event of a fire, the enclosure must be able to withstand the initial heat. Then, the unit has to prevent water ingress when the sprinkler system is activated. The enclosures also have to be sufficiently durable to protect the electronic controls from any impact. Grifen uses Spelsberg’s high-durability industrial enclosures,
manufactured from polycarbonate. These boxes protect in
temperatures up to 80°C, sufficient to match the rating of the electronics, and they endure until the sprinklers activate to quell the heat. The enclosures can also withstand water jets and provide a high IK09 impact resistance rating. To accommodate the automated system’s multiple cable
connections, as well as the control unit’s digital display, every enclosure requires a CNC machining process. The digital display window, as well as the cable entry points, must be cut in specified locations and to exacting dimensions. Crucially, when the display and the cables are installed, the surrounding gap must be sealed to uphold the level of ingress protection.
HIGH DURABILITY ENCLOSURES
Spelsberg provides all CNC work on-site at its Midlands facility, and although Grifen supplies its own drawings, Spelsberg’s technicians can also create CAD designs. Providing a test prototype in days, Spelsberg then despatched the full quantity of Grifen’s order in less than three weeks. As a result of the enclosure’s precision CNC machining, combined with specially designed cable glands, when Grifen installed the control unit, this upheld the high IP rating.
“Spelsberg’s machining ensures repeatability,” says Noble. “It’s also a fast turnaround, so it’s become a key service for us.” Although Grifen’s control unit is designed to be accessed remotely, or via the digital display, the device is still required to present a variety of user and safety information. Spelsberg provides Grifen with digital printing directly onto the enclosure, providing a highly durable, long-lasting finish. Combined with Grifen’s graphic design, Spelsberg’s printing service also ensures a professional presentation.
TIME-SAVING SERVICE “Previously, we used stick-on labels. Printing directly onto the box is much more hardwearing, and it saves us significant time resource compared to manual application. It also ensures a high-quality finish,” says Noble.
While the capability of Grifen’s systems lay within its software functions, supported by the quality of flow control hardware, the protection of the automated system is fundamental. “We’re committed to Spelsberg for our enclosures,” says Noble. “We’ve put our faith in this process, and the quality of the service means there’s no going back.”
Spelsberg els UK
ww.spelsberg.co.uk
Instrumentation Monthly March 2024 33
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80
