HEATING & VENTILATION Selecting latching solutions
hen selecting a cam or compression latching solution for any enclosure door, it is important to take the following design requirements into consideration: Environment - With the majority of HVAC equipment located outside, enclosure OEMs must ensure that their equipment meets environmental protection and durability requirements. Enclosure OEMs can maintain compliance by incorporating latches that are tested to UL, NEMA or IP standards. Safety - The interior of HVAC enclosures containing boilers or other high-temperature equipment can generate a level of heat that can be harmful to maintenance technicians if they open the door quickly. There are latching systems that, when first actuated allow the hot air to be slowly released before the door is fully opened. The operator can then actuate the latch a second time to safely access the enclosure.
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same function with a greater range of possibility, providing smooth opening operation and infinite positioning of the door, opening as far as a technician desires, and remaining in position until pushed close. These hinges allow for intuitive movement of the door, holding it at any point throughout the full range of motion when stopped, with the amount of effort required to move the door just enough to respond to deliberate motion.
In addition to opening, in certain HVAC systems, large doors may also need to be easily removed to accommodate the replacement or upgrade of large equipment. There is a range of removable hinges available that have been
Security - Most latches used on HVAC enclosures are available in multiple head styles with a range of locking mechanisms. Choices include simple slot and hex head styles, which can be opened with a standard maintenance tool, and key lock actuated, which provides a higher level of security for equipment located in a publicly accessible area. Latches that are compatible with padlocks are also commonly used to deter unauthorized users, and are often used in lock out, tag out situations. Ease of use - Simple opening is an important ergonomic characteristic, especially to maintenance technicians servicing large facilities such as warehouses, production facilities, hospitals, business parks and other multi-building locations. Being able to access the enclosure door with simple tools creates a positive user experience and creates an overall impression of quality and value for the entire HVAC system.
engineered for very simple removal without the need for separate tools, allowing a door to be ‘lifted off’ its frame. As with latching solutions and hinges previously mentioned, HVAC equipment OEMs and enclosure suppliers should select hinges that comply with standards for external use environments and provide durability and long operating life when exposed to the elements.
Selecting the right components
To maximise HVAC system energy efficiency, HVAC enclosure designers ultimately need to select the appropriate latching and hinging
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solutions that will satisfy two basic functional requirements: easy opening and secure closing. Component selection should be based on a door’s dimensions, thickness and weight. This includes choosing the proper number of hinges for the door’s size and determining whether a standard latch with just one latching point or a multiple latch configuration is required. The level of security needed for each latch, simple tool actuation or more secure key actuation, should also be taken into consideration. When choosing a high volume supplier of latching and hinging solutions, HVAC designers should evaluate the strength of a vendor’s supply chain: Do they have a global footprint? Do they have background in regional requirements in terms of environmental standards? How well can they supply products in different regional markets in a timely fashion?
The best suppliers are typically equipped with a strong supply chain and ample product available to meet production requirements. They will also be able to supply expert support and advice on the best latching and hinging technology to use on specific enclosure designs, especially those with insulated doors that call for access solutions engineered specifically for those applications.
As HVAC OEMs continue to improve the design and energy efficiency of their enclosure systems, selecting the appropriate latching and hinging solutions to complete those designs can help achieve the overall efficiency, energy savings and improved performance that the latest generation of HVAC systems are engineered to provide.
BSEE ‘
For building owners and facilies managers, improving the energy eciency of their HVAC systems plays an important role in controlling costs and improving margin
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BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JANUARY 2019 25
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