FEA
FEAT RE ATURE
RACKS CABINETS & E S, C,
ETS & ENCLOSURE S THE CASE FOR DISTRIBUTION:
All electronic and electrical products require some kind of enclosure, usually combined with internal accessories and connectivity to the outside world. Here Alan Cook, managing director of Foremos t oks at howdistributors play a key rol
accessories and con ectivity to the outsidew Electronics looks at how
Electronics T
he age old adage of, it’s not the box, it’s what’s inside that counts is no
longer simply the case when it comes to modern day electronics. The look and feel of handling and interacting with a device is now just as important as what it can do. Enclosure manufacturers have readily picked up the baton and are now offering products ranging from simple plastic boxes through to complex packaging solutions. The options for enclosures are endless. They may be bench-top, wall mounted or free standing and if going into an industrial environment they may be required to meet hazardous, MIL and railway specifications.
So something that offers the option of being weatherproof, rustproof or with EMC protection are important factors for many. But not all enclosures are fit for specification. What enclosure
manufacturers do not generally offer are the components and accessories required for the selected enclosure to facilitate completion of the finished product. Often enclosure manufacturers do what they do well – make enclosures – and leave the rest to the end user/OEMto complete the packaging to suit the final application. Sourcing cases and enclosures from a specialist distributor offers designers and buyers a one stop shop for all their packaging requirements, simplifying the procurement process, all owing fulfilmen t of their BOM from a single source and in many cases it may be possible for the specified enclosure to be pre-configured by the distributor saving production time. The types of enclosures available from distribution are very varied. Ranging from simple plastic or die-cast metal boxes, industrial and electrical and commercial enclosures, electronic
cabinets, sub-racks and cases with front panels and may be supplied with security locks PCB accessories and retainers DIN Rail mounting systems, enclosure cooling or heating systems, backplanes and power supplies. Complex systems may require compliance to hazardous, MIL or Rail approvals, EMC protection or ruggedisation.
, Clearly selecting the correct enclosure is 22 22 DECEMBER JANUAR 2018 ECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 || ELEC RO ELECTRONICS CS
Al electroni and electri al products requi e som kind of enclosure, usual y com edwth i ternal gin director of Foremost
world.H reAan ok,m ow distributors play a key role in offering complete enclosure solutions in offerin com lete enclosure solution
cable entry into an enclosure without having to cut off and then re-wire pre- terminated connectors. Cable entry products may be specified to meet IP65, be flame retardant and provide strain relief to EN 62444.
Figure 1: Figure 1:
Electronics enclosures offer a variety of options to suit the end application
Figure 2: Figure 2: Fibox ARCA
Fibox ARCA non corrosive electrical
corrosive electrical cabinets from Foremost cabinets from Foremost
Electronics enclosures offer a variety of options to suit the end application
only the start of the specification process and specialist distributors can supply the accessories required for the final product. Cable management is a key area and may require split frame, gland or grommet cable entry systems, which can provide a quick, neat, cost effective solution for
Multiple cables can be accommodated in one cut out with frame extensions available for larger systems. For routing unterminated cables through panels waterproof cable entry plates can be use d and can replace single cable glands, high density, multiple cables per plate, fibre optics and conduit can be accommodated
required options incl If cable strain relie in this way.
f and cable support is uding DIN Rail
mounting, C section, snap-in and screw fixing are available with optional spacers to facilitate high density multi-layer arrangements.
Where end systems require EMC cable shielding cable clamps that feature eart h grounding within the clamp may be specified. Many shield clamp options are available to suit individual requirements. In applications where cables require protection from the environment in static or flexible moving applications split corrugated conduit may be specified where the cable is already terminated with connectors. A 90
, 0 mounting bracket Figure 3: Figure 3: Electronics open case Electronics open case
can be used where cables run parallel to a bulkhead and needs protection at th e point of entry to a cabinet, hinged covers are usually available to give access to the wiring and simplify the mounting process. By working closely with a specialist
distributor a semi-custom enclosure may be created to exactly meet the
requirements of the end system including any required combinations of the above together with internal mounting plates, DIN Rails, cooling fan trays, panel cut- outs and engraving. Once the
specification is agreed the final enclosur e
simplifying purchasi solution may be bou
of the end product.
Foremost Electronics
www.4most.co.uk
www.4most.co.uk T: 01371 811230
/ ELECTRONICS ELECTRONICS
ng and manufacture ght as a single item
THE CASE FOR DIS TRIBUT ION : Distributors are a key source for complete enclosure solutions
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