Feature: Enclosures
A continuous door hinge, also known as a piano hinge, evenly
distributes the weight of cabinet doors. It is the ideal solution when a door has to be frequently opened and closed, since they are designed to stand up to wear and tear.
Locks and latches With so many door latch types available, choices are varied – some even act as a handle. To choose door latch locks, decide your priorities. If space and
safety are issues, consider liſt-and-turn cam latches. Te handle folds away when not in use, avoiding catching clothes and skin. Go with compression latches if vibration will be a factor. Tey can also be used outdoors. If vibration resistance is a concern, a T-handle latch, specifically
an adjustable T-handle with compression, is a good option. With ergonomic grip, this compression latch provides sealing to stand up to vibration conditions. Sliding snap latches keep the panel door closed during
vibration. Quarter-turn latches with wing knobs offer a rubber gasket to provide a good seal. A cam lock latch is ideal for smaller cabinets, and can serve as glass cabinet hardware. Cylinder- locking cam latches come in different types, keyed alike, keyed differently, and one where the key can’t be removed. To create a compression seal for a cabinet door, use an EPDM
gasket. Te cabinet door will need additional sealing to fill the space where surfaces mate. Use sealing gaskets on the panel edges, protecting against dirt and dust ingress, vibrations and humidity.
Panels A rear panel gives yet another option for locating the components in a cabinet. However, if you want a rear door instead, consider the components like those for the front door. Side panels can also support components needed by the
electronics or anything else in the cabinet. Fan accessories, for example, can be mounted on the side or top panels, depending on the type and size of the cabinet design. If it’s a data cabinet, then the fans belong on top, since heat rises and fans in its ceiling will help keep the cabinet cool. To keep debris from falling into the fan blades, consider a metal
fan guard made of steel. Fan guards are essential for protecting electronics that a cabinet will house. Equally, fan filters keep airflow unrestricted whilst ensuring that
clear air cools the electronics in the cabinet. Fan filter mesh sheets are very easy to clean.
Base and feet The base adds stability to the cabinet, since even a slightly uneven floor can cause performance problems for the housed electronics, so choosing the right feet is crucial. If the indoor cabinet will be on the floor, consider stud-
mount levelling feet. Rigid levelling feet adjust to uneven floors while their smooth plastic face protects flooring from scuffing. Feet with a swivel base offer articulated feet and also provide solid levelling and support.
60 December/January 2021
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
If your cabinet contains a heavy load, then add non-slip rubber
pads for extra friction, to prevent movement. Adjustable feet are excellent for levelling the cabinet. You can
get adjustable cabinet feet as standard, non-articulating or one with an articulating swivel. Both kinds of adjustable levelling feet come with a plastic base to protect the floor. For controlled movement, consider caster wheels. A caster socket hole is a metal caster socket with a grip neck
stem. It fits into a tube to secure stem caster wheels to a cabinet. Use hygienic feet for certain types of medical cabinets.
Stainless-steel levelling feet adjust for uneven floors, are easy to clean and in the US are accepted by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Fasteners and grommets Usually, the fastener material you use should match the materials you’re fastening. Nylon push rivets, specifically fir-tree rivets, are another matter. Also called push-in rivets, the ribbed design can securely hold different materials, including metal. When pushed into a hole, the flexible ribs spring back to lock in place. Quarter-turn fasteners, or quarter-turn panel fasteners, join a
fixed panel with a removable panel to enable easy access to the contents in the cabinet. Quarter-turn panel fasteners have two parts. Te base snaps
into the fixed surface and the slotted screw head inserts into the removable panel. A quarter turn of the screw head will loosen or tighten the fastener. If the cabinet is going to contain wires and cables, you’ll most
likely need cable grommets to allow them to pass through panels without being damaged. Standard grommets can be inserted in any panel within a cabinet and are available in different materials. Te standard grommet to choose will depend on the cabinet’s
environment. PVC offers flexibility, yet TPE is a greener option than PVC and stands up in harsh environments. If a rubber cable grommet is required, look at TPR, which resists most oils and greases. Another excellent choice is EPDM, which resists high temperatures.
Cable tie mounts, ties, clips and glands If you want the cabinet to allow easy cable management for your customers, think about cable tie mounts (cable ties and mounts, all in one). Adhesive cable tie mounts in particular are convenient, and can quickly and easily be applied by hand to provide a secure hold. Adhesive cable tie mounts can be placed on any cabinet panel. Ideal for lightweight wire bundles, the four-way cable tie
mounting base gives your customers the option of which direction they want to run their cables. Tese are also self-adhesive cable tie mounts, although they’re also available with a screw mount cable base. Releasable cable ties are perfect if a customer needs to access
cables from time to time. Tey remain locked until released, and can be locked again. Releasable cable ties are made of nylon 6/6 for strength and durability.
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