An electrical enclosure box can be used in numerous applications, including surge protection and power distribution. These boxes are also used when a large amount of cabling needs to be run through a small area, or when wiring and cables need to be protected from environmental elements such as rain, dust, and wind. They can be made out of materials such as steel, aluminium and glass-reinforced polyester (GRP). They can also be manufactured to meet particular industry standards.
What Are the Different Types?
Electrical enclosure boxes can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on their application. They can be also made from various materials such as plastic, metal or fibreglass, so it is important to know the kind of environment they will be used in before buying.
For example, if the enclosure box is going to be used in an area that could potentially be wet, it must be able to withstand moisture and corrosion. If there’s a chance that the area is dusty or dirty, an enclosure box needs to have the right features to prevent dirt or dust from getting inside and damaging the electrical components inside.
When choosing the right type of electrical enclosure box, it’s essential to understand what purpose they are needed for and what different types are available. The following guide covers some of the different types of electrical enclosure boxes available:
Spark-proof Enclosures
These enclosures prevent arcing or sparking from occurring in hazardous situations. They are designed to prevent the ignition of flammable gases, solvents, or dust in areas where these substances may be present. In fact, spark-proof enclosures have been certified by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) as explosion-proof and dust-ignition proof. Spark-proof enclosures can be installed in electrical installations such as paint spray booths and chemical plants, among others where volatile substances are used routinely.
Non-metallic Enclosures
Plastic is often used to manufacture non-metallic enclosures. Nonmetallic enclosures offer a high degree of corrosion resistance and weatherability, making them ideal for outdoor applications such as traffic signal control equipment, power distribution panels, etc. Nonmetallic materials provide excellent fire resistance and are more environmentally friendly than metallic ones. They are also less expensive than metallic enclosures. For these reasons, nonmetallic enclosures have become popular in many industries today.
Junction Boxes
Junction boxes are used to make a secure connection between two conductors or cables. They are also used to terminate conductors in a particular circuit, or to divide it into smaller circuits. These boxes can be made from a variety of materials such as PVC, steel, and fibreglass, but they must all be non-combustible and have an IP rating that applies to their particular application.
Weatherproof Enclosures
Weatherproof enclosures are designed for outdoor use, where the components within them will be protected from the elements. Some weatherproof enclosures even provide heating and cooling for their internal components if needed.
Junction Boxes With Hinged Doors
Some junction boxes feature hinged doors that swing open to allow access to the interior without having to remove any screws or fasteners. When the door is closed, it creates a seal against water intrusion, which is important for outdoor applications where moisture is present. This type of electrical enclosure box provides additional security and protection against tampering, as well as environmental hazards like dust and debris.
What Is Surge Protection?
Surge protection is a device that can protect your electronics from power spikes. Power surges are common in modern homes and offices thanks to lightning strikes, downed power lines, faulty appliances, and other electrical problems.
Power strips with surge protection offer a great way to protect your electronics from these spikes. They work by shunting excess voltage to the ground wire. This diverts the surge away from sensitive electronics before it can cause damage.
It’s significant to note that the “surge” part of a power strip only protects against spikes in voltage. It won’t protect you against power outages, brownouts, or poor quality power. For that, you need a battery backup (UPS).
AC vs. DC: What Is AC Power?
Alternating current is the kind of electrical power we get from wall outlets throughout our homes. It’s also what you’ll find in batteries that are rechargeable. An AC supply produces a periodically varying voltage — a sine wave with positive and negative amplitudes. It can vary in frequency depending on the application; typical household currents run at 60 Hertz (Hz), while high-voltage supplies may run at 50 Hz or even 400 Hz for aircraft. Most modern electrical appliances are AC powered because the alternating current allows them to use transformers to change the voltage for more efficient power transfer over long distances and then back again.
DC stands for direct current, which is a constant flow of electricity in one direction. Batteries produce DC power, as do solar cells and fuel cells. Batteries store energy by using chemicals to create a difference in electric potential between two electrodes; when you connect those electrodes with a wire, electrons flow from one to the other, producing DC power. Solar cells generate DC power directly from light; fuel cells use chemical reactions to produce an electric charge.
