Industrail PC enclosureEnclosures are developed to prevent the computers from environmental conditions such as dust and water. The enclosures not only allow integrating critical components such as central processing unit (CPU), monitor, printer, keyboard, and mouse but also protect them from harsh and rough environment. The major concerns regarding enclosures are NEMA and IP ratings. Other specifications include mounting style, construction material, and enclosure types.

NEMA Ratings

NEMA is the National Electrical Manufacturer Association. NEMA Ratings are the standards and refers to the environmental usability of the enclosures. For example with the NEMA rating of an enclosure it can be known that whether it is suitable in hazardous, non-hazardous, indoor, or outdoor locations. The purpose of NEMA enclosures is to protect the persons in case they come in contact with any of the equipment.

IP Ratings

IP stands for ingress protection and International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) deployed IP rating system. As its name indicates IP ratings refer to the degree of protection against moisture and external objects.

Moisture IP Ratings

Moisture IP ratings include eight types. Type 0 enclosure means no protection against moisture. Type 1 and type 2 enclosures provide protection from the dripping water. Type 3 refers to spraying water, type 4 to splashing water, type 5 to water jets, type 6 to heavy seas, type 7 to immersion, and type 8 refers to submersion enclosures, containing terminal junction boxes.

External Object IP Ratings

Protection from external objects involves six IP ratings. Type 0 enclosures mean no protection. Type 6 enclosures completely block the dust that is dust tight. Type 5 enclosures provide protection against dust to an extent. Type 1,2,3,and 4 IP rated enclosures protect against numerous different sized objects.

Enclosure Material

Material choices for enclosures include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, polycarbonate, polystyrene, and ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene). Spaces are left for connectors or ports such as DB9 or DB25 connectors at the end panels. The end panels are developed from solid, clear, infrared, or transparent plastic.

Enclosure Mounting Styles

In mounting styles there are various enclosures are available. These include rack mount, desktop, DIN rails, freestanding cabinets, or even wall mounted. There are many with special properties such as EMI (electromagnetic interference) protection, RFI (radio frequency Interference) protection, flam retardant, explosion proof, or impact resistant. These enclosures also contain optional features such as extra keyboard compartments, glass doors, cooling fans, drawers, shelves, or ventilated covers.

Enclosure Types

A variety of enclosure is available made from various materials. The material decides what environment are they meant for. For example for industrial applications rugged material are used so that industrial computers can resist floor conditions. They are also available in various styles. Depending upon the length, width, and height they are in various shapes. But in common, T and rectangular shapes are available. Enclosures can be categorized in two ways that is Industrial enclosures and office enclosures.