How will cables be managed and inserted into a computer enclosure? 

In an industrial or manufacturing environment, a great deal of planning goes into designing a heavy-duty enclosure system for electronics. One very important step that can be overlooked, during the design stage, is how power and/or network cables will enter a NEMA 4 or NEMA 4X enclosure. By definition, NEMA 4 and NEMA 4X enclosures are waterproof (rain, sleet, snow, splashing water, hose directed fluids) and will not include a traditional split panel for running cables into the enclosure. Most enclosure manufacturers offer a sealed cable entry gland that will maintain the NEMA seal and provide a clean, safe way for cabling to reach the electronics. 

Many options exist and differ depending on a customer’s specific application.

3 Considerations for Cable Entry on Computer Enclosures

1. Varying Cable Widths

Sealed cable glands are offered in several options for varying cable diameters. For example, configurations exist that will allow multiple cables - ranging from 0.374” to 1.280” or 0.158” to 0.571” in the same gland. Inside of the gland, each module includes peel away layers and a strong, heavy-duty center core. Simply peel the layer (just like an onion!) to fit the specific cable diameter. Consult an enclosure expert to help determine the best configuration for your specific application.

2. Open Versions

Finding the right cable gland - for pre-terminated cables - can be a challenge. The end of the plug can be substantially larger than the cable diameter. Choose a cable gland that is permeable, so that pre-terminated cables, with connectors attached, can be quickly installed and will not disturb the overall function of the system. Openable versions are available on most cable gland frames to simplify installation on an enclosure and for future upgrades.

3. Room to Grow

Electronics are ever-changing and will continue to evolve at a rapid rate. On the flip-side, a reputable enclosure product will last for many years… if not decades! Chances are, the electronics will change or be upgraded a few times before a manufacturer decides to replace the enclosure. Selecting a cable gland configuration that has ‘room to grow in the future’ is a very smart plan! During the design stage, plan for future expansion, so reinstallation and maintenance are quick and easy. Any unused modules will not hurt the enclosure system or rating.

Functionality and reliability are critical for NEMA 4 and NEMA 4X enclosure installations. Failure to properly plan for cable entry, may result in a poor environmental seal. Dan Maloney, in his article, ‘This Way to the Ingress: Keeping Stuff Dry and Clean with IP and NEMA’ states how water can be extremely damaging, “When designing a piece of hardware that has even the faintest chance of being exposed to the elements, it’s best to repeat this mantra: water finds a way. No matter how much you try to shield a project from rain, splashing, or even just humid air, if you haven’t taken precautions to seal your enclosure, I’ll bet you find evidence of water when you open it up. Water always wins!” Work with an enclosure specialist during the consultation phase to eliminate cable penetrations from becoming the weakest link.

For More Information:

  -- Essential Features for NEMA 4X Computer Enclosures

  -- NEMA 4X Computer Enclosures in Food Processing

HAVE QUESTIONS?
LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN 'ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT' AT 1-800-423-9911 -OR- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM