When searching for electrical enclosure suppliers on the web, many results will be found. 
So, how do you know which company to contact for your electrical enclosure needs? Which company can make your job a lot easier and stress-free? For example, should you seek an electrical enclosure manufacturer that will customize cutouts on cabinets? The option for enclosure cutouts can be made in-house once the product is delivered, but what are the advantages of sourcing these custom features, through the manufacturer, at the time of purchase?
When designing control systems for machines, standard or custom electrical enclosures are needed to automate hardware. Electrical enclosures, also known as junction enclosures, are available in several materials, sizes, and environmental ratings. According to the article, ‘Discover the Electric Enclosures Market,’ electrical enclosures serve two purposes, “protecting the user from electrical shock and safeguarding the parts it covers from external damage. Electrical enclosures are designed to be functional as well as provide aesthetic value. They may also need to exhibit favorable properties with regards to electromagnetic interference, power dissipation, and electrical breakdown.”
So… Where do you begin?
Selecting an enclosure based on the required size and environmental conditions – i.e. NEMA rating, is a good starting point for the design. The most popular customization is for the enclosure manufacturer to make cutouts in the enclosure prior to shipping the order.
4 Reasons an End User Should Have the Supplier Perform the Cutouts
1. Precision
Popular cutouts include HMI interfaces, gauges, meters, pushbuttons, and enclosure switches. When dealing with an expensive metallic enclosure, always ‘measure twice, cut once.’ Most manufacturers will set up machines to punch the holes or perform the necessary cutout on the cabinet. Be cautious of do-it-yourself cutouts made after the enclosure delivery. Enclosures must be carefully measured and marked for everything to fit properly and not damage the enclosure. Crooked, misshaped, or oversized cutouts look poor and can jeopardize the NEMA rating on the enclosure.
2. Clean Installation
A significant amount of time is required to skillfully layout and cut holes. Special tooling is often essential. But, what about once the holes are cut? Cutouts must be filed smoothly to remove burrs and rough or sharp edges. In the case of powder coated cabinets, bare steel edges must be re-painted, so that corrosion does not occur in the future.
3. Reduce Labor Costs
Cutouts - made by the enclosure manufacturer – will significantly reduce end-user labor costs. If the enclosure with the same cutouts is repeatedly required throughout the year, manufacturers can build them much quicker - once the drawings have been approved. In other words, the sizing and spacing of the cutouts will be precise every time!
4. Time Saver
Once the enclosure layout is designed and drawings are approved, the cutting process is typically completed by a laser cutter, and then bent and fabricated with automated equipment. This saves a significant amount of time for everyone that is involved. Also, consider the time involved if thermal management is required. The boxes can ship completely assembled, pre-wired, and ‘ready for use’ upon delivery. Now, that is smart and efficient shopping!
In the end, it is advantageous for an end user to have the enclosure manufacturer provide the cutouts to ensure all work is done correctly, precisely, and without compromising the enclosure rating. An end user can work with the enclosure manufacturer during the design phase and simplify the build process - especially if multiple units are required in the future.
Many enclosure suppliers offer customized enclosure solutions. To make the best decision for your project, it is important to research the features each enclosure company offers.
For More Information: 6 Items to Consider When Selecting an Electrical Enclosure
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