Stainless Steel/NEMA 4X enclosures are ideal for harsh, industrial environments where corrosive liquids pose a threat to electronic equipment.
A NEMA 4X enclosure rating ensures that the cabinet is approved for indoor or outdoor use, and will provide protection against corrosion, windblown dust and rain, splashing fluids and hose directed water. In fact, most weather conditions (snow, rain, sleet) will not harm the enclosure. When planning an enclosure deployment, consider certain accessories that will maximize utility and provide the most effective solution for the user.
5 Common NEMA 4X Accessories
- Cable Entry Gland
Using a cable entry gland provides an efficient way to run cabling, wires, or cords into the enclosure without water or dirt entering the unit. The process is simple: multi-diameter, rubber modules, with a frame and a compression unit, are used to seal wire and cable penetrations (commonly 1, 4, or 9 cables). The frame can be installed by punching a hole through the wall of the NEMA 4X unit and, then, cables can be routed through the included modules. The modules are adjusted by peeling off a layer (just like an onion), so that the diameter of the hole corresponds to the size of the cable or wire. Using lubricant, the modules are then installed around the cables in the frame. Once the compression unit has been tightened, a reliable, tight seal is created.
- Waterproof USB Connectors
Connect a keyboard, mouse, or handheld scanner to the front of the freestanding enclosure with waterproof USB connectors. The units are installed by punching a hole into the enclosure and screwing the USB connectors to the front or side of the enclosure body. The connectors are an excellent addition to an enclosure with an external keyboard tray or sloped work surface. When the USB cords are unplugged, a cap can be screwed on to prevent tampering when not in use. - Sanitary Legs
Most freestanding computer enclosures are equipped with industrial-grade castors, but wheels are not always ideal for wash down or food processing environments. Castors can be removed and replaced with stainless steel sanitary legs. Sanitary legs offer product stability and additional height to the overall enclosure. During wash-down, legs make it easier to clean the bottom and under the enclosure. In some instances, bolt down legs can be used to anchor the cabinet and provide a permanent installation on the factory floor. - Industrial Keyboards
Perfect for factory and manufacturing settings, NEMA 4X keyboards with pointing devices are a great accessory to include with a freestanding enclosure workstation. High-impact, industrial keyboards will offer the utmost protection against corrosive liquids. These rugged keyboards are usually enclosed in a stainless-steel case with silicone rubber keypads providing watertight seals. Most industrial keyboards can withstand wet, wash-down cleaning solvents used in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
- Thermal Management
Extend the lifetime of enclosed electronics with the proper cooling. When in a sealed enclosure, computers, printers, monitors, electronics, and peripherals generate heat. Heat will raise the ambient temperature inside the enclosure to a level that is higher than the recommended operating range. NEMA 4X thermal management options include air conditioners, heat exchangers, and vortex cooling units (requires compressed air).
These 5 common accessories are just a sampling of what can be added to a NEMA 4X stainless steel enclosure. When deploying an enclosure in a manufacturing or factory situation, NEMA 4X rated accessories help to provide an elevated level of protection and keep downtime to a minimum.
For More Information:
-- Cleanliness and Computer Enclosures
-- NEMA 4X Computer Enclosures in Food Processing
-- Essential Features for NEMA 4X Computer Enclosures
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