CHOOSING A NEMA ENCLOSURE

A NEMA enclosure is one of the surest ways to safe-guard your valuable equipment. NEMA enclosures are ideal for wired and wireless networks to protect critical equipment from the environment, chemicals, physical contact, theft and damage. They are designed to protect against a range of threats and keep enclosed, sensitive electronics safe.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) rates enclosures based on criteria that includes resistance to dust, moisture, water immersion and ice. The better the rating, the more the enclosure can withstand.

Here are the most important enclosure features to help find the best fit to protect your valuable equipment.

Industrial Most enclosures are labeled as “industrial” because they are built to be rugged and protect against the elements and feature options such as heating and cooling. They are made for indoor and outdoor use, in hot and cold environments.

Weatherproof When your equipment is located outside or in an industrial setting, such as a factory or processing plant, a weatherproof NEMA enclosure provides the insurance you need. They protect against damage from environmental hazards such as water, dust, oil and corrosive chemicals like petrol.

Non- Powered These protective enclosures are perfect for wired and wireless communications equipment that do not require power. L-comÂ’s non-powered enclosures feature fully gasketed lids to ensure optimal performance. Our non-powered enclosures are also available in a variety of rugged materials including Molded Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester (FRP) and VALOX 357U thermoplastic material.

Powered For equipment that requires a power source, a powered NEMA enclosure will be the most suitable choice. They share many of the same attributes as the non-powered models but can be built with power outlets for various interfaces including 12V DC, 120V AC, 240V AC and POE. Some powered enclosures also include built-in lightning protection for an extra level of security.

Heating and Cooling If your equipment will be exposed to cold temperatures, extreme heat or moisture, you may want a NEMA enclosure that provides cooling, heat or ventilation. For example, L-com offers an enclosure that is ideal for keeping equipment warm and functional in sub-zero temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C). This particular model features a thermostat-controlled heating system that is powered by a Cat5 cable and is shielded by foam insulation and fiberglass.

NEMA enclosures provide plenty of options that can be mixed and matched to make sure your network equipment is protected. For more information on which options will be the best fit, or to have us design a custom enclosure for you, contact us today.