Plastic Enclosures

General purpose enclosures are non-specific storage devices that have been created and designed to house and protect a large range of equipment, in most cases this equipment is electronics.

As the name suggests, these general purpose enclosures are fit for general purpose. The enclosures can sometimes be referred to as a "Multi-Purpose Enclosure", this is due to them being used for a different number of functions and multiple purposes.

Different Types of General Purpose Enclosures

The type of enclosure that you chose is entirely dependent on the application that you are using it for. Our range of general purpose enclosures feature a variety of different materials, such as aluminium, plastic and fibreglass with some of these being reinforced, flame resistant and corrosion free.

Our aluminium enclosures are available in a variety of types such as aluminium alloy and die-cast aluminium. We also have a range of different:

• Gasket materials
• Dimensions and sizes
• Different IP ratings, such as IP65, IP54 and IP66
• Variety of colours
• Flanged options for mounting purposes
• Some of the enclosures feature ventilation, display windows and chassis plates

Materials Used for General Purpose Enclosures

• ABS: ABS is a lightweight and durable plastic commonly used for general purpose enclosures. It offers good impact resistance and is easy to machine and fabricate, making it ideal for indoor applications.
• Aluminium: Aluminium enclosures provide excellent durability and corrosion resistance while being lightweight. They are often used in industrial applications where heat dissipation and electromagnetic shielding are important.
• Die Cast Aluminium: Die cast aluminium enclosures offer superior strength and precision with excellent dimensional stability. They are ideal for harsh environments due to their enhanced durability and resistance to corrosion and impact.
• Fibreglass Reinforced Polyester: Fibreglass reinforced polyester enclosures are highly resistant to chemicals, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures. They are perfect for outdoor and industrial applications where environmental resistance is crucial.
• Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate enclosures are known for their high impact resistance and transparency. They offer excellent protection in both indoor and outdoor environments and are often used in situations requiring clear visibility such as pet enclosures.
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel enclosures provide maximum durability and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for the most demanding industrial environments. They are often used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and other applications requiring strict hygiene standards. The security provided by stainless steel also makes it ideal for lockable electrical enclosures.

Choosing the Right General Purpose Enclosures

When selecting general purpose enclosures, it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure your equipment is optimally protected.

IP Ratings: Safeguarding Against Environmental Hazards

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are essential when choosing general purpose enclosures. These ratings indicate how well an enclosure protects against solid objects and liquids:

• IP65: Dust-tight and protected against water jets
• IP66: Dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets
• IP67: Dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion
• IP68: Dust-tight and protected against prolonged immersion

Select an enclosure with an IP rating appropriate for your environment to ensure adequate protection for your equipment.

Temperature and Environmental Resistance

Consider the operating temperature range and environmental conditions your enclosure will face:

• Thermal management features for heat dissipation
• UV resistance for outdoor applications
• Corrosion resistance for harsh industrial environments
• Chemical resistance for specific industry requirements

Choosing an enclosure with the right environmental resistance properties will extend its lifespan and maintain the integrity of your equipment.

Customisation Options and Modifications

Look for enclosures that offer:

• Cutouts for cable entry and instrumentation
• Mounting plates and DIN rails for internal components
• Customisable sizes and configurations
• Options for paint finishes or special coatings

This allows you to tailor the general purpose enclosure to your specific needs.

Ease of Installation and Maintenance

Consider features that simplify installation and maintenance:

• Quick-release latches for easy access
• Removable doors or panels
• Integrated mounting flanges or brackets
• Modular designs for future expansion

These features can significantly reduce downtime and maintenance costs over the enclosure's lifetime.

Compatibility with Various Mounting Systems

Ensure the enclosure is compatible with your preferred mounting method:

• Wall-mount options
• Pole-mount capabilities
• Floor-standing designs
• Rack-mount compatibility

Choosing the appropriate mounting option ensures your enclosure is securely installed, easily accessible, and optimally placed for its intended use.

By carefully considering these key features, you can select a general purpose enclosure that not only meets your current requirements but also adapts to future needs. Remember to balance protection, functionality, and cost-effectiveness when making your decision.

Typical Applications of General Purpose Enclosures

General purpose enclosures are versatile protective solutions widely used across various industries to safeguard sensitive electronic components, electrical systems, and instrumentation from harsh environmental conditions. Their adaptability and robust design make them essential for a wide range of applications, ensuring the longevity and reliability of equipment in diverse settings.

Industrial and Manufacturing Environments

In factories and manufacturing plants, general purpose enclosures play a crucial role in protecting control systems, motor starters, and automation equipment. They shield sensitive electronics from dust, debris, and potential mechanical damage common in industrial settings. These enclosures are often used for:

• Housing programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
• Protecting variable frequency drives (VFDs)
• Safeguarding industrial computers and HMIs
• Enclosing power distribution units

Outdoor and Harsh Environments

General purpose enclosures are particularly valuable in outdoor applications where equipment is exposed to challenging weather conditions. They provide protection against:

• Rain, snow, and moisture ingress
• UV radiation and extreme temperatures
• Corrosive atmospheres in coastal or chemical environments

Common outdoor applications include:

• Telecommunications equipment housing
• Solar power system controls
• Traffic signal control boxes
• Outdoor lighting control panels

Data and Telecommunications

The telecommunications industry relies heavily on general purpose enclosures to protect sensitive networking equipment. Applications in this sector include:

• Network switch and router housings
• Fiber optic termination enclosures
• Data centre rack enclosures
• Cell tower equipment protection

Food and Beverage Industry

In food processing facilities, general purpose enclosures are crucial for maintaining hygiene standards while protecting electrical components. They are used for:

• Control panels for processing equipment
• Washdown-resistant instrument housings
• Packaging machine control enclosures

Utilities and Energy Sector

The energy sector utilises general purpose enclosures for various applications, including:

• Electrical distribution panels
• Transformer protection cabinets
• Smart grid control systems
• Wind turbine control enclosures

Transportation and Infrastructure

General purpose enclosures find extensive use in transportation infrastructure, such as:

• Railway signalling equipment housings
• Airport runway lighting control boxes
• Bridge monitoring system enclosures
• Electric vehicle charging station components

Marine and Offshore Applications

In marine environments, these enclosures protect equipment from saltwater corrosion and high humidity. Applications include:

• Shipboard control systems
• Offshore platform instrumentation housings
• Port facility control panels

Healthcare and Laboratory Settings

General purpose enclosures are also used in healthcare facilities and laboratories for:

• Medical equipment control panels
• Laboratory instrument housings
• Clean room control systems

Deliver & Order Information for General Purpose Enclosures from RS Online Store

As a trusted supplier and distributor of general purpose enclosures, RS features reputable names in our online catalogue. Some of these brands include Hammond, Takachi Electric Industrial, and RS PRO. Simply browse and filter through our selection to find the product you need.

We offer island wide delivery. For the most relevant information, visit our Delivery Page for details.