Buying Electrical Enclosures

This Electrical Enclosure FAQ covers the most important information you need to know to choose an enclosure. If you have a question that isn’t covered here please reach out to us and one of our Experts will get back to you shortly.

Electrical Enclosures

What are your enclosures made out of?

Our enclosures are constructed out of various materials. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. Materials include; polycarbonate, aluminum, carbon steel or stainless steel.

Do you have CAD drawings available?

Product brochures and CAD drawings are available on the product pages. If they are not listed on the product page, you may request the information from the staff at ISC Sales.

Does ISC offer custom enclosures?

Yes, ISC sales offers custom enclosures. Contact a representative from ISC today to start the fabrication of the perfect enclosure for your application.

Do the enclosures have UL, NEMA and other ratings?

All of the enclosures offered by ISC are both UL/cUL and NEMA certified. You can find the NEMA ratings on the product pages as you browse our inventory.

What are the different types of enclosures available?

ISC offers a wide range of electrical enclosures to fit the needs of your application:

• Single Door Wall Mount
• Two Door Wall Mount
• Single Door Standing
• Two-Door Free-Standing
• Window Junction
• Junction
• Multi-Door
• Aluminum
• Polycarbonate
• Custom

What type of cabinet accessories do you supply?

ISC Sales offers control transformers and also enclosure lighting.

What is included with an enclosure purchase?

Most models generally come with mounting hardware, ground studs, sealing washer, and a hole plug. Some standard and custom enclosures may come with different options.

What are NEMA ratings?

For a chart and a complete explanation of that NEMA ratings are please visit our blog,”The Complete Guide to Electrical Enclosure NEMA Ratings.”

Are modifications available?

Yes, modifications can be made to enclosures. Machined holes or slots, latch installation, DIN-rail installation or back panel installation are available options. We can also provide EMI/RFI shielding. For a complete list of modification options and for pricing, please contact an enclosure specialist at ISC Sales today.

Are back panels available?

Yes, back panels are available in coated steel, bare aluminum and polycarbonate.

If I use DIN-rail mounted components, will I need a back panel?

Most likely not. All enclosures feature molded in mounting bosses on the bottom of the enclosure at approximately one inch intervals, located around the entire perimeter of the enclosure. This make DIN rail installation possible at virtually any location, avoiding the need and extra expense of a back panel.

Purge and Pressurization (Hazardous Location Enclosures)

How much pressure is enough to ensure an electrical enclosure is “safe” within a hazardous environment?

There is a specific formula that is used to calculate the pressurization that is needed. The pressurization required is dependent on enclosure size.

Contact an enclosure expert at ISC Sales today to learn the correct and safest pressurization for you enclosure.

What kind of gas is required for a purge/pressurization system located in hazardous locations?

Nitrogen or another non-flammable/ inert gas can be used as a protective gas. All protective gas must be free of contaminants and foreign matter, and cannot contain more than trace amounts of flammable gas or vapor, according to NFPA 496.

Is there a specific NEMA enclosure specified by NFPA 496 for use with a purge/pressurization system used in a hazardous environment?

NFPA 496 does not specify a particular NEMA rating for an electrical enclosure that uses a purge and pressurization system in a hazardous environment. It is recommended that electrical enclosures minimally meet a NEMA 4 or NEMA 12 rating. Be sure there is no tape over openings in the enclosure and if there are windows be sure they are made of shatterproof materials.

What should I consider to determine which purge/pressurization system is most appropriate for my application?

It is important to know the hazardous area’s classification, where the enclosure will located, the hazardous area ratings of the equipment within the enclosure and the size and configuration of windows, doors, penetrations of the electrical enclosure.

Are the purge and pressurization systems certified?

Yes, they are UL, cUL and FM classified. They also conform to NFPA 496 and ISA 12.4 standards. Type Z, type Y, Ex pz systems are for use in different Classes, Groups and zones, these additional classifications will be listed on the product page as you browse.

If you need more information contact an enclosure expert at ISC Sales, they will be happy to help answer any questions

What are the advantages of purge and pressurization systems?

• Overall safety and no immediate danger created if system fails
• Low maintenance
• Reduces moisture, heat, dust and corrosion in conjunction with properly rated equipment
• Improves equipment performance and adds to the life expectancy of instrumentation within the electrical enclosure
• Not limited by quantity, volume, shape, power requirements or the physical location of electrical equipment