PC Enclosures

PC enclosures are designed to protect personal computers (PCs) in industrial or office environments. They prevent the ingress of environmental contaminants such as dust and water and can be used to integrate a monitor, central processing unit (CPU), keyboard, and printer into one cabinet. PC enclosures are rectangular or T-shaped, made from a variety of materials, and available in many different sizes, sealing configurations, and mounting styles. Length, width, and height are important dimensions to consider. Inside length, inside width, and inside height are also important considerations. Some PC enclosures are made of rugged materials that can withstand shop floor conditions. Others are designed for office-based applications.

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) ratings indicate whether PC enclosures are suitable for hazardous or non-hazardous locations and designed for indoor or outdoor use. All NEMA enclosures protect personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment. Types 1, 2, 12, 12K and 13 NEMA enclosures are rated for indoor use in non-hazardous locations. Types 3, 3R, 3S, 4, 4X, 5, 6, and 6P enclosures are rated for both indoor and outdoor use in non-hazardous locations. NFPA 70, a publication of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is the basis of several NEMA ratings for hazardous locations. Type 7 and Type 8 NEMA enclosures are designed for Class I; Division 1; Groups A, B, C or D hazardous locations. Type 7 enclosures are rated for indoor use. Type 8 enclosures are rated for outdoor use. Type 9 NEMA enclosures are designed for indoor use in hazardous locations classified as Class II; Division 1; Groups E, F, or G. Type 10 NEMA enclosures are designed to meet the requirements of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Type 11 NEMA enclosures are designed for immersing the enclosed equipment in oil. 

The Ingress Protection (IP) ratings system from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) describes the degree to which PC enclosures provide protection against the ingress of foreign objects and moisture. There are six IP ratings that describe protection against foreign objects. Type 0 enclosures do not provide protection. Type 1 (>50 mm), Type 2 (>12 mm), Type 3 (>2.5 mm), and Type 4 (1 mm) enclosures provide protection against foreign objects of various sizes. Type 5 enclosures provide protection against dust. Type 6 enclosures are dust-tight. There are eight IP ratings for protection against moisture. Type 0 enclosures do not provide protection. Type 1 and Type 2 protect the enclosed equipment against dripping water. Terminal and junction boxes with Type 3 (spraying water), Type 4 (splashing water), Type 5 (water jets), Type 6 (heavy seas), Type 7 (immersion), and Type 8 (submersion) IP ratings are also available.

Selecting PC enclosures requires an analysis of construction materials and mounting styles. Most products are made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, plastic, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or polystyrene. End panels are often made of clear, infrared, solid, or transparent plastic and include cutouts for DB9 or DB25 connectors. Some devices are designed to sit atop desks or mount in freestanding cabinets or open-frame racks. Others are wall-mounted or fit standard DIN rails. Specialized products are flame retardant, impact resistant, explosion proof, or shielded from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). Options for PC enclosures include ventilated covers, glass doors, cooling fans, drawers, shelves, and keyboard compartments.

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Part Numbers for PC Enclosures