The ultimate guide to access hardware

Access hardware plays a critical role in the life and function of your application, whether you're designing an industrial cabinet, electrical cabinet or data cabinet. Your choice should provide easy, secure access for authorised personnel, while restricting access to anyone who doesn't belong there. In this article we cover: 

Considerations for access hardware applications

Types of access hardware

Applications for access hardware

Materials overview

Consider locks, latches, hinges and handles. Each come with its own benefits. Different types of locks, such as a cam lock for cabinets, are a great choice for security. Latches, meanwhile, offer ease of use if security isn’t an issue. Hinges, particularly stainless-steel hinges, are long-lasting, with a high resistance to rust and corrosion. Finally, handles make for a convenient way to access your equipment while offering an ergonomic design.

We can provide 3D models (CAD files) upon request or offer our single-pack option so you can verify form, fit and function. It's not merely the depth of our ranges, but our expertise across all applications for every industry.

Considerations for access hardware applications

Your application might mean that you should choose access hardware around one or both of these two issues:

Shock and vibrations

Vibrations can wreak havoc on applications, causing components to fail over time. Take every precaution available, and that includes choosing vibration-resistant access hardware. An example is sliding snap latches, which resists opening under vibration and shock load. An adjustable T-handle with compression is another smart choice, as it compresses for better sealing to resist vibrations.

NEMA and IP ratings

These are two different standards that measure electrical enclosures and their resistance to dirt, debris, moisture and water ingress. NEMA (North Electrical Manufacturers Association) is used in the U.S., while IP (International or Ingress Protection) is favoured in Europe. However, IP ratings are becoming more common in North America. Some access hardware also has NEMA or IP ratings, which ensures the enclosure’s rating. An IP65 electrical enclosure is approximately the same as a NEMA 4 electrical enclosure. Learn more about these ratings and how they convert in our guide, The outdoor enclosure latch and lock: IP and NEMA ratings.

Why Essentra Components?

It’s not merely the depth of our ranges, but our expertise across all applications for every industry.

Let’s get started

If you already have an idea of what you need, jump to that section now by clicking on the link below:

• Hinges
• Locks
• Latches
• Catches and catch plates
• Handles
• Gaskets
• Industries
• Materials: Overview

Types of access hardware

Here’s a closer look at the different types of access hardware available and what your choices are.

Hinges

The right hinges enhance the performance, lifespan and appearance of your application. External hinges afford you more space inside your enclosure or cabinet, a helpful feature for a server data cabinet or indoor telecom cabinet. Concealed hinges are easy to install and prevent tampering, which makes them essential for applications such as an outdoor electrical cabinet or any outdoor enclosure.

You can learn more with our guide, Types of hinges and where to use them.

Examples of hinges include:

Locks

Security is the job one of any lock, whether it’s for an electrical enclosure box, server rack cabinet, or anything else. Make sure your choice is robust to prevent vandalism and theft of your critical components. That’s when you need a heavy-duty cam lock. If your application is in a controlled environment, look at an easy-to-open quarter-turn lock. Your choices are vast, offering features perfect for your application.

Also see our guide on how to choose the right lock.

Latches

From the spring-loaded latch to the lever latch, latches are safe locking systems, ideal for data or telecom cabinet doors and panel covers in machines. You can also get latches rated IP65 to ensure your application is protected from dirt and moisture ingress.

Check out our Guide to latches.

Catches & catch plates

Magnetic catches are usually used for high-end furniture in place of knobs and industrial applications. If your use is industrial, consider a vibration-resistant catch. Magnetic catches are available in different styles and for different panel thicknesses, and all are easy to install and use. Catch plates aren’t limited to catches, either – you can use latches with them too.

Handles

Cabinet pull handles, bridge handles, flush handles, crank handles – these are just a few of the styles available. Handles come with different mounting options, in different materials, or even as hand grips for health and safety applications. Choose an ergonomic handle for comfort. If you want a handle that doubles as security, a T-Handle cam lock or L-Handle keyed cam lock are good choices, which you can find under locks within this guide. Both offer easy hand gripping and actuation.

When choosing your handle, consider your application’s environment. For example, if there’s a lot of traffic, or space is limited, go with a recessed door handle to prevent obstruction. You can learn more in our Guide to handle design.

Gasket Seals & Edge Trim

Door gaskets and seals can have different applications. Edge trim is designed to allow for an easy installation on your fabricated edged for a finished look that seals and protects against sharp surfaces, impact and weather damage. Bubble gaskets and seals offer a flexible and protective seal against weather and irregularities between two surfaces to allow protection against vibrations, dirt and moisture ingress. It can also help reduce noise. Some can even help prevent electromagnetic interference in electrical cabinets and enclosures.

If your application is outdoors, EPDM is a good material choice for your gasketing. It withstands the aging effects of UV rays and resists heat, oxidation and extreme weather conditions and has very good compression set properties. Neoprene provides an excellent watertight seal and resistance to oils and chemicals, while PVC gasketing is tough and resilient.

Applications for access hardware

If you’re still not sure which access hardware to use for your application, we’ve put together recommendations. If you have questions about any solutions and how they might work with your specific application, we invite you to contact us.

HVAC

HVAC components include access hardware, which needs to be robust enough to stand up to vibrations and frequent use.

Indoor and Outdoor cabinets

From a cable junction box and outdoor utility cabinet to an industrial computer cabinet and rack mount cabinet, easy access is an important part of its design. Here are recommendations for access hardware for cabinets and drawers.

Generators

When thinking about the industrial generator parts you need, don’t leave access hardware to the last minute. For instance, your hinge can make access easier – it can even function as an additional security measure if that’s relevant. Take a look at our recommendations:

Industrial Machinery

Industrial machinery is complex to design. You can make your choice of access hardware easy with components that perfectly suit your application. Here’s a few suggestions to get you started.

Rail transportation/Specialist vehicles

Form meets function in these access-hardware recommendations. Solutions are designed to high standards to help ensure the quality of your finished product.

Materials overview

When selecting the right material for your application, it’s vital you know the benefits of each type. Below, we outline some of the key materials and why you might choose them.

Metals

Available in a range of strengths, metal is a good choice for industrial requirements for latches and hinges and handles. Aluminium, for example, is strong, light and easy to form, while steel is rust-resistant and extremely durable.

Plastics

From nylon and polypropylene and polyethylene, plastics offer a wealth of benefits, too. Fibreglass, for instance, offers dimensional stability, with no stretch or shrink, while polypropylene ensures high heat resistance and stiffness. Polyethylene, on the other hand, has high ductility and impact strength, as well as low friction.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these materials:

Metals

Aluminium

Easy to form, fireproof and offering a long-life with little maintenance, aluminium is a superconductor for heat and electricity – twice as effective as copper, in fact. It’s strong and light, too. The fact that it is fireproof makes it a great choice in terms of security.

Example: Weld On Hinge

Die-cast zinc alloy

A low-cost raw material, die-cast zinc offers high quality finishing characteristics for an attractive aesthetic. It also has the ability to cold form, which eases joining. What’s more, it provides high-dimensional accuracy and stability and high thermal conductivity.

Example: Quarter Turn Latch - Wing knob

Steel

Durable steel is a great component for access hardware. With a good tensile strength, the metal is malleable and lustrous. Ideal for a range of handles or levers, steel provides a host of properties.

Example: Spring Loaded Slide Latch

Stainless Steel

If you’re looking for a material that offers corrosion resistance, an attractive appearance and a higher strength and hardness than most metals, consider stainless steel. It’s low-maintenance, too, while also providing higher cryogenic toughness, making it ideal in colder environments.

Example: Compression Cam Latch

Chrome plated steel

A corrosion-resistant component, chrome plated steel is low risk when it comes to delamination or flaking during use. The great thing about the material is it provides enhanced wear and impact resistance, too.

Example: Metal Pull Handle

Brass

Wear-resistance, strength, machinability and ductility are just four benefits of brass. Offering hardness and electrical and thermal conductivity, too, the component also provides hygiene and corrosion-resistance.

Example: Side Hinge

Plastics

Nylon

With good thermal and chemical resistance, Nylon’s impact resistance and flexibility increases with moisture content. It can be used in high temperature environments, which makes it ideal in the electronics industry. It also offers good resistance to most chemicals but can be attacked by strong acids and alcohols.

Example: Plastic Quarter-Turn Latch

Glass-filled nylon

Offering resistance against ageing, glass-filled nylon is waterproof and provides high compression strength and tensile strength. On top of that, the fatigue resistance is excellent and it’s one of the best wear-resistant plastics available.

Example: Plastic Pull Handle

Polypropylene

A low-density material, Polypropylene provides heat resistance, chemical inertness and a high gloss appearance too. It’s easy to weld, which makes it handy for all kinds of applications, and it offers steam barrier properties.

Example: Magnetic Catches

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

Resistant to corrosive chemicals and/or physical impacts and toughness, the relatively inexpensive Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) has a low melting temperature. What this means for the user is it’s simple to utilise alongside injection moulding manufacturing processes.

Example: Slam Action Slide Latch

Acetal

You’ll get good wear in both wet and dry environments when you use Acetal. It’s lightweight and high strength, too, providing low friction and great stiffness.

Example: Door Latch Striker

Polyoxymethylene (POM)

Choose Polyoxymethylene and you’ll enjoy high stiffness, hardness and high abrasion resistance. The material also provides high heat resistance, low water absorption and good electrical and dielectrical properties.

Example: Corner Hinge

EPDM

Performing as an electrical insulator, EPDM is compatible with polar substances, making it fireproof. The ideal component for access hardware, it offers great security and outstanding resistance to heat, ozone, steam and the weather.

Example: Sealing Gasket

Polyurethane

With good tensile strength, Polyurethane is impact-resistant, abrasion-resistant and offers good hardness. It also has good tear strength and can be used to great effect in access hardware.

Example: Sealing Gasket

Silicone

A fire-resistant component offering dielectric strength, thermal conductivity and cyclic flexing, silicone rubber provides creep, elongation and great tear strength. Due to the fact it’s fire-resistant, it can be used confidently in access hardware.

Example: Adjustable Compression Latch (O-ring)

Acrylic

Benefit from excellent optical clarity with acrylic. The component also offers great weatherability and resistance to sunlight, as well as good impact strength and rigidity. With low mould shrinkage, its stretch forming increases biaxial toughness.

Example: Weather Stripping (Adhesive backing)

Neoprene

A type of plastic made from synthetic rubber, neoprene resists oils, chemicals and UV light. Abrasion resistant, it also has high tensile strength. Note, it resists water, solvents and heat better than natural rubber does.

Example: Sealing Gasket

PVC

There are two types of PVC: rigid and flexible. Both are low cost and offer good electrical insulation. Rigid PVC has high stiffness while flexible PVC has high impact strength. Rigid PVC contains vapour barrier properties whereas flexible PVC resists UV rays.

Example: Edge Protector

Available 3D CAD files

CADs are available for most solutions, please request yours today. If you’re not quite sure which product will work best for your application, our experts can advise you.

Questions?

Email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0845 758 5070.

Download The Ultimate Guide To Access Hardware